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> we underestimate as a society how damaging it is because it's so hard to measure I'm not sure I agree with that. It has been known within public health for d
by funklute 7y ago
> we underestimate as a society how damaging it is because it's so hard to measure
I'm not sure I agree with that. It has been known within public health for decades that poverty is an important predictor of life expectancy and quality of life.
The real problem in the US appears to be a deep cultural belief in self-sufficiency, and an accompanying unwillingness to vote for politicians who support implementation of said safety nets.
- theredbox 7y agoWell this is actually one of the biggest issues in Eastern Europe. The belief the state should take care of its citizens ( the safety net you are talking about ). The truth is only populist crooks get elected and only come up with shortsighted inefficient solutions (and half of the budget gets stolen).
- lazyasciiart 7y agoMmm, seems like a stretch to blame problems in Eastern Europe on the belief in a safety net - Western Europe/Scandinavia also believes in a safety net but doesn't have the same problems.
- theredbox 7y agoWhat makes you think it does not ? It is just on a different scale.
- lazyasciiart 7y agoSure, in that case so is the US and everywhere else, which means the social safety net is completely irrelevant.
- closetohome 7y ago> It has been known within public health for decades If public health officials were running the planet, we'd all be better off.