Dutch Kill Welfare State!

[riser]

http://thelibertarianrepublic.com/dutch-king-kills-welfare-state-lauds-new-participation-society-video/#.UjoKK7HD-Um

A newly released analysis of Census data from President Obama’s first term have revealed that America is not immune to the consequences of bad fiscal policy. During his first four years as President American’s household real income fell $2,627, while the number of Americans in poverty rose by 6,667,000, resulting in a record high 46,496,000 Americans living in poverty. The “Hope and Change” Barack Obama had promised was heavy on rhetoric but lacking in results. His policies have, instead, exacerbated economic hardships. - See more at: http://thelibertarianrepublic.com/dutch-king-kills-welfare-state-lauds-new-participation-society-video/#.UjoKK7HD-Um

Bravo to the King. I'm sure it will be difficult for a year or so.. and then we can review the results of this action. No more difficult than the economic difficulties the other way either.

 

[chunkymonster]

The progressive, post-World War II welfare state has failed and its continuation is not financially possible.

No truer words have ever been written or spoken!

I can relate to Obama's failed progressive fiscal policy. I have received yearly raises every year since 2007 averaging 2% a year since Obama took office. The increases in health care costs and increase in federal taxes have resulted in my net pay today being the same as it was in 2009. Let's not even get into the increase in property taxes, increase in the costs of living, and the increase in fuel/energy costs. Any and all disposable income has completely disappeared.

As Milton Friedman states in the linked article...

[T]he record of history is absolutely crystal clear, that there is no alternative way so far discovered of improving the lot of the ordinary people that can hold a candle to the productive activities that are unleashed by the free-enterprise system.

 

[riser]

I'm probably an exception to most people's experiences yet I side with you Chunky and understand that I'm in a very unique position.

Since 2008 I have doubled my salary. If you factor in my health coverage went from having a copay to a high deductible account, I have an 85% increase in my salary. So 15% lost due to changes in my healthcare. I've relocated to a state without a State Income tax which provided a 5% pay increase across the board if everything remains the same income-wise.

Based on relocating and this being my 4th job since 2008, I've managed to boost my income/disposable income. Most people I know are afraid to change jobs due to the economy. Personally for me, I've seen increases as low as $10,000 to as high as $20,000 in salary each time I've changed jobs.

My advice to people in an economy like this is to look at companies that are hiring right now, they're the ones who are willing to pay for talent. Myself, I won't change jobs for anything less than a $10,000 increase in overall benefit.