How Great We Are

[Max Sawicky]

there are benefits and benefits.  there is no problem with
immigrants, legal or otherwise, joining the Social Security
system or other social insurance programs.  To qualify
for benefits you need to have 'contributed.'  In fact, as
the Baby Boom begins to retire, I predict the nation will
suddenly find a very soft spot in its heart for your tired
and poor.

there is a potential problem with means-tested benefits,
but for all the yakking about races to the bottom among
U.S. states, there is not much evidence of a problem in
that dimension.  There's a general problem of inadequate
benefits, a different thing.

The potential problem in regard to immigrants is different.
It may be overblown.  Do immigrants come here for public
benefits, or to work and/or join family members?  I suspect
it's mostly the latter, but in any case, you can use
immigration restrictions.  Can't have open borders
in a world of nation-states.

mbs


> 
> Ok, Max, how do you run a welfare state that anyone could walk in and 
> claim benefits in?
> 
> Doug
> 


> >>  The welfare state and open borders are incompatible, both in
> >>  capitalist and socialist nations, in the capitalist world economy.
> >>  Yoshie
>