In Massachusetts - a novel approach

Apparently a great deal of self-labeled "conservatives" are upset at a program in Massachusetts begun in 2006, which is going to receive an additional $3o,ooo to the $4oo,ooo currently received. First of all, that additional amount is relatively small for the uproar being raised. Read the story here for full details as reported in the Boston Herald.

As noted in the article, a person must be on welfare and have children. They must reside in an area where there is no public transportation to get to and from work. They either must have a job or demonstrate an ability to receive a job. Sixty-five people received cars last year. Those people had $6,000 deducted from there welfare benefits. Not having been on welfare, but examining the monies received for those on welfare and the amount of income one needs to have to qualify for welfare, I do not begrudge these people a chance to get out of this welfare trap.

Having reliable transportation is one of the keys to breaking the welfare cycle. Yes, these people will receive "free AAA membership and free insurance" for one year. This one year can be the year that they break free of the problems that typically besiege someone trying to escape poverty. Unfortunately, those people who are so angry at the perception that people are "getting something for nothing" that they fail to comprehend that they are actually helping to solve this cycle of poverty and dependence on the government. If you teach a man to fish, he can feed himself - is this not what this year and the car provides? A chance to not be feed, but to fish for himself? We are providing fishing poles instead of the fish and yet some of us still complain.

Can we please be more compassionate towards each other? This is our country. Yes, some of us cheat the system. I chose to believe there are more honest and good people than those who cheat. I know I am honest. I chose to believe that we continue to be the greatest country because we treat the sickest and poorest with some compassion still. If we can continue to do that, we will maintain our greatness, for it is said that the greatness of a country can be measured by how it treats its weakest, most vulnerable citizens. We must not fail.

We are Americans. All of us.