ORIGINAL: ltougas
Giving Seniors a discount comes from the mistaken belief thast Seniors are poor, and in need of assistance.
Would you considered extending discounts just may be respect for those that have for so long supported society and country? Many businesses extend discounts for favorite customers, such as cards at grocery stores. If I go to one of the supermarkets, there is usually a posted price on items with a lesser price for card-holders. If I don't have a card, I pay the higher price. The choice is mine, either have a card or pay extra. Respect is not only for elders, it's for appreciation for past performance such as regular customer, elders, or whatever the business decides. AMA has selected "Senior Citizen' yet the AMA required age is 10 years more than a "Senior" at IHOP.
The fact is that Seniors are the most affluent segment of our population. If the AMA wants to help people in need do it directly and set an income level that below which the dues are reduced. Right now the AMA is giving away $400K plus per year.
I don't see that as giving away. I rather think they don't budget for that which they don't expect to collect.
Setting an income level is not a real thing. Which income? Who determines what is income and what is not. Taxable income or gross income? What about deferred income that may be being transferred into a Trust, etc. for later use? Far too many factors to consider.
OTOH let's just raise dues 20% and then give everyone a nice fat 20% discount. All will be happy, RIGHT!!
Kind of like women that love those 50% OFF ads in the stores. They love an item, priced at $100, 50% off, now $50. They never think about it being a regular $20 item to begin with.
