Americans depend more on federal aid than ever

Source: USAToday.com

Americans depended more on government assistance in 2010 than at any other time in the nation's history, a USA TODAY analysis of federal data finds. The trend shows few signs of easing, even though the economic recovery is nearly 2 years old.

A record 18.3% of the nation's total personal income was a payment from the government for Social Security, Medicare, food stamps, unemployment benefits and other programs in 2010. Wages accounted for the lowest share of income — 51.0% — since the government began keeping track in 1929.

Americans got an average of $7,427 in benefits each in 2010, up from an inflation-adjusted $4,763 in 2000 and $3,686 in 1990. The federal government pays about 90% of the benefits.

Accounting for 80% of safety-net spending in 2010: Social Security, Medicare (health insurance for seniors), Medicaid (health insurance for the poor) and unemployment insurance.



Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2011-04-26-government-payments-economy-medicare.htm

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And yet, there's a new poll out showing Americans are ready to give all this up as long as their taxes don't rise.

Ironic, isn't it?

"Who Is John Galt?" can be answered with "A psychopath, largely dependent upon Federal contracts, who hates paying taxes"

As for that poll supposedly saying a majority of Americans want to give up Medicare - you could get a majority of Americans to say the sky is purple if you word the question carefully.




edit to add :sarcasm: just in case anyone didn't catch on to that

The tradgedy is that few realize what this really means. The reality of being 'on the system' is not luxurious and easy, it is a constant state of fear and paperwork and victimization for being poor. I got a job in the early part of this year, and was doing okay for a month or two with my assistance still helping with costs...then i lost the job. The same week, the county sent me papers saying they overpaid me last month and so I have to pay them back ...my food stamps went to zero and my cash for may is supposedly down to $200 now. I have kids and will end up having to rely on family and friends and food closet to make it through...

The article says people receive up to $7000 each... but that number is not broken out or explained. Is that an average compiled from medical costs covered, housing assistance and food stamps and cash? it's not like i get a check for $7000!!!

This is the bullshit that makes people on the other side of the coin think that 'entitlements' are breaking the economy or that we are lazy and taking advantage of the system.
It ain't easy being broke. period...and relying on the govt feels like crap no matter how they frame it.

here's a tid bit of my morning ... gas on E, drove the kids to school...not enough gas to make it to the 'job-one-stop' to check in for welfare to work. (have to 'clock-in & out' every day for proof of jobsearch)Called to tell them I am home doing the jobsearch, but won't get credit for th hours because i haven't come in to the office to sign in...gas or no gas...which means sanctions for not loggin the hours, more money cut from our already dwindling May allowance...
Have to call the school and have them send my kids home on the bus (even thought their bus pass expired)
can't get to my one hour of work tomorrow for a few bucks
have to raid the piggy bank and see if we can get thru the week

ya, livin high on the hog on welfare! :sarcasm:

the people just like Saudi Arabia. Hungry people get angry and are prone to unrest.

so i guess it's not in vogue to discuss our increasing poverty?

the stress of worrying about how to survive this week is nothing compared to the stress of living like this for years on end, or wondering what the rest of THIS year will bring... it is really scary...

The ones that scream government sucks are probably the ones who will scream "hands off my Social Security" first.

Why does USA Today act as if they're surprised by these statistics?

Why is there no analysis of how we got here?

Where is the plot of government dependence versus income disparity?

Many older workers were forced to start taking SS benefits at age 62 rather than waiting until age 65 because they couldn't find a job. And of course millions were forced to go on unemployment insurance. And many who lost their jobs went on Medicaid. It's really a no brainier.