The High Cost of Good Intentions
Published: September 24, 2018
Entitlements grow over time because of a force called “the equally worthy claim,” where eligibility for benefits continually expands until programs no longer resemble their initial, honorable intentions. Over time, entitlements programs have grown into a costly and complex system. Reforms should focus on preserving the programs’ original intentions and putting them back on a sustainable fiscal path.
Discussion Questions
- What is the impact of entitlement programs on federal spending?
- What are some ways to put the entitlement programs back on a sustainable fiscal path?
- How does welfare attempt to raise poor people's standard of living?
Additional Resources
- Pick up a copy of The High Cost of Good Intentions: A History of U.S. Federal Entitlement Programs by John Cogan, winner of the 2018 Hayek Book Prize, available here.
- Watch as John Cogan speaks with Peter Robinson on “Uncommon Knowledge” here.
- Read John Cogan’s chapter “Entitlements and the Budget” in Blueprint for America, available here.
- Watch the Blueprint for America video “Entitlements and the Budget” by John Cogan, available here.
- Watch “Falling Short: Social Security, Medicare, and Payroll Taxes” by John Cogan, available here.