Caplan v. Dickens on poverty and welfare (updated)

Bill Dickens and Bryan Caplan argue about poverty and welfare. Just read it all: start here then go here and then go here. The debate is obvious about the U.S. welfare system but but many of the issues carry over to New Zealand.

Update: Bryan responds to Bill's essay at Reply to Bill Dickens on Poverty: Part 1. David Henderson also has some Thoughts on Dickens.