The American society has an innumerable amount of problems; however, in
my opinion, one of the primary issues of our society is the welfare
system.
We as a nation have made it an acceptable lifestyle to get something
for nothing. Our government first
established the welfare system as a means to help an individual through
hardship and rough times… not as a “career” choice. Citizens have abused this privilege given by
our government; some people have chosen to take on welfare as a permanent
lifestyle rather than allowing it to serve as a temporary aid.
I have been raised to believe that with hard work comes positive
returns. If we as a society could
instill these values, then maybe this could be the beginning of a generation
where all Americans believe in working for what they want, and in turn, receive.
I know that, in order to change this way of life, patience will be
necessary… changing one of society’s belief systems will be no easy process; it
will be a slow transition. For starters,
though, I think that re-evaluating the criteria for receiving any sort of welfare
benefits would be a good place to begin.
Perhaps more people should be available to investigate each welfare application
in order to ensure that applicants are not falsifying information. Also, for those individuals who do receive
aid, there should be some amount of work required… there are always plenty of
community services that need to be fulfilled.
By requiring something in return for the help which will be provided by
these benefits, maybe it would instill greater values and encourage people to actually
want to find a job and be successful.
There are always exceptions, of course; there are citizens who are elderly
or sick and cannot work. People in these
conditions, without a doubt, should receive any and all help needed; however,
being twenty-one and lazy does not qualify.
