Review by Choice Review
Kelly has produced an excellent review of the growth of the welfare state and its impact on the federal debt. Using an empirical framework, he considers thoroughly and dismisses other probable causes of the huge federal deficits and resulting debt. Kelly examines the historical periods associated with the terms of the more recent US presidents, beginning with Roosevelt, and each administration's impact on reducing or expanding the federal debt. Johnson, who "socialized America" trying to establish the "Great Society," is viewed as "the father of the present debt." Reagan is noted for repairing the American economy with lower taxes and deregulated businesses and most importantly bringing the Soviet Union to its knees, and Bush for substituting higher welfare spending for lower defense spending. And Clinton, in the face of a strong economy and declining defense needs, funded a larger welfare state. Well written and documented with numerous tables, this book makes a compelling case for limiting debt by reducing citizens' dependence on the government and supporting private sector growth. Kelly's case would be stronger had he used inflation adjusted numbers and graphics rather than many of the tables. Nevertheless, an excellent historical recitation of the benefits and costs of many tools of public finance. Informed general readers; upper-division undergraduates and up. E. D. Craig; University of Delaware
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
