Posted on 07/15/2011 1:09:03 PM PDT by markomalley
In my speeches, especially when talking about the fiscal crisis in Europe (or the future fiscal crisis in America), I often warn that the welfare state reaches a point-of-no-return when the number of people riding in the wagon begins to outnumber the number of people pulling the wagon.
To be more specific, if more than 50 percent of the population is dependent on government (employed in the bureaucracy, living off welfare, receiving pensions, etc), it becomes rather difficult to form a coalition to fix the mess. This may explain why Greek politicians have resisted significant reforms, even though the nation faces a fiscal death spiral.
But you don’t need me to explain this relationship. One of our Cato interns, Silvia Morandotti, used her artistic skills to create two images (click pictures for better resolution) that show what a welfare state looks like when it first begins and what it eventually becomes.
These images are remarkably accurate.
The welfare state starts with small programs targeted at a handful of genuinely needy people. But as politicians figure out the electoral benefits of expanding programs and people figure out the that they can let others work on their behalf, the ratio of producers to consumers begins to worsen.
Eventually, even though the moochers and looters should realize that it is not in their interest to over-burden the people pulling the wagon, the entire system breaks down.
Then things get really interesting. Small nations such as Greece can rely on permanent bailouts from bigger countries and the IMF, but sooner or later, as larger nations begin to go bankrupt, that approach won’t be feasible.
I often conclude my speeches by joking with the audience that it’s time to stock up on canned goods, bottled water, and ammo. Many people, I’m finding, don’t think that line very funny.
Yep.
The great depression created the safety nets and the safety nets are helping to create the next depression.
A very good post!
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That's because the safety net is now seen as a hammock.
Pic #3: The people pulling the wagon drop the rope and walk away, the wagon rolls back over the cliff. Going Galt!
I think of the “safety net” as more of a leash. FDR’s view of the New Deal was power. Obama is finishing off FDR’s incomplete vision. See my tagline - it is all happening again.
"Who's going to pull the wagon if everybody wants to ride?"
I’ll bet one our our resident artists can create a similar pair of illustrations:
1. How the USA began
2. How the USA ends
There will always be people who want the undeserved, the unearned, and something for nothing.And there will always be some who are filled with so much guilt and pity that they are willing to give it to them. And that is how libtardism spreads.
Wouldn’t the second photo be more accurate if the bullhorn is a gun?
Maybe too inflammatory, even though true.
The welfare state is like a virus that kills its host.
What would keep it in check is personal integrity - people not wanting to be on the dole, and having pride in supporting themselves.
That’s why the breakdown of morality is so important to the Left. It takes years of infiltrating families and educational facilities and neighborhoods before people finally give up and turn to the government with their mouths open.
Accomplishing that is the “triumph” of the elite.
A perfect example is the recent video showing the Dallas “mob” running for their Section 8 Housing vouchers.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2749321/posts
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