With all this talk about raising the retirement age and cutting Social Security, I would never be able to live comfortably or afford decent housing.

I retired early with the assumption that I would find another full-time job.  When the economy went bust, my employment went also.  My small pension was great five years ago.  Now, it doesn't even cover any of my expenses.  As a single African-American woman, I had to go into a women's shelter until I can collect Social Security in the next four months – providing I live that long.  America is not the home of the brave, free, or the promise of a good retirement.