The quote suggests that the Democratic Party's primary objective is to promote a sense of dependence among citizens through various entitlement programs. These programs are designed to be long-lasting and offer benefits that are difficult, if not impossible, to remove once they have been established. The speaker points out that even when such entitlements do come with time limits, as was the case for welfare before 1996, these restrictions typically apply only to those who are less fortunate rather than the middle class.
On a deeper level, the quote critiques how political parties can use social programs to secure long-term voter loyalty. By establishing benefits that individuals may rely on indefinitely, politicians and parties can foster a constituency that is likely to vote in favor of maintaining or expanding these entitlements. This strategy not only strengthens their political base but also complicates efforts at reforming or reducing such programs because the beneficiaries are often resistant to change. The quote implies that while certain entitlements might have time limits for those receiving aid, they are usually structured in a way that benefits persist and become entrenched over time, especially among less affluent groups.
George Will is an American journalist and commentator known for his conservative views on politics and public policy. He has been influential in shaping political discourse through columns published in The Washington Post and numerous books he has authored. His commentary often delves into historical contexts and philosophical underpinnings of contemporary issues, making him a respected voice within conservative circles.
