>In the UK I used to argue against the left's defence of the
>welfare state. They were right to the extent that more is better
>than less, but support of the welfare state encouraged
>conservatism (the welfare state was never that great - it was
>barely a start), and it was often a parochial defence of OUR
>welfare state against outsiders. Justin's and Doug's tactical
>approach of defending the status quo against tort reform makes
>a similar error, but with even lower aspirations.
You're an RCP alum, right? This argument bears the perverse marks of origin.
Doug