View from the Center and Left Message Board

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : View from the Center and Left

Public Reply Prvt Reply Mark as Last Read File

Previous 10 Next 10 Previous Next

To: epicure who wrote (3939)	9/25/2005 1:30:19 PM
From: Rambi	Read Replies (2) of 543622

I don't know that more money even has to be the answer- at least immediately- but we need a very hard look at how we are spending the money currently. When the programs in place are not causing change, they need to be evaluated and replaced if they aren't working. There are many existing programs that attempt to deal with the problems you listed. Early intervention which sends workers into homes to teach parents how to talk and work with their children, Headstart programs, social services which offers nutrition classes and budgeting. Why do these fail. Is it because they have no strings attached to them? So why bother- The check comes anyway? Are they not intensive enough? Not comprehensive enough? Part of the paternalism concept (now there's a word with some baggage!) is the enormous resistance you will encounter. Restricting food stamps from junk purchases is a terrific idea, but the screams of the recipients will be far more shrill than those of the lobbyists. Any attempt to interfere with their life choices is considered a form of discrimination, from diet to birth control. Don't you think there would be a huge outcry about this from the liberals (though you are correct about it being a societal problem, not a partisan problem)? You have heard my stories (probably a zillion times) about my clients who said with great righteousness, "it's my RIGHT to have as many babies as I want and you have to pay for them" and "I buy potato chips because my family deserves them". I would love to tie up benefits with expectation of change and a demand for certain behaviors. Need another word for paternalism, though; that one probably won't hunt, o great master. :)

Report TOU Violation

Share This Post

Public Reply Prvt Reply Mark as Last Read File

Previous 10 Next 10 Previous Next