So, welfare reform. We're a little more than eight years beyond

[ulysses]

the '96 bill. How're we doing? How much scratch have we saved that has gotten put into Iraq? How many folks have we saved from the horrors of dependency? (Lucky them, they had the recession and the age of outsourcing to try out their new bootstraps.)

the number of welfare caseloads has declined by 54% since 1996

http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/welfarereform/

Good thing the economy has added so many good new jobs in recent years!

[gumby]

1. "welfare caseloads has declined by 54% since 1996"

Well, that's EASY. Those people were just kicked off the program. Simple. As Rush explains, Conservatives (read Nazis) judge the success of these programs by how many people don't need them. See, eliminate eligibility that reduces the roles and then declare your "reforms" a success.

Their "success" is not related to the number of people actually in need. In Wisconsin, where Tommy Thompson was the Poster Boy for national welfare "reform," private firms made a lot of $$$$$ by keeping people off the roles. Perfect. Compassionate Conservatism at it's best.

[China_cat]

2. the number of welfare caseloads has declined by 54% since 1996

Funny, that's just about the same number the poverty level has risen and the numbers of children going hungry and without medical care are even more than that.

[ulysses]

3. imagine that!

[ErinGoBraghLess]

4. Big Dog signed his name

Don't forget -- it was the Big Dog who signed off on the welfare reform. He did it with a gun to his back and a steep cliff in front, but he signed it nonetheless.

Personally, the goal of getting people off welfare is admirable. What is the alternative? MORE people on welfare? That makes no sense. So yes -- improve opportunity so people can get jobs and be productive and earn their own money. That is what being American is all about, isn't it?

If you're just cutting the eligibity to reduce the numbers, that is plain silly.

[ulysses]

5. believe me

when I say that I'm *very* well aware of Clinton's involvement. :)

[Yupster]

6. Clinton didn't have to sign it

Bob Dole was not going to beat Clinton regardless of any issues.

[ErinGoBraghLess]

7. Bob Dole beating

We all know there was only one thing Bob Dole was beating, and it involved watching Britney on t.v. and taking E.D. meds. God forgive my Sunday morning sexual innuendo humor. :)