krambman;763126 wrote:If you don't think that it should be legally mandated, then what is the alternative? The way I see it you either require it by law, force taxpayers to bear the burden, or leave them out in the cold.
I see it the same way. However, the same logic could be applied to transcend familial lines. What of those who cannot afford to take care of them? What of those who were abused by them, or who had terrible relationships with them? Moreover, why not apply that same logic to ANYONE?
The problem I have with it is it is a burden that is not the consequence of a person's actions (can't really help having parents). As such, once I am an adult, the law ought not subject either of us to responsibility for the other. Once I am an adult (18), if my parents CHOOSE to allow me to remain in their house, that is their choice, but they are not legally obligated to do so.
So, while I would contend that any person who loves their parents OUGHT to take care of them when needed (this is currently happening in my family), I don't think they should be required to.
I generally don't like trying to appeal to emotion when it pertains to the legal side of things, which is why I would opt for the third option you mention (tipping your hand a bit by calling it "out in the cold"

). I just see too many problems with the notion that someone can be legally forced to take care of someone else that is not a minor of whom they have custody.