The Forgotten Man

The Forgotten Man” is an essay that bears reviewing. The entire essay can be found at: http://www.blupete.com/Literature/Essays/Best/SumnerForgotten.htm

"The Forgotten Man"
By William Graham Sumner.
The type and formula of most schemes of philanthropy or humanitarianism is this: A and B put their heads together to decide what C shall be made to do for D. The radical vice of all these schemes, from a sociological point of view, is that C is not allowed a voice in the matter, and his position, character, and interests, as well as the ultimate effects on society through C's interests, are entirely overlooked. I call C the Forgotten Man.
William Graham Sumner (1840-1910) was a Professor of Political Economy and of Sociology at Yale.


The current Health and Welfare system is unsustainable. For the first time in American history, the sum total of all federal taxes collected will not be enough to pay for the cost of entitlements. The system is unsustainable. Unsustainable means that it must be changed and reformed or it will collapse the economic system of the United States.

The reason for the collapse is very easy to understand. Any kindergarten child could follow the logic. The current system encourages consumption and discourages production. As more and more people require charitable support provided by government, there are fewer individuals producing. When the number of consumers exceeds the ability of the productive to produce, the system collapses and general, widespread, oppressive poverty occurs.

I believe we can avoid widespread poverty; but only if we make systemic changes to the Health and Welfare system. The changes can be made; but only after the need to make changes is recognized.