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Archive of posts published in the tag: John Cogan

Some Thoughts on 2017

“History does repeat itself, but the soundtrack is different, and the sequel is usually disappointing”. – HO

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Entitlements for the Non Poor

“The data reveal just how far entitlements have departed from their original purpose of providing a measure of security from economic destitution among the elderly, the disabled, and the unemployed and to alleviate poverty among the general population. In 2015, 62 percent of recipient households, encompassing over 100 million U.S. residents, had incomes that were above the poverty line prior to the receipt of assistance. “

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The High Cost of Good Intentions – A Book Review

The result of this history is that entitlements have expanded far beyond assisting the poor. Many of the benefits go to beneficiaries far above the poverty line. Congress has proven totally untrustworthy in managing surpluses or trust funds or maintaining a sound financial basis.   The explosion in entitlements is the primary driver of the post-World War II debts.

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The Difficulty of Entitlement Reform

by Henry Oliner I have begun reading The High Cost of Good Intentions-  A History of U.S. Federal Entitlement Programs by John F. Cogan.  It is an impressive look at the problem. Entitlements go back to the Revolutionary War. Limited

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The Wrong Side of Reality

We long ago passed the bar of a strong socialist element in our government.  When we have a strong growing economy it becomes hard to say no to the less fortunate without feeling greedy or selfish.  But financial setbacks cause

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Bad Economics is Also Bad Politics

John Taylor and John Cogan write in the Wall Street Journal   Stimulus has Been a Washington Job Killer 10/3/11 Excerpts: Temporary, targeted tax reductions and increases in government spending are not good economics. They have repeatedly failed to increase

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