by Leeanna Haugen

Created on: February 21, 2010   Last Updated: February 23, 2010

WELFARE:  HELP OR HINDRANCE?

Who hasn't needed help at one time or another? However, the question is whether welfare is a suitable form of help or if it is hindering the economy and the people living in it. The welfare system was designed to help individuals who find themselves in unexpected situations get back on their feet. It was not intended to be a permanent means of support for people.

Everyone has witnessed individuals at the grocery store loading up on expensive groceries and paying with their food stamps. One reason this tends to anger individuals so much is because they often have to go shopping on a tight budget.

In other words, everyone that is working is helping those that don't and those that don't are eating better than many people who do work for their food.

The amount of abuse of the welfare system is unbelievable. Some people have no intention of getting off of welfare. The bottom line is that they eat and live better not working than they would if they had a minimum wage job. This is a clue that the welfare system that is currently in place is not effectively designed.

The welfare should help those in need, however, it should also not be so good that people are living better on it than if they worked. What was designed to be temporary help is turning out to be a whole class of people permanently living off of the government and the working class.

Why is this such a hindrance? Well, besides the obvious (frustrating those that do work), it also has other effects. One group of individuals that should be considered is the children of parents on welfare.

They are growing up depending on the government. This is not the best example for them. This may delay or stunt their progress of becoming successful and independent adults.

So, does the welfare system help or hinder? Well, obviously the intentions of those who created the welfare system were pure. However, due to abuse over the years, the system is more of a hinderance to society and the economy.

The government needs to reevaluate the regulations that are in place and make appropriate adjustments. The future of our society depends on our government being able to eliminate the abuse of the system.

This has never been clearer than now in the face of an economic depression where there are few people that are untouched. Resentments are growing towards those who abuse the system. Action needs to be taken immediately.

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