Thread by @haroldfeld

A critical difference between New Deal Progressives (in which include myself) and LBJ Liberals. New Dealers sought a high standard of living for all Americans as a matter of right. this is why things like social security and unemployment insurance aren't means tested. /1

https://twitter.com/kearney_melissa/status/1347555723949924352

The heirs of LBJ, by contrast have no interest in maintaining a high standard of living for everyone as a matter of right. You're only entitled to a floor of survival.
/2

To quote the Simpsons: "That's the problem with being Middle Class, Lisa. Everyone sensitive enough to care goes on to help someone less fortunate." /3

This unfortunate liberal fixation on denying any benefits except to the most needy, perpetuates and institutionalizes several conservative myths. First, it reinforces the idea that aid should only go to the "deserving." /4

Second, the liberal frame of denying benefits to any above poverty also reinforces the conservative myth of scarce government resources where the recipients must battle one another rather than ally and cooperate. /5

Third, this short-sighted obsession reinforces the idea that success is self-made. Only the poor deserve temporary help. After that, you r on your own. /6

This, in turn, reinforces the conservative myth that Democrats/Liberals do not care about the non-poor working class or non-poor middle class. It also endangers economic gains, as those climbing out of poverty are most in danger of sliding back. /7

The ultimate fallacy of this "liberal" position supporting austerity in the name of poor is that it creates cliff effects and stigmatizes aid programs. /8