#TBT: LBJ Bans Discrimination Against The Elderly

     Lyndon Johnson, a former educator who pioneered modern liberalism as president with landmark education, racial justice, immigration, gun control, environmental, and poverty relief legislation, would deserve a spot as among the greatest presidents in history if only remembered for his legacy regarding the elderly.

     Aside from passing the Older Americans Act and the Social Security Act creating Medicare and Medicaid, he secured landmark civil rights legislation with the Age Discrimination In Employment Act. Signed on December 15th, 1967, and effective June 15th, 1968, the law banned companies from firing employees over the age of 40 because of their advanced or perceived advanced age. This law went into effect 55 years ago today and was a major victory for the United States in terms of inclusiveness and workplace efficiency.