Though many progressives recognize the practical value of reforms like Medicare in making the lives of average Americans longer and more fulfilling, some on the Left preach an unrealistic perfectionism that finds little value in imperfect reforms. They almost invite the worst social pain as the only route to some "revolution."
The combination of these factors -- a well-organized Right against a largely disorganized Left -- has brought a bleak future into sharp focus.
It can be seen through the lens of Paul Ryan's budgetary "cause." It would leave sick elderly to die and the nation's domestic infrastructure to decay, while insurance companies would reap more profits and the super rich would be taxed even less.
It's an outcome that would have put a crooked smile on the lips of Ronald Reagan and Milton Friedman.
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