Part of the reason government continues to grow is that the government tosses out bribes to the poor. They don't toss out much. Foods stamps can't be fun, but for, say, white trash, it's a lifestyle.
According to WSJ, the pool of Americans relying on government benefits rose to record highs last year.
Some 48.6% of the population lived in a household receiving some type of government benefit in the second quarter of 2010.
Nearly 15% of Americans lived in a household receiving food stamps in mid-2010; Almost 26% had access to Medicaid, says WSJ.
With these bribes, the poor aren't going to be in favor of shrinking government, which would mean the end to these payouts.
What thrash?! Come on, Bob, lets keep it classy here!
ReplyDeleteLove Wenzel and EPJ, but have to agree with the Minnesota Kid on comment #1. On the topic, our friend Bastiat has the most ringing descriptor: legal plunder.
DeleteI think its important to point out also that government regulations hurt the poor by denying them job oportunities and possibilities of making a life for themselves. Then, it keeps them quiet by giving enough for them to barely survive, keeping them dependent and kidnaping their vote.
ReplyDeleteIts true and its a much more positive and marketeable message.
And this is precisely why economic collapse is inevitable. Politicians will not cut so they will inflate instead. Hang on for the hyperinlfationary depression!
ReplyDeleteWSJ also ran article stating that "rich" people collect food stamps as well.
ReplyDeleteIt is not only the "poor" on the government dole!
According to this Wall Street Journal article (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304657804576401412033504294.html?mod=djemTMB_t) "Millionaires are now legally entitled to collect food stamps as long as they have little or no monthly income."
ReplyDeleteBarring a repeal of the 16th Amendment, an effective way to check the growth of government would be to bar any person from voting that has accepted welfare of any kind for the next election.
ReplyDeleteOf course, that will never happen, as keeping millions dependent on Uncle Sam is a deliberate policy. It should be obvious that independent-thinking people don't need (or want) the government interfering in their lives, but such people are hard to find among those holding their hands out for "free" goodies.