Deconstructing the Argument for a Small and Passive Federal Government

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The systematic dismantling of the federal government's supports for low-income people derives from a "starve the beast" philosophy that controls government spending on social welfare programs. The deleterious effect of whittling away at government was on display in frightening clarity in the federal response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. By making the case that government must be a key part of the solution and challenging the "starve the beast" ideology, we win the battle to improve the quality of life for all Americans.

By Gary D. Bass, Adam Hughes, and Anna Oman From May-June 2006