Interesting point about Ireland. Recently I read an article about people from eastern Europe immigrating to Ireland because they can do so much better there. Today people move to Ireland for exactly the same reason why a century ago, Irish were moving to the US. Greater freedom always means more opportunity for success.
The list of government laws and policies that get in the way of poor people bettering themselves is lengthy. The ill effects are well documented. So why is it that Edwards and poverty warriors like him never mention repealing of any existing laws as even a small part of their plan to overcome poverty?
The answer might be: a) they have so completely tuned out voices from “the right” that they are not aware that, say, occupational licensure laws impede the poor from finding better employment; b) they just can’t bring themselves to make an alliance with free market types on any issue, possibly fearing that they will find themselves on a slippery slope that slides away from governmental control if they do; or c) they can’t because special interest groups they’re beholden to like the status quo.
By all means, let the debate proceed!
