Jan
26
America was founded on the ideal that the individual is free to make their own life. Our thoughts are our own. Yet today we are experiencing more and more the thought that people shouldn’t have responsibility over their own lives. Everywhere I look the government is helping (read: interfering) in citizens’ lives through financial assistance, special regulations, and unfair taxing.
The Constitution of this nation states we are all born equal; does that mean we remain equal? Does not the person who works hard and improves himself deserve more than the one who sits idly on the couch? We all deserve equal opportunities – what we do with those opportunities is what defines us. The man who works hard pays taxes (a lot of taxes if he is very successful). Those taxes are then used to pay for welfare services to support the lazy dolt sitting at home. Does this seem even remotely fair?
Yes, sometimes people need help. There are unforeseen circumstances and I feel it is acceptable for our nation to help people get back on their feet. Our current programs, however, do not accomplish this. They are designed to keep people dependent on government aide. Why get a job, work hard, and earn your living when you can stay home and receive a check?
The large our welfare programs grow the closer to abyss of self-destruction we get. Former countries who tried the “everyone is equal” path have failed (see Soviet Union). This type of governance will always lead to the death of innovation, the growth of corruption, and “special privileges” for the ruling elite. Socialism’s goal (not stated, and not understood by its supporters) is the murder of thought.
Each and every one of us is free to become the greatest our own abilities allow us. The most moral thing you can do is to care for your own being; do what you have always dreamed of, educate and grow, create great things! Be successful! Never let someone tell you it is your responsibility to protect the non-producers of this world.
Your Thoughts, Please!
Please let me know what you think! Write your thoughts, opinions, or points in this articles Comments. I appreciate everyone’s responses!
Completely agree. The founding fathers believed that we are all created equal and should have equal opportunities, but it does not mean that we should all have equal benefits. We should ensure that the playing field is level enough for everyone to have an opportunity to succeed, but what the individual decides to do on that playing field is up to them.
Government is certain to stifle innovation, competition, and creativity and also drive up costs in any industry it intends to get into (for example, this is a fear I have with healthcare).
Having said that, I do believe communities (not government) should be responsible for the people in their area who are hurting or in need (have somehow found themselves off of the “level playing field”), because the community (friends, neighbors, churches, etc.) can understand the needs of the individual far better than the government can.
I agree 100% with Scott’s reply. This is a very touchy subject given the current economic condition. With Unemployment at a all time high. We all have to think to what if we lost everything and we weren’t to blame (ex. layoffs) I have personally went through one and was on unemployment. I don’t consider my self to be a bad employee or lazy. It is one of those life experiences just about everyone goes through. As a tax payer we all pay into unemployment and it is our right to receive that benefit. I completely understand that this money can go to a better cause but some people don’t understand that concept. I guess what I’m getting at is this is a very hard subject to have a defiant answer on and everyone is entitled to there opinion. But those people on welfare don’t have the extra money to spend on items that we do. I don’t know about you but driving a rusted out caravan for years to come makes me want to do something with my life. (sorry for the sterotype)
Agreed. However, where should the line be drawn, and do you have an ultimatum to the current issue? You say there should be policies in place to help those in needs whom need it, (for whatever reason). The problem comes in when those (so-called) “couch potatoes” do nothing, and “earn” their living off of our actual hard earned money. That, simply, is a loophole in the system whos intent was originally to actually help those in need, back during the great depression and WII wives and children.
Currently, policies are in place that restrict the use of TANF, or as commonly referred to, “welfare”, which state that one can only draw off TANF for 2 years, consecutive or concurrent. I agree there are far too many loopholes in the system as it stands for those with very little work ethic to take advantage of, but how to we cease this? How do we take action against these so-called free loaders, without punishing those whom are legitemately in need of extra services in order to maintain a lifestyle we see fit?
Yes, I agree. There are many loopholes and that is the cause of our current problems. The system was originally created with good intentions, but too many special interests have defiled this once decent government aide program.
I’ll have to write on what could be done in the future.