That's how much is spent by federal and state governments for each household below the poverty level. Of course, a huge amount of that money was wasted or spent on bureaucracy, but what the hell, it's for the good of the country. Right?
Now, if we can only figure out how to pay the loans off to the Chinese for these "wonderful" efforts to help the downtrodden. My share is a six figure number.
Two things always come to mind for me when I read articles like this. First is that anyone and everyone receiving monetary assistance for living expenses from local, state or federal governments unless they're retired should be subject to random substance abuse testing up to and including unannounced visits to insure tax dollars aren't being squandered on cigarettes and alcohol. Second is that if you take that money you owe something in return, there's no such thing as a free lunch. Pick up trash in a park, help paint walls in a school, mop the floors in the county courthouse, etc., you're going to earn it. If work is beneath you then starve, dammit.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Rip.
ReplyDeleteI agree, but I'd rather see no free anything at the federal level. That's a state's job and the bureaucracy at that level is bad enough without adding the federal amount.
ReplyDeleteAgreed Jess, but I don't see the fed's backing off anytime soon, probably not even in my lifetime. But I don't have a problem with making those collecting welfare (a.k.a. taking money I worked for from me before I even get paid for my effort) spending time scrubbing toilets and shower stalls at the local county jail or cleaning out the k-9 pens in exchange for financial assistance. Hell if the work required is demeaning enough then it just might provide incentive to aspire for something better. Think of it as a hand up instead of a hand out!
ReplyDeleteThere's some big salaries being made administrating the programs, so you're right.
ReplyDeleteI, too, think they need to work. Also, the fraud should have penalties so stiff, those that participate in such activities never have the opportunity again.