The Welfare State

William Voegeli on reforming big government:

It would be a good conversation to have, not just for Democratic economists, but for the whole country. Each of our two ideological adversaries has a firm grip on one end of the domestic policy wishbone. Liberals speak to and for the public's aversion to a smaller welfare state. Conservatives speak to and for the public's aversion to higher taxes. It's not possible for them to go on pulling in opposite directions indefinitely without guaranteeing bad luck for everyone.

Neither side, however, wants to relinquish its hold on that part of public opinion that is the source of its own political strength. Both hope that the tension inherent in the public's desire for a welfare state that confers generous benefits while imposing modest taxes will ultimately be resolved in its own favor.