Moochers Against Welfare - Paul Krugman article

Paul Krugman takes on the issues raised by the NY Times recent article on conservative America using public programs.

An insightful analysis.

His concluding paragraphs:

"The truth, of course, is that the vast bulk of entitlement spending goes to the elderly, the disabled, and working families, so any significant cuts would have to fall largely on people who believe that they don’t use any government program.

The message I take from all this is that pundits who describe America as a fundamentally conservative country are wrong. Yes, voters sent some severe conservatives to Washington. But those voters would be both shocked and angry if such politicians actually imposed their small-government agenda."

Moochers Against Welfare - NYTimes.com:

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Even Critics of Safety Net Depend on It Increasingly - NYTimes.com

The contradictions of the sectors of American society who are critical of the social safety net created during the 20th century - and yet increasingly depend on it, for themselves and other family members, is brough to light in this NYT article.

The sample paragraph below gets to the heart of the matter.

Even Critics of Safety Net Depend on It Increasingly - NYTimes.com:

"And as more middle-class families like the Gulbransons land in the safety net in Chisago and similar communities, anger at the government has increased alongside. Many people say they are angry because the government is wasting money and giving money to people who do not deserve it. But more than that, they say they want to reduce the role of government in their own lives. They are frustrated that they need help, feel guilty for taking it and resent the government for providing it. They say they want less help for themselves; less help in caring for relatives; less assistance when they reach old age."

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