[MD] Down the road of mediocrity

[ARLO J BENSINGER JR]

[Platt]
Who said it was glamorous? What you propose -- welfare without work and a large
and growing dependent class, would be attractive to some. Does New Orleans and
Katrina ring a bell?

[Arlo]
Providing for the basic health care needs of all citizens, and ensuring none
among us go hungry, is hardly creating a "large and growing dependent class".
Loss of employment, inadequate retraining, income drain to large corporations,
these all effect the "dependency" more than providing basic health care or
giving food stamps.

[Platt]
There was a time in this country when going on welfare was shameful -- as it
should be.

[Arlo]
I'm sure it continues to be for many. But there is no shame in finding oneself
in a terrible situation. Shame is simply a control word. Maybe what should be
shameful is the financial and employment drain that generates wealth for the
rich while sticking it to the working class.