The Drive from Poverty

“I am for doing good to the poor, but...I think the best way of doing good to the poor, is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it. I observed...that the more public provisions were made for the poor, the less they provided for themselves, and of course became poorer. And, on the contrary, the less was done for them, the more they did for themselves, and became richer.” ― Benjamin Franklin


      I retrieved this quote was from a speech Mr. Franklin made on  November 29th 1766 while talking about the Management of the Poor in the American Colonies.  Note that this speech was made prior to the signing Declaration of Independence and ten years prior to the beginning of the Revolutionary War.   In other words, here is proof that one of the founding fathers of our country held the opinion the enablement of mediocrity within our society is detrimental to the success of our country. Yet, the progressive left persists in claiming that it was the intent of our founding fathers that we as a society provide "a living wage", universal healthcare, social welfare, and any other nanny state program that they can dream up to ensure a permanent welfare class within our country.
     I believe, as did Mr. Franklin, that the best way to encourage an individual to strive for self improvement is to make him or her uncomfortable in their current environment.  I do not believe that we should allow our citizens to starve, however I do not believe that people who rely on Government food stamp assistance should be free to choose what they purchase with the money that is given to them freely by the Government who obtained the funds from the labor of its working citizens.  Staple goods such as, bread, rice, beans, and an allotment of meat, (not steak, mind you but a cheaper cut of beef pork or chicken) could be provided to those in need of government assistance to get them through hard times.  Dairy products should be limited to powdered milk and processed cheese ( I lived off of these items for months at a time while deployed in combat zones in the military, and stayed in excellent physical condition therefore I know they provide adequate nutrition).  These items should be given out monthly at allotment stations, immediately after they pass a required urine analysis, and have their employment records updated showing that they attempted to make at least two attempts per week to find employment.  I understand that at times the lines could be long, but as I said people should not be comfortable in poverty, free food should require some sacrifice from the recipient, and those truly in need would have the resolve to be patient. 
     Individuals who wish to obtain government financed housing should be required to perform a minimum of  eight hours a week community service improving the community which provides them with a roof over their head.  Public welfare should be discontinued completely.  The idea of paying someone money simply because they have none is obscene. 
     Instead of Government welfare, perhaps a Federal work program should be implemented, it would not take much and could integrated into many facets of the Federal system very easily.   Its simple and the models are already in place, all the Government would have to do is look at any temporary employment agency and follow their policy.  If a person is broke and cannot find a job, then he goes to the local government office and says " I want to work"  the office looks up an opening for the day and sends them out.  At the end of the week the person's account is credited for the hours worked at a standard minimum wage.  Private businesses could buy into this service for simply labor.  they could also use this program as a "testing field" for potential full time employees.  Anything from janitorial, clerical, or simple labor jobs (using a shovel, rake, or hoe).  The State and local Government could also draw from this pool, cleaning up roadways, state parks, tearing down dilapidated housing, simple jobs that require no skill set but allow the person to earn the money they receive rather than it being handed to them. 
     I would also attach a jobs program to adult education centers.  For every three days in the classroom two days of compulsory labor would be required.  This would encourage the students to pay attention and learn the skills they require quickly. 
     I understand that these ideas seem radical, however, I believe that we have reached a point in our country where radical ideas are quickly becoming necessary if we are to survive as a nation.  There is a revolution coming, whether it ends in a country we recognize is yet to be seen.