The impact of ballooning entitlements on Americans exceptionalism and why it matters

“America today is almost certainly the richest society in history, anywhere at any time. And it is certainly more prosperous and productive now (and in 2012) than it was three decades ago. Yet paradoxically, our entitlement state behaves as if Americans have never been more “needy.” The paradox is easily explained: Means-tested entitlement transfers are no longer an instrument strictly for addressing absolute poverty, but instead a device for a more general redistribution of resources. The fact that so many are willing to accept need-based aid signals a fundamental change in the American character.” — Nicholas Eberstadt, AEI

In a provoking new essay in National Affairs, AEI political economist Nicholas Eberstadt explains how American values—and what defines American Exceptionalism—are in conflict with expanding entitlements and the growing dependence of Americans on government largesse. He notes that:

– The welfare state, which originated in Europe, was obviously created with European realities in mind (including perceptions of rigid class barriers, limited mobility, and lack of opportunity to advance oneself by one’s own effort).

– But the European welfare state construct is singularly unsuited for transplant onto a Tocqueville-delineated US society where notions about poverty, its causes, and the means of eliminating it are so very different.

– The entitlement state thus is essentially at war with the ethos of “American exceptionalism”—and, so far, is winning in the struggle.

Read his full piece, “American exceptionalism and the entitlement state.”

For media inquiries, or to contact Nicholas Eberstadt who is available for interviews, please e-mail [email protected] or call 202.862.5829.