Is this the sort of society we want?

The right are constantly pointing to the United States as a model, telling us that we should cut taxes, slash services, and introduce "workfare" schemes for the unemployed. In other words, we should be more like America. But is a widening gap between rich and poor, a rising poverty rate, and reduced access to basic healthcare really the sort of society most New Zealanders want to live in?

I think not.