Warfare/Welfare State: Ralph Benko

Just a short piece that I think says a huge amount. We spend most government money on "defense" (military) and transfer payments (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid). Other the other stuff--like teachers, weather forecasting, foreign aid--is peanuts. Most people--often the loudest voices--don't know this (or don't care). We do need some fundamental reforms, but all the energy now seems aimed at public employees and their unions, not at the real issues of long-term deficits. We need some new ways of thinking about a lot of things, but the public conversation becomes easily warped by those seeking partisan political advantage.