The truth hurts: Donald Trump’s budget ignores what is ailing American workers | The Economist

In this short article, the Economist cuts to the chaise. It argues that cuts to social programmes are unlikely to improve the health or employment prospects for struggling Americans.

The truth hurts: Donald Trump’s budget ignores what is ailing American workers | The Economist

Trump was elected on a Far-Right populist ticket. His support came from poorer, less educated, older whites, down on their luck. But the budget is harsh on poor Americans and those dependent on public healthcare.

The evidence is clear. The numbers don’t add up. What next?

Look to history, populist leaders look for scapegoats, to turn the public’s attention from the real issues. Let’s hope that Trump is not preparing America for war.

Thoughts?

Opinion – The Pastrami Principle – Paul Krugman – The New York Times – John Gelmini

English: "Paul Krugman lectured on "...

English: “Paul Krugman lectured on “After Bush – The End of the Neo-Conservatives and the Moment for the Democrats” to over 500 guests in the jam-packed big lecture hall at the German National Library in Frankfurt” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dr Alf is right about Krugman, the truth is most Americans are deeply conservative, follow Judeo Christian thinking and believe in self reliance ,pulling yourself up by your bootstraps and “No free lunch”.

The metropolitan elites from which people like Krugman has emerged believe in their own rightness and intellectual superiority and are therefore keener to favour politicians who court the most disadvantaged groups.

The prevailing majority philosophy is the right one because it is the one which goes with the grain of human nature and is one that says that we are free to make our own choices and as far as possible shape our own lives.

The Pastrami sandwich analogy is a double edged sword because those who eat them wearing their bankers suits or NYSE uniforms might well be Americans but their liberal values and anything goes philosophy does not make for stable traditional marriage, family life or global competitiveness.

America’s rivals in the Far East know that which is one of the reasons they are “Eating the West’s lunch”. The American politician who taps into that best and can deliver is the one who deserves to win because he /she is best positioned to help everyone in America not just the Pastrami eaters and the poor.

John Gelmini