This is a great thread!!
Steve: In all fairness, I certainly don't think you would be for gassing all the poor and unfortunate people in America. Republicans want to do that
But I do think that the idea that some people are just destined to fail leads to some very scary ideas of how to "help" those people.
Moses: I think you HAVE to be concerned with the non-contributors, as long as we have programs in place that take US GDP and put it into their pockets for a lifetime. Welfare is a drag on our country in an era where global competition is growing exponentially. Oh, and I don't really care about their "life choice" as long as they don't expect MY tax dollars to put food in their belly for their lifetime simply because they made a "life choice" that didn't include an income.
Rodeo: I don't think your example is a good one. In that case, she is a crackhead. Smoking crack is illegal in this country. She should be in jail. Now, to give your argument the benefit of the doubt, here is what I think might be a decent solution:
1). She goes to jail for smoking crack.
2). While in jail she gets drug rehab and counseling to try and keep her from returning to drug addiction. She also gets some job counseling and gets placed in a probationary workers program to learn a skill which can be used in the marketplace.
3). Her family gets government assistance contingent on her participation in the work program for the specified time AND her holding a job down AND random drug tests for cocaine. If she fails any of these then the gubmint money stops, except for vouchers for diapers, baby food, children's clothes, etc. Yes, she could barter these for crack, but it's at least harder to do than getting cash. If she decides to turn her life around then she can re-apply for the gubmint assistance, same rules apply.
4). Her children would either (A) benefit from her rehabilitation and seeing their mother turn her life around or (B) be taken from the home of a crackhead where the environment is horrible and likely contributes to their likelihood of becoming drug addicts themselves.
The current system goes like this:
1). Crackhead (maybe) gets picked up and spends a few days in jail.
2). Crackhead applies for welfare and gets accepted where she gets a monthly check which can buy her more crack.
3). Children grow up in a crackhead house and learn that mommy doesn't have to work because she gets a magic check in the mail every month.
4). Kids never learn any sort of responsibility or work ethic and probably end up in poverty themselves drawing a welfare check.
Now, Rodeo, how would you handle the situation? I'm curious...