Quote:
Originally Posted by maskedmelon
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The graph has failed to demonstrate that increasing government spending decreases poverty. Until we have data indicating otherwise, we must assume that in general increasing government spending does not decrease poverty. The efficacy of specific programs cannot be determined based on the data presented, nor can the relation between total spending and effective spending.
Well, I am not going to call you stupid.
fat.
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But we have plenty of evidence that countries that spend more on welfare experience less poverty. If someone gives you enough money -- you aren't poor anymore are you? The argument that government spending can't decrease the poverty rate is wrong via common sense. We don't even have to delve into the psychological impact of getting money from the government.
It amazes me how free market ideology so successfully gets people to ignore the obvious. They tell you with a straight face that trickle down economics helps poor/working people.
Edit: to clarify, I agree poverty is -- at least for my purposes -- somewhat relative to where you live. This is why we talk about "inequality" more than poverty. My primary concern is quality of life. I feel it is generally lower for the poor. I can't necessarily say the same for middleclass vs wealthy people.