Cheering up, a little, with Bill McGurn: ” How Obama’s ‘Life of Julia’ Prevailed; Conservatives don’t need to compromise their values. They need to do a better job of selling .” Many of my friends truly seem to believe that 47% of the US population wants to be in some kind of public assistance. The only argument I hear against the idea is that we should not say that because it is not a viable political message. If it is true, why would we not discuss it? Numbers are an inadequate reflection of reality, that’s why.
I want to begin collecting reasons why “the people” embrace entitlement programs. I think I am going to put the post out incomplete and work on it for a few days, asking why “The Life of Julia” would appeal to anyone? Please forbear with me as I muddle through, revise and add to the list with your assistance.
1. Fear: “We have nothing to fear but fear itself” always rang false and silly to me. However, I do think fear of the world as it is can be a problem. Modern expectations are so high, so complex, that people are reluctant to engage with life. Hence, basement boys, but also people who are afraid to attempt life out of or far from the public safety net.
2. Greed: Yet as someone pointed out recently, until a person gets good at gaming the system, greed does not get much scope for those on public assistance.
3. Laziness:
4: Ignorance:
5: I don’t how to label an idea I have that modern society is too difficult for people on the left side of the Bell Curve.
6. Cultural Demands: If you cannot live to TV show standards, you might as well give up.
I have to go to work now. Feel free to argue my points and add to them. I’ll be doing that myself, until I can return.
