Matt Asks a Question
Thomas Jefferson said:
The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.
To which my good friend, Matt, asks, "And those who can't?"
Of course, compassion must be shown to those who truly "can't". The problem with runaway entitlements (which will kill the democracy) is the increasing number of those who actually "can" but think they "can't". As more and more people lose their self-reliance and depend on (and demand) the government to provide for their wants AND needs, economically, socially, and morally we all crash.
But how do we determine who can and cannot work? What government department, bureaucrat, or regulated criteria can determine with accuracy and fairness who really deserves aid and who is only trying to "work the system"?
The answer is to ultimately depend on the individual, not the government, to qualify him or herself.
Sure, there will always be those who out of laziness, low self-esteem or corrupted values will try to get something for nothing. Certain guidelines are needed. But most people, if given the responsibility to self-assess their own situation instead of giving this right of welfare determination to another (person or institution), will more times than not take the high road.
I truly believe that most people live their lives with honor.
I have this box that tells me so.