Would it be patriotic for some Americans who can afford to retire, do so in order to help those without a job?

I don’t think it really matters.

You dont think 5 million people out of work would be helped if 5 million others retired and opened up those jobs ?

I am sure that many would be glad to retire and free jobs for others but most have had their retirement funds decimated and simply can’t.

Chances are good those requisitions would be closed. Reductions in the workforce by attrition are a preferable alternative to layoffs. It would help the companies’ bottom lines but not the job seekers.

Did anyone here ever readyhe book “Boomsday” by Christopher Buckley?

It took this premier and applied it to Social Security. Imagine how much more solvent SS would be if everyone voluntarily gave up their claim to benefits (I.e committed suicide) at age 70. It was a hilarious book and a not entirely irrational idea, as is Johnny Rambo’s.