Happy (late) birthday, Francis Townsend (father of social security)

[Guy Fawkes]

<snip>

Francis Townsend, the son of a farmer, was born in Fairbury, Illinois, on 13th January, 1867.

<snip>

In 1933 Townsend witnessed three old women rummaging through the garbage cans in his alley for food. He was horrified by what he saw and decided to get involved in politics. Later that year he proposed a scheme whereby the Federal government would provide every person over 60 with a monthly pension of $150 (later increased to $200).

</snip>
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAtownsendFE.htm

[Guy Fawkes]

1. kick