“The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified.”
– President Barack Obama, Inauguration, 1/20/09
I rather doubt that the Notable Quote shows that “Government is working”:
Between 1967 and 2003, the poverty rate among single mother households fell dramatically, from 51% to 37%. But, on net, for every single mother household that rose out of poverty, 6 new single mother households were formed, of which, 2 now are in poverty.Every day in this country, some version of this conversation happens countless times:
“Hey Sam. I’ve got some extra work down at the shop, if you want to come earn some spending money.”
“Sorry, I can’t. I might lose my disability support.”
I don’t point this out to disparage Sam, but to say, what kind of monsters would put Sam in a position where he has to say this?
– Kevin Erdmann
So here is a guy that is willing to work, believes that he can do the work, but is dissuaded by Government’s policy to not accept. That the opportunity to apply their abilities has to be refused is a shame. Monsters? I’m betting that these are folks that wanted to “do nice” but their policies to “help” have turned out not to – but will they ever change that policy set?
At the daycare, I heard this all the time – the folks on welfare were always telling me it was more advantageous to stay on welfare instead of looking for work. Why should they – the government made it impossible for them to advance themselves incrementally because of the severe marginal tax (not a “real” tax but a loss of perceived income (re: loss of benefits) ) – the rational thing to do was just to remain in the hammock of Government.
That’s not working – both ways.
(H/T: Café Hayek)
