Have you ever known someone who got food stamps?
Do you know any folks getting help under the Medicaid or Medicare
programs?
Do you know anyone who got government help to train for a job after they
became too disabled to do their previous work?
Do you know anyone who borrowed a book from a public library?
These socialist programs are under attack by Conservatives in 2020.
It’s no secret that conservatives believe people should take the
responsibility for their own welfare and not be a tax burden on their fellow
citizens. Conservatives oppose socialism.
Truly, businesses and workers would pay less in taxes if social programs
were cancelled provided that the money wasn’t spent on other projects.
I have known a lot of people who depended on food stamps (or food
benefits) and Medicaid until they were able to obtain work. Others need
financial assistance to retrain for work following a disability.
Personally, I don’t mind paying taxes to help others. It is true that
some people will try to cheat us and take more than their fair share. That’s
human nature. And cheating taxpayers is not limited to the poor who often get
caught. Mega-cheats can be found in corporations too. So, we must pay extra for
fraud investigators as a part of dealing with human beings.
Religious Programs
Some tell me that they would rather give to religious organizations than
government programs. That can be a good thing. Some fine organizations show up following
disasters and others help their communities. Unfortunately, religious
organizations are not required to serve all Americans like government programs
do. Private agencies depend on donations. Some require participation in
religious practices, and some pay exorbitant salaries to their executives—something
you won’t find in government offices.
Capitalism Instead
Capitalism had been a way of life in America for decades. Capitalism incentivizes
people to work for a living. But capitalism does not offer social support when
people cannot work. As more and more people struggled to survive, social
programs were developed to provide food, education, and basic medical care.
Americans don’t do much for their citizens compared to other nations who are
less wealthy.
Attacks on social programs are really attacks on people who will go without
food and medicine unless they happen to find a good paying job or someone with
compassion. Keep in mind, some are too young to work and some are too disabled
to work.
Attacks on socialism are attacks on the poor who require social programs
to survive. Even some who are employed do not earn enough to cover all their
expenses.
Resources
What does the US provide to citizens? US Government benefits https://www.usa.gov/benefits
How does the US compare with other wealthy nations? We could do better.
“Among the 17 countries
evaluated in the Shorter Lives, Poorer Health report, the
United States had the highest rates of poverty and child poverty, according to
the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). More than
one in five American children live below the federal poverty level, making them
more likely to suffer from asthma and obesity and have poorer nutrition, less
access to health care and lower vaccination rates.” (apa.org)
Doesn’t the US give a lot of aid to poor
nations?
The US gives a small percentage of its
income to other nations. According to the Center for Global Development, the US
ranks 27th. You might see high dollar amounts given by the US. The
US does give more if you focus on dollars instead of percentages. The issue is
complicated when you consider what type of aid is given to whom. It is good
that the US gives a lot. Perhaps the point is, we could do more. (See
npr)
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