Posted on 02/14/2007 4:18:03 PM PST by shrinkermd
...The table shows the rise of the American welfare state. In 1956, defense dominated the budget; the Cold War buildup was in full swing. The welfare state, which is what "payments to individuals" signifies, was modest. Now everything is reversed. Despite the war in Iraq, defense spending is only a fifth of the budget; so-called entitlement payments to individuals are almost 60 percent -- and rising. In fiscal 2006, the federal government spent almost $2.7 trillion. Social Security ($544 billion), Medicare ($374 billion) and Medicaid ($181 billion) dominated. There was $199 billion more for payments to the poor, including the earned-income tax credit and food stamps.
Almost no one wants to slash these programs. They have huge constituencies; they're popular. Paradoxically, their invulnerability and size also protect much of the rest of the budget. ...Does anyone really want to end the National Institutes of Health at $28 billion? Or how about the $41 billion we spend to support federal courts, prosecutors and police (the FBI, DEA, Border Patrol)?
Of course, some programs are wasteful, ineffective or outmoded. My favorite example is Amtrak, which serves a tiny number of passengers, is concentrated in the Northeast and costs $1.3 billion annually...
...The welfare state has made budgeting an exercise in futility. Both liberals and conservatives, in their own ways, peddle phony solutions. Cut waste, say conservatives. Well, network news reports of $20 million federal programs that don't work may seem -- and be -- scandalous, but like Amtrak they're usually mere blips in the total budget.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Good article, thanks for posting it.
And thats why I am real close to doing an about face on health care. I know if the gov gets involved they will screw it up. I dont see how they can afford it.
Nonetheless all the bums on welfare get "free" medical care
All the bums who get a check from gov.org, city.org,state.org etc. get free medical for life.
Medical for my son and I has almost become something I cannot afford.
Why shouldnt I get free care if everyone that doesnt produce does.
I am late to the party again. LOL
Corporate America is Bankrupt,,America is not,,,If you don't think you are a part of Corporate America,look at your SS Card...Every letter is in Caps,,pure business folks..
When will I get mine?
Yep. If I were counseling a young person today about careers, I would tell them to go into government or teaching. I've never seen a retired teacher or bureaucrat in poverty, and no matter who is in office their jobs are secure.
The company I work for is an administrator for certain insurance companies dealing with Medicaid and some Medicare. We do not handle every state and yet handle over 8 million members. Pretty scary.
My Dad is a retired teacher. Let me tell you, my folks do not have much extra and struggle at times. They are surviving because they do tax prep for 4 months a year. We did not have extras as I was growing up but had a great childhood. My father was and is anti-union and is a very strong conservative.
Right, but he's not in poverty. They take 10% off the top from the git-go for retirement. Tough when you're young, but smart.
I know a public school teacher couple in NY State who currently make a combined $100,000 per year. Oh yeah, and they've both been RETIRED for several years.
You should have lived in NY.
I think the max my Dad made, and he was retired about 7 years ago, was less than $40K a year. But, he loved teaching and to this day has former students contact him for various reasons. He also wanted to be able to spend time with his family and my mom stayed home, so they made sacrifices. And, they might be at poverty level if they didn't work from Jan-April every year. I do believe that teachers now have it sooo much easier, more money, more benefits, less time they have to work and seem to have less commitment. Just my take, though. :)
You will laugh. I grew up in Vermont! BUT, it was when it was conservative. My poor parents have to live among the liberals. For now. They would like to move out to Nevada eventually.
Man, how I wish I could control my own retirement, i.e. SS. Sigh...
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