The Pitfalls of Our Modern Welfare System

A basic history of America's modern welfare system focuses on our failure as a society to prevent poverty in our country from becoming epidemic.

Initially, early Americans developed " an economic safety net" to provide for those experiencing hardship and in need of assistance. These individuals would pay a small fee in return for basic services such as, " guaranteed sick benefits, a proper funeral and financial support for their widows and children" in the event of death.

Today's welfare system provides many of the same services but extends well beyond these basic ideas. Instead of "small fees" being paid when assistance is needed, all citizens have a portion of their paycheck deducted automatically and deposited into a federal fund. Not only does this money pay for those who have "earned" services, but also for those who have not contributed.

Millions of Americans today "bleed" this system with no intention of changing their status in life or society. There is no accountability or desire for self improvement. The very system that was developed to assist those in need after they contributed to society has in turn become one of the biggest reasons our country's poor remain poor. It has been observed the poor most often fail to develop constructive social habits. Handouts, medical care and food are given out with abandon. No time limits for remaining in the system are upheld and there are therefore no incentives for these individuals to search for self sustainance are stressed. The 'poor' of this country oftentimes have more food, cash on hand, and better healthcare than those who work full time.

Historians have also delved deeper into the reason that this problem persists in this group and why they fail to change their social habits like it was initially intended when in the beginning of welfare, the initiators made statements like this one; " the benefits were not viewed as a handout, because they had earned by virtue of paying the modest weekly dues. This self-supporting aspect also worked to engender a sense of pride and solidarity."

Perhaps this is the solution for change. Initiation of reward programs, assistance and insistence to obtain employment and housing, medical care and food should be developed to change the mindset of our poor and needy. Turning back to the original intent of the welfare system must be established to stop the downward spiral of our current welfare system. Only in this way will there be the support for future Americans who truly need help, due to illness or hardship to provide for their loved ones when hard times befall them.