Apathy is to Apathetic as People is to Government

You can take a child to baseball, but it doesn't mean that he is going to catch the ball. When you try to take the child to the next practice, he may not want to go, because he wasn't catching the ball. He may feel like he never will. He also may not like to play anymore because he feels inadequate. Because of his feelings, he may want to quit. He might feel that it is just easier to stay home and play catch with dad.

Depending on the parents, this situation could have two paths. The paved path is followed by the parents that take the child home and practice more, and build his confidence up. If by the end of the season, the child truly does not enjoy the sport, then the decision to no longer participate in that sport can be justified. Along with the decision to quit, should be another decision: finding another sport or extracurricular activity.

The rocky path is followed by the parents that decide to just let the child quit.

Unfortunately, in all aspects of life, people are lead down the rocky path. The people who lead in these situations that point down the rocky path are also known as enablers. Enablers allow people to commit to wrong, with good intentions. Welfare unfortunately is given by the enablers to the "child" that wants to quit. Just like any circumstance, some of the children make it through just fine to adulthood, just as welfare recipients find the paved road.

The biggest problem with fixing people is they are not material items. We cannot throw away those who just don't work, no matter how much they are fixed. We cannot just fill them with fluid to stop a leak, and hope the leak stops. We have to look into other options. So far, just giving people money and "ideas" to better their lives is not providing the best answers.

There may be rules and time limits to most of these benefits, but unfortunately, not many are followed. The problem with following these rules may result in homelessness, increased crime, and fatalities.

There are many proposals that can be introduced to remedy this problem. That is the easy part. The problem is finding the best solution, with out the destruction that could follow.

The proposal I have is to exchange money from welfare to creating a minimum wage that can sustain an average American family. As far as all the legalities go, I do not have an idea how this can be done, but it sounds logical. That would be the first transition I would like to see happen. The second transition that should be made is the availability of healthcare to those who work. When I had two jobs with no insurance, I still was not able to go to the doctor unless I wanted to miss paying rent. Those who could afford my medication got it for a third of the price that I paid. The third transition would be to "wean" people off of the welfare system. The government should then start following its own rules, and learn when and who to say no to. Unfortunately this transition will be hard, not only for those who are addicted to assistance, but society. Society is going to have to deal with the fact that some people just won't better themselves. Eventually, people will learn that they need to work hard to be a part of society again.

If our society can stop being apathetic towards those who need help by just throwing some money and an idea at them, then possibly those who need help wouldn't be so apathetic towards ideals concerning life. The best achievements are made by those who complete them their selves.

Learn more about this author, Meghan R. Coleman.
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