Ever notice when folks get free stuff, they don't take care of it?
I recall, as a contractor in California, how neighborhoods sank into despair, as HUD moved more folks in.
The problem was, is that in these neighborhoods, lots of "first time buyers" had worked, saved, and were able to get into the game, only to watch their hard work dissipate, as the area eroded into crime and ugliness.
Landscape was neglected, cars just left broken down, no pride of owning a home, etc.
It was often folks on fixed incomes too, who got caught in this program.
Hoping to "cash out" in retirement, they lost, as they put much of their future into believing they could profit at the end.
I saw this over, and over again, as I provided plumbing services in Southern California....
Service companies did not want to work in these neighborhoods, it wasn't safe, and prices reflected the risk.
So not only was your home worth less, it cost more to maintain it, as well, because of the blight.
If you recall, I think insurance companies got called out on this, charging folks within that neighborhood more premiums, for the same coverage, just a few miles away, I think it was called "red lining."
I noticed too, many on goverment supplied healthcare, were fat, smokers, and appeared to live a lifestyle that cared not, about the financial cost of living as such.....
I have to believe its because they didn't pay any (financial) burdens.....
Of course, this was not the same in every case, but the numbers were substantial.
If the goverment is going to provide programs, then need to try and ensure they do good, not further the problem, by creating more dependency, and fostering a lifestyle that hurts EVERYONE.
Thinking if only the government will provide a national healthcare system, and the problem is fixed, really is shortsighted, and a disservice, just like HUD was, for so many reasons.
Some type of accountability, and goal, of weaning folks off of programs, should be a very important component to any support, or subsidies.....
For example: A otherwise healthy individual is on welfare. They are obese, and that is the "excuse" as to why thy can't work, and of their diabetes.....
We should start with a base line support structure, and then as they "improve" on the things they CAN, like losing weight, exercise, stop smoking, drinking, better eating habits, etc.....
REWARD them with MORE support, like positive affirmation.
I believe if even 10% of the recipients accessed this chance, the savings would prove themselves out, and we would soon have a healthy crop of independent folks who would be a asset, instead of a liability, to society.
The AA program is a fine example how folks turn their lives around.
It eventually is up to each one of us to realize our own worth, in life.
But most of us, a VAST majority, need help, and support, from others, in achieving it....
Be it a sponsor in AA, or a caring teacher, in public school.
I saw this the other day.....
It blew me away.
I hope you find the value in it too.
Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become your habits.
Watch your habits, they become your character.
Watch your character........
It becomes your destiny. Peace all, dawg out