The problem with all of this, from an American perspective, is that drug addicts need to be punished for their antisocial behavior. Even if the program in Denmark is cheaper and reduces crime, it doesn't address the underlying issue that drug abuse is a character weakness that needs to be punished.
The same goes for housing. Why should we reward people who didn't work hard enough to afford a home? Being poor and living on the street was their choice. But what, you argue, about the unlucky people? The ones who just had a health care issue coincide with a job loss? Well, if they were actually good people, God wouldn't punish them that way. To those who are good, God will reward them with wealth. Economic bankruptcy can only be a sign of moral bankruptcy.
Except for the problem that this contradicts the plain meaning of the Gospels, it all works out very well for Christians who believe their place in the status quo is truly earned, and take great pride in that fact.
America's right wing is no longer economically conservative, though. You can't prove that a policy would save money, and expect votes for it. They've done giant tax giveaways rather than rein in the budget deficit. In fact, the budget deficit always decreases under Democrats and always increases under Republicans. The social issues are entirely dominant. We're long past the point where economic arguments have any effect.
The same goes for housing. Why should we reward people who didn't work hard enough to afford a home? Being poor and living on the street was their choice. But what, you argue, about the unlucky people? The ones who just had a health care issue coincide with a job loss? Well, if they were actually good people, God wouldn't punish them that way. To those who are good, God will reward them with wealth. Economic bankruptcy can only be a sign of moral bankruptcy.
Except for the problem that this contradicts the plain meaning of the Gospels, it all works out very well for Christians who believe their place in the status quo is truly earned, and take great pride in that fact.
America's right wing is no longer economically conservative, though. You can't prove that a policy would save money, and expect votes for it. They've done giant tax giveaways rather than rein in the budget deficit. In fact, the budget deficit always decreases under Democrats and always increases under Republicans. The social issues are entirely dominant. We're long past the point where economic arguments have any effect.
"Kitto daijoubu da yo." - Sakura Kinomoto