Freeman3
Trump and Sanders are having success for a reason. Our country's economic policies are helping an economic elite while essentially mortgaging our economic future.
Its always interesting that conservatives, and most liberals, don't look at what actually changed in the US and UK that has caused the economic divide .
Fana Foroohar's book "Makers and Takers"http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books ... 553447231/ illustrates pretty dramatically that the financialization of America (and the UK) is in large part responsible for a shift in economic power and then politcal power.
Where the financial sector, between 1930 and about 1980, (with significant changes starting in the late 50s) was largely the lubricant for industry and the main street economy .... it became a major sector unto itself and is a now a centre for lots of largely unproductive economic activity. And has turned many corporations away from long term planning, research and activity into quarterly profits machines that eventually wear out as long term thinking opposition steals market share. (Think office machines or automobiles from the 60s to the 90s)
The financial sector in the US is 7% of the GDP, 4% of its employment but enjoys 25% of corporate profits. Why operate a factory or do R&D when speculating on CDs can make one fabulously wealthy...
In the meantime, the poor, working poor, and middle class have had all their meagre benefits eroded as financialization changed attitudes towards efficiency.
When even the few benefits are delivered without any dignity, and with seeming purposfully demeaning methods like lengthy means tests or drug tests.... its clear that the understanding of who is really ripping off the system is not understood.
bbauska
What quality and how long should these be provided?
The better then quality the greater the effect.
My example of the Frenc school lunch or of one payer medical in other countries shows that better quality benefits can be delviered for less than is often spent in the US on sub par products. (Say prisons...)
And as for how long?
If someone has a time limit to their need, can you explain why? Put it another way; if you put a limit to their benefits what happens to them at the end of the limit if their circumstances haven't changed? Do they magically stop being poor?
bbauska
Is everyone allowed to have education up through a Doctorate? Just High School? Kindergarten?
If higher education is a meritocracy, where only those who qualify get the advanced positions, why wouldn't we? Don't we want the best and brightest to get the education despite thier family income, rather than some person who is dull but has money to pay tuition?
bbauska
Is everyone allowed a mansion?
No. Is anyone asking for this?
bbauska
Is everyone allowed an Eclair (from France?) for lunch
?
Since much of the information you showed was that US school lunches are being tossed as unappetizing, isn't the French example worth exploring? Less waste. Greater effect.
bbauska
Should all health services be paid for every person?
It works pretty well in every other western democracy... with restrictions on things like cosmetic surgery or experimental treatments. Delvering both better efficiency and effectiveness...
So why not?