[Silentgypsy]

How did the new technologies affect the emergence of the dependent, non-productive elements in our society? They certainly didn’t prevent the politicians from using those elements for their own enrichment. (And, my goodness, I’m not talking about the handicapped and the special needs people. I’m addressing able-bodied humans who are physically capable of working but who choose not to.)

[fhayek]

At the beginning of our country, nearly three quarters of our workforce was devoted to agriculture. Technology reduced the need for so many farmhands, as it became more mechanized and less labor intensive. New industries came along. Railroads, automobiles, computers, medicine.

I believe technological developments, and the corresponding increase of wealth that came with it, gave us the luxury of the welfare state. More opportunities will come along, and also will come the possibility of not having to produce a single thing. The challenge, for an economy, will be to engage the nonproductive elements. Anything that they can be induced to produce will be a positive. Don't look for the Democrats to champion this, however.