January 7, 2015

By Jim Nowlan
Outside Columnist

As a self-proclaimed moderate, I try to look both Left and Right objectively. I have often mused about why the Democrats, the party of “the little guy,” do not dominate Republicans, the party of “the big guy,” as there are so many more of the former.

Recently my tennis buddies Tom and Flora gave me some clues. Tom worked his way up at Caterpillar, from the line, where he became a union steward, to foreman. Flora is a barber (and the best tennis player in our group). Both are quite thoughtful and hardworking, and longtime Democrats; at least they have been.

Over beers a couple of weeks ago, Tom expressed exasperation with the slackers in his world, the men and women who will grab at any opportunity not to work, such as abusing family leave days off work to care for family members. And about the guy who successfully claimed federal disability benefits and is now busy on top of his house putting on a new roof.

Then Flora chimed in. She told of the white guys she knows who get together to discuss how they can game the food stamp program and other social welfare benefits.

    Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.