Damien435
As I mentioned before, many of those who do get assistence already have jobs. Nobody is saying that the government needs to give to lazy people. But the often repeated anology that those that are poor are lazy and its their own fault is simply a myth orchestrated by those who have no intention of giving up any part of the pie. I think Missileers story proves that. All the left is saying is to help these individuals who need it, and to level the playing field so that those who want a better life can get it if they choose. This was once known as the 'American Dream', unfortunatly uncontrolled capitalism has wrecked it.
Economics 101, Market economies grow by the spending of middle class, thats why the consumer spending index is so important. Your're right, most Rich people (I'm talking the Billionaires) are greedy, and greedy people DON'T SHARE, (hint: thats why they are called greedy
). They also dont buy anything. When they get a free lunch (cause thats what a taxcut to the wealthy is) they either stick it under a mattrass or invest it in the stock or bond market. In either case that money is not circulating in the economy other than artificially inflate the stock market (market bubbles). And thats why trickle down economics never works.
The economy had its own ebbs and flows, while policy can effect it can never fully control it. One such strategy to jump start an economy is to lower taxes not to the wealthy, but to the middle class. Middle class people have little in terms of investments or savings but they do go out and buy frigerators, ipods and Xbox 360's. Thus allowing business to grow.
Rabs
Im actually in the US right now, but you all know I work abroad. France has a Universal Healthcare system, it is hands down better than any HMO here. The comparison from a consumer standpoint is night and day. The only catch is that its sometimes abused and its not cheap, but it diffenatly worth it.
I agree with you last point, most studies point to lack of education as a prime reason for poverty. You educate your population, you willl solve the poverty problem to boot.