Problem:
American Social Welfare Policy is meant to serve two functions. To reduce poverty and to serve as an economic stimulus. This concept of a social safety net has been successful at bringing millions of Americans out of poverty and growing the middle class, yet remains incredibly controversial.
Do you believe the United States should continue the Social Welfare Policy programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid that take up more than 50% of the federal budget? If so how should we continue to fund these programs as we have fewer and workers per retiree. We either have to raise taxes, lower benefits, or increase the age (currently 65) at which people can draw benefits, or some other scheme.
Or do you believe the United States should take a more libertarian policy approach and let market forces dictate winners and losers in the economy. If you choose the later, how would you choose to deal with the losers? How would you choose who gets to receive federal stimulus money when stimulus is required?