Book: Life At The Bottom - Dalrymple

[alfsauve]

From Dr Sowell's suggested reading list:

Life At The Bottom by  Dr. Theodore Dalrymple, MD

The book is a collection of essays by Dr. Dalrymple on his observations treating patients at one of London's central hospitals.  He elegantly explains a number of things that "progressives" refuse to believe.

1)  People will not hold themselves accountable for their actions if you give them a scape goat (victim-ology)
2)  Laws have consequences.  Many times not the intended.
3)  People will adjust their behavior to maximize THEIR benefit from any law or rule imposed.

The basic conclusion being that long term poverty (in developed countries) is "a result of dysfunctional set of values continually reinforce by an elite culture searching for victims."

The book is a good read and gives you lots of insight into how people will respond to "progressive" rules and "fairness".

One example:  Briton subsidizes housing for anyone who "needs" it. The law of supply and demand, of course, is still the law and when there is no cost, there is unlimited demand.  There are shortages of housing and authorities have a priority list.  Rationing.    Single parents are one of the priorities.  That sounds so good to progressives.  Taking care of the poor unfortunate single parents.   Ah, but if you need an apartment and don't want to work for it, have a baby, don't marry the father, get a subsidized apartment.   Duh.    The policy is encouraging single parenthood, by those least equipped to raise children.

Recommended reading and an insight into where this country is headed.