Social safety nets under attack from "summary" of The Great Unraveling by Paul R. Krugman,University Paul Krugman
In recent years, the bedrock of social protection that has safeguarded the vulnerable in our society is now facing a relentless assault. Programs that provide a safety net for those in need, such as Social Security and Medicare, are being undermined by those in power who seek to dismantle them under the guise of fiscal responsibility. These attacks on social safety nets are not merely misguided attempts to balance the budget; they are a deliberate effort to reshape the very fabric of our society. The justification for these attacks often comes in the form of alarmist rhetoric about the unsustainability of these programs. However, a closer look at the facts reveals that these claims are largely unfounded. Social Security, for example, is fully funded for the next two decades and could easily be made solvent for the foreseeable future with minor adjustments. The real motivation behind these attacks is not fiscal prudence, but a desire to roll back the progress that has been made in providing a basic level of security for all Americans. The consequences of these attacks are dire. If successful, they will leave millions of Americans without a safety net to catch them in times of need. The elderly, the disabled, and the most vulnerable members of our society will be left to fend for themselves, with devastating consequences. The social contract that has long defined our nation, the promise that we will take care of each other in times of need, is being eroded before our eyes. It is crucial that we push back against these attacks on social safety nets. We must recognize that these programs are not a burden, but a reflection of our values as a society. We must reject the false choice between fiscal responsibility and social welfare, and instead demand a society that cares for all of its members. Only by standing together and defending our social safety nets can we ensure a future where no one is left behind.
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