It is popular with some Indians for a massive social welfare program, but has faced criticism for a series of alleged corruption allegations and failing to stop a rapid slowdown in economic growth.

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Conservatives like to pretend that Social Security is an extravagant welfare program so even these pitiful rates of return are inexcusably high.

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But they reveal little understanding of the complex interest-group politics and broader meaning of Medicare in America, as a social insurance program, as a pillar of the liberal welfare state, as a force in the lives of millions of people.

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The Social Security Administration provided technical assistance in designing the union-run welfare program.

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