Who Benefits from Whose Program

A strong nod to John Showalter, Chair of HD41 for the thoughts behind this post. We'd gone out and cleaned up parks and bike trails, trails I intend to use shortly. Passers-by stopped and thanked us for what we were doing and as it turned from sunny and warm to overcast and cool, we went back to the headquarters to, as Democrats do, kibitz about the action. Which led to a discussion of larger programs and which party's programs benefit the most Americans.

Large Democratic programs tend to benefit all Americans. Think Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare, Pell grants, our programs tend to benefit the majority of the population. Of course, I'm sure there are a few dedicated Republicans out there who return their Social Security checks uncashed or who don't take advantage of the benefit programs offered them. The vast majority, I'm sure, cash the checks, apply for student aid, use Medicare. Lacking the intellectual honesty or firmness of conviction to turn them down, they use programs Democrats have developed for them while complaining all the while.

On the other hand, Republican programs tend to benefit Republicans. Tax cuts primarily benefit the wealthy, traditionally a Republican voting bloc. "No Child Left Behind" has benefited private educators and the bloc of Republican voters who, despite all evidence to the contrary, are convinced that public schools are failing. Republican environmental policy only benefits business. While it could be argued that benefiting business benefits us all, I don't think mercury poisoning is a good sacrifice nor do I think polluted rivers and air have great social and financial benefits to the greater public. Of course, the Republican-led wars on drugs and on terrorism benefit no one except those who profit from wars, Republican voters. In fact, I looked up IRAs, 401k plans, all tax-advantaged plans anyone can take advantage of, all passed by Democratic Congresses.

I may be wrong. There may be a Republican initiative out there designed to benefit all Americans without discriminating toward the Republican voters. Can't think of any at the moment which isn't that great a surprise but until I'm presented with such a plan, I think John's thesis holds: Republican programs benefit Republicans, Democratic programs benefit America.