If you wonder why foes of government giveaway programs raise such vocal concerns, Robert J. Samuelson’s latest Newsweek column might give you some ideas.
Samuelson dissects federal farm legislation:
The life cycle of many government programs is this: they often start for good cause or with good intentions; then they perpetuate themselves by creating a protective web of interests?constituents who believe they have property rights in benefits, politicians whose power derives from renewing or expanding the benefits, and lobbies that exist to influence crucial politicians. Farm programs adhere faithfully to this cycle.
Now repeat the process for every government program that involves an elected official or bureaucrat choosing “winners” and “losers,” rather than administering a level playing field for all.
