Well, the work requirement is where we have headed, in a "soft version", that accepts job training and looking for work, and has exemptions and extensions. In any case, the ideal is to expect something of able recipients (I include psychologically able recipients) beyond a relatively brief emergency period. Why that sounds "Soviet", I can't quite fathom. Employability is often a matter of learning to get to work on time, and how to get along with supervision. Yes, the government can provide structure and discipline by at least a modest work requirement, acting as the employer of last resort.
I am skeptical of government propaganda programs, but I think that these issues come up, and abstinence should be encouraged when they do.
I am only acquainted second hand with Olasky. Yes, I think he addresses the social dynamic somewhat, and I am myself sensitive to it, but it does not matter much. His main point is that high- risk behavior that the middle class mostly could handle, like promiscuity and drug abuse, was devastating to the poor, who were more likely to deal inadequately with risk factors and less likely to have the means to handle adverse consequences....... |
