1. The Republicans have been complaining for a long time that just under 50% of the country pays no income tax, and sees the government as a rich uncle to be ripped off. Observe many frum Democrats who are addicted to all sorts of “benefits” that they don’t have to pay for.
2. The Democrats are arguing that it is a good thing for half the country to be dependent of welfare.
3.Conservatives will reply that it’s no accident that the classic book critical of this philosophy was entitled “The road to serfdom”, arguing that welfare dependence strips individuals of their freedom, leaving them as well fed slaves.