A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.[1]
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Shaw notes that governments redistributing wealth from the rich to the poor secure political support from the beneficiaries.
- In plain terms
- Politicians who take from the rich to give to the poor will always have the poor's vote.
- What can you take from it?
- Redistributive policies gain support from those who receive benefits.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do voters always support redistribution?
- Who truly benefits?
Another view
It oversimplifies voter motivation to just financial gain.
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