This clip of John Stossel comes from ABC’s 20/20 program. In it, he criticizes laws that protect older workers, as many who are over 40 and in the workforce are getting fired for “being too old.” They’re seen as too slow and incapable of keeping up with the pace of the working world. Stossel suggests that lawsuits against employers who fire older workers are inappropriate, and that companies should be free to fire and hire whom they choose.
discussion
What arguments are the guests making about why firing someone for being too old is wrong?
What are John Stossel’s responses as to the “reality” of the situation?
What should be the role of the government in protecting older workers from being fired on account of their age? What are the rights and responsibilities of employers?
Should age be treated the same as gender, sexuality, and race in terms of preventing employment discrimination on account of these characteristics?
