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A generous basic state pension is the least a civilized society should offer those who have worked hard and saved through their whole lives.

I have always reckoned the dignity of the republic of first importance and preferable to life.

I have this cozy house here and I get three pensions from the States. I've done nicely.

I am faithfully devoted to the Republic but will not serve it at the expense of my conscience and my honor.

I accept everything which is favorable for the people and the army; for myself, I wish to live in retirement.

Government pensions, built into law and mostly protected from stock market vagaries, are the envy of the private sector.

I respect public employees and school teachers. They deserve a secure retirement.

But I will say, I think there are some Democrats that don't want to address pension reform. I have taken on the issue of seniority and tenure. I think we have to address entitlements and the president has done that in his budget. I think we have to extend Medicare and the president has done that. But also reinvest in that program.

After a lifetime of working, raising families, and contributing to the success of this nation in countless other ways, senior citizens deserve to retire with dignity.