Do we need a welfare system?

[dallen47]

When I was younger, my parents separated and my mother had a hard time economically. I lived with her and we barely got by. She had been injured on the job and had a small injured workers compensation allotment, about $1000 a month. Not once did she seek to take use of the welfare program. I wanted to know her opinion about the welfare program and if it crossed her mind to gain help from it. She felt that no matter what, it was her responsibility to take care of us and personally, she's a bit too proud for help. That stuck with me, even until this day. It makes me wonder if most welfare recipients could actually function without it? I'm not against the program, I just feel that maybe there are many instances where many individuals can do without it. What are your feelings, and why?

Thank You.

[rheged]

Yeah, people who drive BMW's and other expensive cars and still collect welfare can live without it....I see that all the time where I live.

[sebastiano53]

A welfare system as a fallback is definitely necessary, but steps should be taken to produce more jobs and reduce unemployment. It isn't that most of these people don't want to work, but rather that they can't actually find jobs.

[barend31]

Yes I believe we need a system to help those with no ther options. But I feel it should only be a temporary means of support...too many rely on it for years. It should also include measures to help people back on their feet such as job training, and such.

[thom]

It is possible that some people could function without it, and there are definitely people who simply don't want to work. At the same time, it is just as true that some people simply can't get work.

What I'd propose would be a system whereby the government finds people jobs rather than free money, unless you can come up with a cast-iron reason why you can't work.

[yago]

It is possible that some people could function without it, and there are definitely people who simply don't want to work. At the same time, it is just as true that some people simply can't get work.

What I'd propose would be a system whereby the government finds people jobs rather than free money, unless you can come up with a cast-iron reason why you can't work.

For one thing Alex, your mother's income would have made her ineligible for any monthly benefits from welfare because it was too high. Just think, people on welfare live on even less that what you and your mother lived on. I believe that having a welfare program is a necessity. Not everyone can earn enough to support a family. Things happen beyond people's control; e.g. loss of job, disability, death of major breadwinner, loss of transportation, an inability to earn a living wage, catastrophic illnesses.

I've always believed that those who have the means should help those who don't. Guess I take to heart the "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" and "Help your neighbor as you would yourself" admonitions as found in the bible. But even if it weren't in the bible I would still feel that way.

While I am sure you admire your mother and she wouldn't have been entitled to monthly benefits anyway I feel that it is the responsibility of the parent to do whatever they can to support their families and if that means filing for welfare benefits (monthly, food stamps and medical assistance) to better care for those children then I feel they should do so. Not to is depriving the children of better nutrition, adequate clothing and medical care.

[varik]

my grandmother was a single mom with 4 kids in a time when being divorced was looked down on. she worked 5 jobs in 3 cities (bay area before bart) with no car. my mom still remembers the day some government guy knocked on the door, and told my grandmother is she quit her 5 jobs she could go on welfare for life. my mom also tells me how my grandmother cussed him out, and kicked him off her property.

50yrs later my grandmother died a millionaire.

do you know anyone who became a millionaire through welfare?

JUDITH- stealing from some to give to others is what you take to hart? whether or not she would have been eligible (you don't know that, welfare is for single moms) is besides the point.

and you are not taking care of your family if you are on welfare, or collecting food stamps. everyone else is.

since when did being on welfare count as taking care of yourself?

[oakley]

Of course we need a welfare system, but the current system is fubar. With massive corruption, waste and repetition of services, the welfare system needs a major overhaul. Personally, I'd push for drug testing and mandatory community service for those who are able-bodied. But that's just me. In any case, it is needed, but in its current state is ripe for abuse.

[anson34]

If she got $1000 a month, I seriously doubt she would have qualified for very much in the way of benefits, unless she has a dozen children.

I don't hold any ill feelings against anyone who truly needs help. Yes some people could get off their butts and try to get a job. However even in this economy jobs are hard to come by. Then there are those who truly can't work, for various reasons. I don't think we should turn our backs on them either.

[condan]

That $1000 dollars a month meant she made to much to collect welfare. 12k a year is about what a person would make full time at a minimum wage job. Welfare pays out 70% of the federal poverty level (look it up for the years in question) That includes food stamp amounts. To put it into perspective the current federal poverty level for a family of 4 is around 22k which translates into 650 a month in food stamps and 650 in cash ... if a family lives in government housing the cash amount is significantly reduced and this is also if no one has any income at all.

As for MOST welfare recipients. talk to them and you will quickly realize that no one would want to hire them. They aren't exactly the smartest folks and frequently have mild forms of mental illnesses. Cutting them off welfare without providing a government work program would be a very bad idea.

@bob, the reason we currently do not provide work for them is that it actually costs more ... think about it. not only do you need to pay the worker you must also pay the supervisor, there is more paperwork ... so more pencil pushers. Then there are issues like child care and transportation. And once again the problem of dealing with people who are not that smart and have mental illnesses. just the thought of dealing with this group on a daily basis gives me a headache.