English 11R
From the moment jobs were invented there has been an apparent struggle for the unemployed or underemployed. In the early days of the United States, the colonies imported “British Poor Laws” These laws separated those who were unable to work due to physical health issues and those who were able but unemployed. Groups such as these were assisted with money and other forms of help from the government. Up to now, these concepts and values have been held constant in the form of Welfare. Since 1935 -during Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency-the creation of this process has improved so many American lives. Snatching this benefit out from under so many people is inhumane and frankly, un American. As stated in the Declaration …show more content…
This comfort does not consist of shopping sprees or lavish items but a roof over heads and food on tables. Those who receive welfare want comfort for their children and give them a sense of the security all American citizens deserve. A common misconception anti- welfare advocates try to promote is “People are lazy and hardworking taxpayers should not provide to those accepting welfare”According to the UC Berkeley Labor Center nearly 73% of people receiving public benefits are members of working families. Arguments such as these are invalid because most people accepting this financial aid work full time jobs, and use welfare to support costs that their low income jobs to not cover. Helping those in need should never be frowned upon or discouraged. Regardless of the economic state or prosperity of a country as a whole, there are always people who need some help. One major factor is that poverty and the obligation to provide for one’s family can lead people to commit illegal actions. For instance a citizen whose basic needs are met will not resort to a life of crime in order to keep food on the table. Many people will do desperate things in times of severe need, in order to sustain their family. These welfare programs help to make sure that crime is never anyone’s only option. Clothing, food and shelter are all basic necessities of life and those who cannot receive them legally tend to take them, by all means …show more content…
Think back to elementary school when another child in your class did something unacceptable, causing your whole class to lose privileges. You most likely felt hurt and felt a sense of injustice. Rare cases that show abuse of welfare should not let millions of other people remain in poverty and struggle based on a small percentage of criminals. According to Webster’s dictionary, welfare means “Well-doing or well-being in any respect; the enjoyment of health and the common blessings of life; exemption from any evil or calamity; prosperity; happiness.” Often when one hears about someone on welfare they are quick to jump to conclusions. The positive connotation the term Welfare possesses has brought me to a more informed conclusion. Everyone comes across difficult times, and those on welfare are human despite their financial situation. One courageous woman Brenda Della Casa explains what the truth is for people who accept Welfare. Brenda emphasises that during her childhood when she lost her home, she was forced to eat Pork and Beans every night for dinner due to her Grandfather’s $500 per month budget. As she went with her Grandfather to sign up for food stamps she was humiliated. Not because they were lazy drug addicts-they were just poor. Poverty isn’t something that is always planned. Whether you are tall, skinny, old, young, white, hispanic, black or anything in