Safety Net Convergence? Will France Imitate Texas?

This article is worth reading.   For decades, France has ignored Milton Friedman's logic and has heavily taxed its economy to provide for a generous safety net.   The Socialist President of France is well aware that this is not sustainable and he must choose which "neo-classical" set of policies in order to simultaneously reduce his nation's budget deficit and stimulate long term growth. On one level, this is funny and on another level it is sad.  Perhaps he should consider visiting Texas to learn about a different vision of the good life?   For those who want to see some economics research on the taste for redistribution read this IZA Working Paper.