That is why we have scholarships, student loans and many employers, including the military, who pay for their employees to go to higher education.
These are great things and I am in full support of them. I just believe in a both/and solution.
One could easily make the argument that public education is a hand out, or that paid military “service” is a hand out, among many other government programs. I disagree with this.
If it were being used as a hand up, then I would have a different opinion. Likewise I do not feel we have enough options to help people who get laid off and have to deal with the shock of loosing a significant portion of their income over the first month or so. The problem is that most people in these programs are in full and permanent reliance on them.
I completely agree that we should eliminate government programs where people are essentially using it as a hand out. This is not helping them.
Fortunately, there are programs that help many people get on their feet and live a normal life. My mother is an example of this.
Did you ever ask why these individuals do not get support from private sources? Maybe because they continue to make bad choices and sqander their opportunities and they can go to the big annonymous government and get something for nothing.
Many of them unfortunately do. To these individuals, they should get nothing. To individuals genuinely trying to make it, they should get help. Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference.
There are many good private charities that people use to help get on their feet. Many of these religious institutions, including Catholic ones, coordinate efforts with government to help serve the people.
But yes, I think it’s a good thing when individuals are willing to go to a private charity. There are many good ones out there. I’m not sure why you thought I would disagree with this.
Actually I think many who support welfare are the ones out of touch. Not all of us were meant for traditional jobs but all were meant to contribute and we were all given tallents to contribute to society. Some want to take of others talents but are unwilling to use their own talents.
If a person is not working and can work within a reasonable period of time, no, they should not get government assistance. I guess it depends on what you mean by “welfare.” Sometimes government assistance for a period of time if for the common good. This is something the Church supports in Catholic Social Teaching documents.
If someone is a welder and gets laid off they may have a hard time finding the exact same job elsewhere. If they open their eyes, they may be able to find suitable employment else where. Maybe not at the same wage but suitable employment none the less. Now I am not necesarily against a program to help these people out by unloading the assetts that they can no longer afford such as large houses, expensive cars, etc.
Yes, I agree. And hopefully in this economy there will be some kind of work for these individuals. If a person is living beyond their reasonable means in the first place, they really need to get a reality check.
It is not set up to suffocate working families, it is set up so all have opportunities, at least it was set up that way before the communist came in.
Do you believe the Church’s teaching that government work toward the common good is socialist teaching?
Again, I believe in personal responsibility, accountability, and hand ups for those who genuinely desire it. This will help all of us in the long run.
