I absolutely believe if I can do it that at least most can do it as well. It's not that hard to go to work and move up. It's not that hard (or expensive) to pick up a trade. Hell, there was an opportunity around here to go learn a trade, be housed, and be fed all for free courtesy of the state. Do you know how many people signed up? Two.
Like I said, and yes it's anecdotal, but everyone I knew that makes up this statistic of being poor keeps you poor and needing welfare to even survive were just lazy and made constant stupid choices. They smoked weed instead of going to apply for jobs. They sold weed, coke, pills, etc instead of going to work. The ones that did get a job called in constantly for stupid reasons. They went to jail and/or chose to live off of welfare.
It's also insane how much it is abused. Food stamps are sold, used for cookouts nearly every weekend, buys energy drinks, candy, and chips out of the gas station. At the mom and pops type stores you can use food stamps for almost anything. Get a pack of cigarettes. They'll type in the amount and press the food key on the register.
[–] perfectpencil ago
For all those individuals who "were just lazy and made constant stupid choices", how many of them do you believe would go and get jobs tomorrow if you made welfare harder to obtain/maintain? If some of them already sell drugs what incentive do they have to get a McJob instead?
That opportunity you mentioned helped 2 people and that's good. It obviously wasn't the solution for that populace...but I don't think making them poorer or hungrier is, either.
[–] Lake ago (edited ago)
Honestly? No, I dont think they would have done anything different. Maybe we are providing for people that no matter what you do for them will continue to fail. Still sounds like a waste of everyone's money.
The point is the people that need assistance will be more than happy with what's provided especially if it is just healthy food. The others, in my opinion, will either continue to fail or go try to succeed to get the treats/luxuries they want.
PS: I never said make them poorer or hungrier. I said make it less attractive. Welfare should never be a lifestyle that is desirable.