William Raspberry

[wabeewoman]

Bush budget dismantles U.S. framework
“We’re talking about tens of billions of dollars in cuts, including many programs that, like nutrition, are in-kind income for people,” Edelman said.


“We’re talking about a severe blow for millions of Americans who are working as hard as they possibly can but still need some help.”


Well, why don’t we just wait and see if things turn out as badly as some of us fear? And if they do, then let the government re-enact some of the old social programs.


The lovely thing – at least from the Norquist view – is that there won’t be much the radically downsized government can do about. That darned fiscal crisis, you know.

http://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/columnists/story/4517568p-4240699c.html

[TomClash]

1. The Proles can never work hard enough for the Big Brother

[scarletlib]

2. these cuts will devastate hundreds of thousands if not millions

of Americans. These people do not all live in isolation in some poverty ridden, god forsaken place. They live in towns and neighborhoods all over America. Many of the elderly who get help from these programs have sons and daughters who live a 'middle class' life. Many of these elderly get this help to remain independent.

These cuts, if they occur, will devastate many. Not just the actual recipients. How far will Americans go in allowing this sort of economic devastation to occur to their neighbors and family members? Will they say that it is okay that these people were drags and parasites on the national economy? Will these sons and daughters, cousins, uncles and aunts, sisters and brothers fortunate enough to have a little bit more be willing or able to help those who lose benefits?