We must also address philosophical and ideological issues fundamental to any decisions or proposals changing existing services. The historical development of today’s social policies reflects American values about individualism, the role of government and the family, and caring for dependent and vulnerable populations. No change will be successful or proceed smoothly unless these values are considered and incorporated in the process. There are, however, tensions and contradictions in these values. Although Achenbaum uses these dual-values sets mainly to illustrate contradictions and tensions inherent in the Social Security program, they apply to many social policies. As Americans, we preach self-reliance, but demand that government step in during moments of crisis (such as an earthquake, or a drug epidemic). As individuals, we want the opportunity to build a career, to travel, to have an active social life, but face the reality that our parents and grandparents might need extensive health and home care. As a society, we recognize the need to help the poor, especially if they are seen as deserving (i.e., children, the elderly), but resent having our tax dollars go to those we perceive as undeserving (i.e., welfare families, ex-convicts, the able-bodied unemployed). In other countries, national health and welfare policies represent a consensus that people are universally entitled to have certain needs met. No such consensus exists in the United States with the exception of public education and veteran’s benefits. The contradictions and tensions within our value systems help explain why national health care and gun control remain elusive. It is easy to Edit my essay with the assistance of trained paper editors! Make your essay the best! These conflicts have affected and continue to influence development of our old-age policies. Social policies for the elderly are, by their nature, highly personal, raising questions of how we take care of our parents, grandparents, and ourselves. How we shape and reform those social policies requires answering a series of questions addressing philosophical and ideological issues: 1. How should we involve a growing older population in American society? 2. How do we view dependency? 3. Can we afford to view the elderly solely as needy or greedy? 4. How can we balance public and private responsibility? 5. Where do federal control end, and states’ rights begin? 6. How can we prepare our young people for aging?