GSU study: Welfare programs discourage work, marriage (quality of life, safety)

[Poppinfresh]

Even if people are abusing the system the amount we spend on individual welfare programs isn't even a drop in the bucket compared to our overall spending.

We could wipe out all government assistance and still be trillions in debt for decades to come.

So I don't know why people are even focusing on this.

Im sorry southern conservatives but the big black mystical welfare queen using food stamps and section 8 to feed and house her kids is not destroying our economy; the Wall Street banker, pentagon, federal bailouts/corporate welfare and central bank are doing it.

[cwkimbro]

Originally Posted by toll_booth

Welfare ain't the problem, folks. Not even close.

Yea I'm aware. It is also why I have no problem putting money towards welfare and taxing the ultra rich to a degree that keeps the skew in equality (as opposed to growing further apart).

However, I still believe our social programs need to work at making people productive.

I also think the disability is important, similar to reasons Arjay pointed out.

You can't lift with your back anymore? Great, let us help you, but you're still a valuable human being. Here is a career counselor that has an array of options we should can help you be trained to do that doesn't require you to lift anything.

In case you can't make as much as you use to, we might be able to provide a small stipend to help, but you won't be able to keep full disability past 6 months.


In comparison to... construction worker falls of building can't move half his body and doesn't have any higher level education. They get full disability and we need the funds to be there for them. Even then, we might be able to help them find some type of job on top of that just to make them happier with life.

[cwkimbro]

Originally Posted by Poppinfresh

Even if people are abusing the system the amount we spend on individual welfare programs isn't even a drop in the bucket compared to our overall spending.

We could wipe out all government assistance and still be trillions in debt for decades to come.

So I don't know why people are even focusing on this.

Im sorry southern conservatives but the big black mystical welfare queen using food stamps and section 8 to feed and house her kids is not destroying our economy; the Wall Street banker, pentagon, federal bailouts/corporate welfare and central bank are doing it.

While these are usually rallying arguments for people that want to do away with welfare programs, It is still a problem if we are encouraging people to not live their lives.

It is a problem if they aren't working when they can be, especially when they really need wages higher than welfare. It is also worrisome to me that it is affecting people socially so much they discourages marriage.

Those are real problems too.

[10 feet tall]

For welfare recipients, would it be possible to form a sort of government work force that gives welfare recipients a productive job to do? Maybe something similar to the TVA or whatnot? That way people who need assistance are getting it, and they are also doing productive work and a valuable public work is being performed. Like some sort of a compromise system between liberals and conservatives on the issue. If the government is giving the money to the recipient anyway, at least in this scenario a bridge is being repaired at the same time (or whatever else needs being done). That way people don't feel like they have their dignity taken away and they still get help.

[Poppinfresh]

Originally Posted by cwkimbro

While these are usually rallying arguments for people that want to do away with welfare programs, It is still a problem if we are encouraging people to not live their lives.

It is a problem if they aren't working when they can be, especially when they really need wages higher than welfare. It is also worrisome to me that it is affecting people socially so much they discourages marriage.

Those are real problems too.

Oh whatever, you know it's intellectually dishonest to think these southern neocons care about all that. They just don't want their money going to poor people. Yet, they don't realize who is really screwing them over. The single mom buying a snicker with food stamps is not the one to be fighting against.

[jeoff]

Originally Posted by Poppinfresh

Oh whatever, you know it's intellectually dishonest to think these southern neocons care about all that. They just don't want their money going to poor people. Yet, they don't realize who is really screwing them over. The single mom buying a snicker with food stamps is not the one to be fighting against.

Because it is much better to be intellectually lazy, and dismiss an idea you do not like by labeling it "neconservative", rather than consider the possibility that over-reliance on government assistance has had detrimental effects on some of the people that it intends to help.

[Poppinfresh]

Originally Posted by jeoff

Because it is much better to be intellectually lazy, and dismiss an idea you do not like by labeling it "neconservative", rather than consider the possibility that over-reliance on government assistance has had detrimental effects on some of the people that it intends to help.

I've thought about and realize that there are always going be abusers of any system.

Right now the issue is a red herring or a distraction from what's really hurting this country.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by cwkimbro

While these are usually rallying arguments for people that want to do away with welfare programs, It is still a problem if we are encouraging people to not live their lives.

It is a problem if they aren't working when they can be, especially when they really need wages higher than welfare. It is also worrisome to me that it is affecting people socially so much they discourages marriage.

Those are real problems too.

Absolutely true, CW.

Sure, we can and should point out that corporate welfare is egregious. I completely agree and consider it outrageous. That needs to come to a screeching halt.

However, that by no means excuses or eliminates social benefit abuse by individuals. That also completely stinks and it is by no means a minor issue.

Dismissing the opinions of those who are upset by such abuse is not good strategy. People are genuinely upset by it and with good reason. It touches a nerve of unfairness if you are working hard and struggling to take care of yourself and your family and you see others who are not doing the same.

Telling people to forget about it, that it's not a real problem, that their concerns are false or based on inappropriate motives is just dumb.

[0nyxStation]

Originally Posted by stan4

If you give people free money, they won't want to work for it later?

Wow. Breakthrough. Wonder how much money they spent 'figuring that out.'

That's the whole point slavery ain't dead & Uncle Sams plantation is in full effect. My dad told me about this as a kid. Food Stamps & wellfare are dangers & to never get involed with anyone connected to those vices. I'm glad I listened to him.

[Ant131531]

Lol, just remember, the more of those 'lazy welfare recipients' get jobs, the less overall jobs there will be available, thus more complaining about how bad the economy is and how little jobs there are.