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The GOP mantra of "tax cuts/trickle-down/deregulation" is the only thing they pass off as "limited government" and it's been a complete failure, bringing on the current Great Recession. In addition, it has gutted the middle class and funneled far too much of the nation's wealth to the already superwealthy.
Working families took awhile to notice, but now that they have, they ain't real happy with the scene.
What happened was that "the people" learned that they could vote themselves a handout from the treasury. We will never recover.
Not really.
What actually happened is that (1) capitalism in an age of globalism left the middle class increasingly hollowed out and without stable job opportunities, (2) people lived much longer and needed some security in their old age when corporations decided to stop doing it, and (3) America pursued a policy of conducting global warfare for decades on end.
If there were decently-paying jobs for people other than the top few percent of educated white-collar workers, a lot of this would take care of itself. But there aren't, and it seems that neither Republicans nor Democrats nor private industry can produce them.
We should have been more careful about the effects of globalization on our job structure instead of flinging the door wide open and then watching all of the jobs that upheld society move off to China and India.
This is a much more pervasive issue than partisan Republican vs. Democrat haggling du jour. Saying "it's all the Democrats' fault" or "it's all the Republicans' fault" is a lemming mentality that basically argues about reordering deck chairs on the Titanic.
It is as simple as government spending more than it earns. I think we are entering the beginning of an era where the politics of this issue will not matter. Dems say we must have program "xyz" and spend more and Repubs hold the line on cutting taxes. Neither side will be able to do either very soon. It is truly a shame how complacent we have become as Americans.
There are two important functions of the government that are often incompatible: ensuring the welfare of the people and assisting the economy. Since Reagan, we have swung to the latter, and it has neither helped the economy or the welfare of the (non-rich) people.
Time to try a different approach? I'm not talking about expanding welfare, I'm talking about not giving special treatment to the rich and waiting for the money to seep downwards.
What is limited government? What don't you want the government to do?
I like the idea that the government makes sure companies don't pollute the air and water. I like the idea that the government inspects meats, vegetables and other foods. I like the idea that the government protects workers from unfair labor practices. I like the idea that the government comes to aid when there is a natural disaster. I like the idea that the government has a system that provides medical insurance for seniors who wouldn't get it in the open market. I like the idea that the government assists the most needy among us.
There are two important functions of the government that are often incompatible: ensuring the welfare of the people and assisting the economy. Since Reagan, we have swung to the latter, and it has neither helped the economy or the welfare of the (non-rich) people.
Time to try a different approach? I'm not talking about expanding welfare, I'm talking about not giving special treatment to the rich and waiting for the money to seep downwards.
I must take exception to those two choices. It's not "nsuring the welfare of the people and assisting the economy." It's helping the bulk of the public or helping those at the top.
Since Reagan sold the idea that helping those at the top would help everyone, we have seen a dramatic increase in income inequality without any gains for the middle class. The idea was a failure that only serves those at the top.
The New Deal increased the size of the middle class and also aided the economy.
Why has American's attitudes towards Limited Government changed?
I'm just speculating here. But the party that keeps trumpeting the term "limited government" is the same party that wants the government in people's bedrooms and women's panties. That same party wants to inject a particular religious myth into the public school science curriculum. That party's track record with "limited government" was focused on giving the overprivileged investing class an even larger slice of the economic pie.
Some find it puzzling that their agenda no longer sells like hotcakes.
I'm just speculating here. But the party that keeps trumpeting the term "limited government" is the same party that wants the government in people's bedrooms and women's panties. That same party wants to inject a particular religious myth into the public school science curriculum. That party's track record with "limited government" was focused on giving the overprivileged investing class an even larger slice of the economic pie.
Some find it puzzling that their agenda no longer sells like hotcakes.
The same party also advocates limiting choice of foods to food stamp receipients; restricting a woman's reproductive choices; etc.
The GOP mantra of "tax cuts/trickle-down/deregulation" is the only thing they pass off as "limited government" and it's been a complete failure, bringing on the current Great Recession. In addition, it has gutted the middle class and funneled far too much of the nation's wealth to the already superwealthy.
Working families took awhile to notice, but now that they have, they ain't real happy with the scene.
So the government forcing banks to give loans to people who could not afford them did not cause it? wow
The same party also advocates limiting choice of foods to food stamp receipients; restricting a woman's reproductive choices; etc.
hey you dont want to be told what to do, fine, dont take MY money...
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Why has American's attitudes towards Limited Government changed?
