Maggie's Farm

"Government needs to assure that all Americans get what they need."

I think that basically sums up the progressive agenda. The key is to recognize what isn't said.

The conservative response would be that individuals produce what they want with government's role being limited to protecting individuals and their property from foreign and domestic threats.

The progressive agenda "sounds" great initially - "I can rest assured that I will have everything I need and the government will provide it!" But what the government gives to Peter, it must first take from Paul and as more Pauls recognize that it is easier to be a Peter, they will become Peters and take stuff rather than make stuff leaving less for everyone to share. As a consequence, those in government who promised Paul that he would have everything thing he needs, redefine what Paul really needs.

Paul's mistake was that when he heard that his needs would be guaranteed, he assumed that this meant his [u[wants[/u] would be met. To quote Mrs. Thatcher, "Socialism is great until you run out of other people's money."

Even Jonathan Gruber has admitted that this is the underlying thesis of Obamacare. They tricked people into believing that they would get all the health care the WANTED at a low price (or free). However, the Obama administration knew that they (via the Independent Payment Advisory Board which is not subject to the usual appeals mechanisms) would later simply define what people really need (in their opinion). Gruber notes that this is different than what some people may want and that people who want something different that what the government determines they need will have to pay the difference.

The result is the same with all socialized programs - in some cases, government even makes it illegal for people to purchase anything beyond the government determined "basic needs".