If the Welfare State Is So Small, Can We Just Get Rid of It?

I’ve done multiple debates with social democrats and avowed socialists.  Both groups unfavorably contrast the United States with Western Europe.  Social democrats tend to see Scandinavia as the pinnacle of human civilization.  Socialists usually hope for something more radical; “getting to Denmark” isn’t good enough for them.  But social democrats and socialists alike condemn the hard-hearted, Scrooge-like, laissez-faire United States.

I have a standard reply.  Namely: Although I wish their desc...