Obama Care

[saden1]

Originally Posted by JoeRedskin

No. Poverty was decreased by approximately 50% per your numbers. (A reduction from 20% to 10% is only reduces the amount by half its original amount not the full amount- Math not your strong suit?). Further, the number has [fluctuated] between a 25% to 50% percent reduction over the last 40 years. A significant decrease but, given the expansion of governmental expenses on social services, why hasn't poverty furthered decreased to reflect these increased expenses?

Also, although the top tax bracket was indeed reduced, due to a failure to adjust for inflation, the actual number of individuals subject to the highest brackets increased. Regardless, the relationship between marginal tax brackets and actual income collected is whole other argument.

I misspoke on 100% reduction and I take full responsibility. Score one for Joe.

Government expense on social services has indeed increased as a percentage of the GDP but so have expenses. If you're going to discuss inflation in your argument you should at least know what the impact of inflation is on the poor and the social services. It would be interesting to do a comparison between today and previous era as to the impact of inflation and the increase in population on government social service spending (I'd love to see you or anyone on this forum present this information).

Honestly though, the problem with you lot is that no number is good enough and you never present any evidence as to why your "invisible hand" is a better solution. It's bash the government 24/7.