Gov't Knows Best? White House creates 'nudge squad' to shape behavior

foxnews.com ^ | 7/30/13 | Maxim Lott

[ColdOne]

The federal government is hiring what it calls a "Behavioral Insights Team" that will look for ways to subtly influence people's behavior, according to a document describing the program obtained by FoxNews.com. Critics warn there could be unintended consequences to such policies, while supporters say the team could make government and society more efficient.

While the program is still in its early stages, the document shows the White House is already working on such projects with almost a dozen federal departments and agencies including the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture.

"Behavioral sciences can be used to help design public policies that work better, cost less, and help people to achieve their goals," reads the government document describing the program, which goes on to call for applicants to apply for positions on the team.

[cripplecreek]

The Creel Commission reborn.

[spel_grammer_an_punct_polise]

So, ‘nudge’ is a new word for ‘mind control’? These ‘nudges’ could become political very quickly.

[drypowder]

"Behavioral Insights Team"

this administration now has a brainwashing team for those working for the government?? Obozo hussein's fundamental transformation of the USA sadly continues.

[Marcella]

“1984” mind control.

[Texan5]

See “This Perfect Day” by Ira Levin...

[Resolute Conservative]

It is just freakin’ eerie. I cannot believe that many people are that stupid or just don’t care.

[PATRIOT1876]

*Clockwork Orange *

You beat me to it.

“Not Ludwig!”

[knak]

I don’t know why they need one. They already shove crap down your throat anyway, whether we want it or not.

[basil]

Our public schools are to blame, IMHO. We should have been paying closer attention to what our children were being taught.

I’m grateful that most of my grandchildren are in good private schools.

[OldNavyVet]

Resembles Russian KGB tactics.

Recommended reading ... two (1974 and 1985) "KGB" books by John Barron, a former US naval intelligence officer.

The 1974 edition led to his access to "many ordinarily inaccessible sources."

[rarestia]

We are living it and the ones who are awake are helpless to prevent what is happening.

And no amount of alcohol will make it go away, I'm finding.

[DoughtyOne]

Bingo!  Okay boys, round this guy up...

LOL, well sorta...

Ramirez's latest political cartoon "daily dose" 07/30/2013: LINK

FOLKS, THOSE OF YOU WHO CAN, PLEASE CLICK HERE AND PENCIL IN YOUR DONATION TO HELP END THIS FREEPATHON.  THANK YOU!
...this is a general all purpose message, and should not be seen as targeting any individual I am respondi  ng to...

[henkster]

We are just pieces of meat to be programmed, used and then disposed of as the state sees fit.

[i_robot73]

Haven’t they found out that when they give out the taxpayer $$ that most will do whatever the gov’t wants?

/so truthful the sarcasm hurts

[Pietro]

This concept is laid out by Cass R. Sunstein. See the review of his book in the New York Review of Books:

"It’s For Your Own Good! Against Autonomy: Justifying Coercive Paternalism by Sarah Conly"

Warning; it will make your blood boil.

[autumnraine]

Yeah, me too.

[IronJack]

How long before the suggestions become laws, and the squads become armed?

“Ve shtronkly suggest you choose der arugula salat instead of another helpink of mashed potatoes!”

“Herr Obersturmfuhrer! He iss not choosing der argula!”

“Shoot him! It iss for his own gute.”

[ArrogantBustard]

The federal government is hiring what it calls a "Behavioral Insights Team" that will look for ways to subtly influence people's behavior, according to a document describing the program obtained by FoxNews.com. Critics warn there could be unintended consequences to such policies, while supporters say the team could make government and society more efficient.

Are they trying to breed the Master Race, or create the New Soviet Man?

[Drawn7979]

is this for real?

[DaveA37]

“supporters say the team could make government and society more efficient”.

Want to make “gubmint” more efficient? Fire 90% of them.