But I ain't holding my breath. The sticky wicket is that I want workers. The Pubbies want voters.
I think it is possible but it would require some severe cultural changes (in the country as a whole, not just any specific demographic).
1. Our side would need to realize that we aren’t going to get a complete elimination right away. Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of action. As Reagan put it, go for incremental steps.
2. Begin by severely limiting what can be purchased with food stamps or how other benefits are used. It has gotten to the point where I can predict who will be using a “Lone Star Card” when I go shopping because they are the ones piling up steaks and junk food in their carts. It has gotten to the point that what once was ‘luxury’ items that one had to work hard to achieve can now be achieved by being on public assistance. There isn’t anything to strive for through work that can’t be gained from a handout. Steaks, cell phones, etc, are all now givens as part of the assistance programs.
3. Have a major crackdown on the fraud that takes place in the welfare system. These ‘day care’ games are a good example. Every welfare mom and her sister has a daycare business watching each other’s kids and reaping government dollars through child care payments. Another fraud that is costing millions is people selling food stamps or other benefits to others. Require photo identification to use any sort of assistance benefit like food stamps or EBT cards. I have a co-worker I saw using a Lone Star card at the store even though between her and her husband make over $100K per year. They simply bought the card from someone else so that person could have some cash. The sad part is many of these scams are coordinated in and by churches.
4. The marketing is the big challenge but it needs to be approached. We need to change the culture. This will involve recognizable, young and ‘hip’ faces (Zo would be a good example) who will begin to start preaching the value of self-sufficiency and independence. Getting public assistance should be treated like something shameful unless absolutely needed (we will never get to the point where we don’t have benefits to those truly in need who can’t work). Tell the young guy on welfare that he is stealing food out of his grandma’s mouth by taking assistance he doesn’t need. Another poster suggested that we as business owners and executives start mentorship programs for inner city youth who would otherwise end up in the welfare cycle. I think this is an excellent idea.
I have reams of other ideas (as I’m sure we all do) but not the time to post them today.