We discussed at length about decency, worldview, political savvy, etc, in the wake of Romney's famously foolish remark. But I can't recall whether or not we came to a consensus about what the 47% really do for the US, on the whole. They don't pay federal income tax--so what do they accomplish with their daily activities over the course of a lifetime?
I am particularly interested in long-term economical, social and developmental effects.