According to the author of the book "What's the matter with Kansas?," people have been coerced into voting for politicians on the basis of their cultural values, not their economic plans.  I guess the powerful Christian Right (fortunately losing some of their power...) puts forth the idea that the economic sacrifice is worth the moral gain, and even that maybe God wants you to be poor.  ... Uhg.  

I think the fear of abortions, gays, illegal immigrants, terrorism, etc. trumped the fear of being economically insecure for a long time.  I think thge American people are JUST NOW beginning to catch on to the big bait and switch.  The people they elected to protect their moral interests are not only not doing that, they are also emptying their bank accounts.

Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. -Voltaire