Don't be offended...

I was reading this article today and just had some thoughts on what I see as hypocrisy in government assistance. I have no qualms with welfare, and I think the country is generally moving in the right direction to bring accountability to government assistance. Helping the poor is moral, although from an economic perspective, it may provide a negative incentive for growth. However, I don't really want to discuss whether it is good or bad, just what I see as hypocrisy. What upsets me most about welfare is its abuse. As long as it is around, there will be abuse. Most people focus on the abuse that occurs in poor, urban areas. Clearly there is abuse there. However, I am more concerned with the abuse that can sometimes go on with people that are educated. I think education brings responsibility as well as accountability. The more knowledge you have, the more accountable you are for your actions. I guess it surprises me that people who are educated, have good moral guidance, have no problem keeping income hidden. To a welfare recipient, the money is free. However, nothing is free. The welfare pot is not endless, and for every dollar someone takes, or for every subsidized apartment someone takes, another person is not able to have that. We are dealing with finite resources.

I am somewhat disheartened by the article to see that the negative stigma associated with public benefits has decreased. I don't want people to feel bad for using assistance, especially if they need it, but I also think by making it so easy to get the benefits, these intangible costs to the applicant begin to disappear.

The reason I bring this up is to not judge anyone. I don't care if you get assistance. However, I do see hypocrisy when others judge and then take themselves. I think the moment someone decides to take money, they lose all their rights to comment on others.

If you want to judge me, I force Anna to work instead of have kids. No kids allowed.