Social Security Reform and Welfare Reform and the bottomless pit they are forming.

[Ronnie Edwards]

Though this was not in a current article in the news today due to over shadowing with other issues, they are still current events to me at least.  This country’s social security and welfare system is killing the economy for starters.  Those of retirement age are not able to sustain life as they did when they were working and or actually retire, due to the minimal social security checks per month.  The monies paid per person (FICA) per year will not be enough to cover a person that retires at age 66 until death, even if the amount put into the system is paid to the retiree, with average life span still rising in the U.S.  Welfare was intended for the most disadvantaged members of society.  Today this is not the case; currently a person on welfare receives more than a person retired and collecting social security.  I know of a family that the parents, both retired, receive $350 each a month, where their daughter in her 40’s receives almost $1000 a month in welfare and disability and is very capable of working.  The “Welfare Trap” has this individual living better than if she was working 40 hours a week.  Both systems are unsustainable, if left unchanged.

• This material is covered in Chapter 17.
• First I would semi-privatize the social security system, using the same logic as the work force is now.  Those that paid in more retire with more, secondly I would instill law that prevented the borrowing of the money to fund any other government program.  The government would retain control enough enabling this system to be law, as most will not put away for retirement until it is too late and private sector to manage funds and investments.  Welfare as I realize that there will be a need for those less fortunate or that come under hard times.  However, the rules and regulations will be stricter, rules and regulations that prevent the “Welfare Trap.”  Purchases would be monitored, necessities would be the only purchases authorized.  Monthly audits, drug screening, health exams etc… would be some of the restrictions imposed.  Even if the government handed out the food commodities as was the case in years past.  Life on welfare should not be better than working should be the other way around.
• My faith tells me feed those that are hungry and shelter those who need sheltering.  The key work is “need” in this country unfortunately we have “deserving poor” and “undeserving poor,” the latter becoming a problem.  God teaches us to be compassionate toward others giving help where help is needed, some do fall on hard times, and I have been one of them.  However, continuing to sow my neighbor’s fields does not teach them the pleasure and gratitude of reaping what they sow nor the fruits of their labor.

[Sandra Billups]

     I agree the current welfare system and social security are in desperate need of reform. It is disheartening to realize there are people who abuse the welfare system when so many desperately need help. Were I in charge, I would recommend major oil companies, fast food industries, and chain corporations like Wal-Mart pay their unskilled workers a living wage or else risk losing or suffering a reduction in annual government subsidies. Still, I do not believe businesses nor honest tax-paying citizens should bear the brunt of the welfare program. The fathers of the children used to help abusers circumvent the system should also be pursued more aggressively and required to support their children. The money saved and recovered might benefit both welfare and social security.

     Those individuals who abuse the system must be dealt with. However, those in need should also be provided a means to improve their lot in life. I am not in a position to determine which is which, but I view the issue with the thought that: “None knows the weight of another’s burden” (George Hubert). God, who sees all and knows all, can be their judge.

     I am not sure about the future of either system, but my faith tells me two important things on this subject: For the system abusers, “This we commanded, that if a man would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thess 3:10), and for me, “But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:17-18).

[Ronnie Edwards]

Thanks Sandra for the scripture quotes, those are the basis in my beliefs.  We are quick to ridicule those who we do not know the full story.

Take the recent event in the news that the public has taken so much interest in.  The lady that drove her luxury car to pick up her government assistance vouchers.  I don't condemn her like the rest of the news media for doing that she is doing what is best for her family.  In the grand scheme of things selling her car or house would not help the situation any.  I believe her car was a earlier model which more than likely paid off.  So she didn't buy a luxury car while on government assistance.  On the opposite there are many that do buy unnecessary items while on government assistance and that would be where the problem lies.

I do not have the perfect solution but to try nothing is only keeping the problem a problem.

[Sandra Billups]

Ronnie you were so right when you said, “…to try nothing is only keeping the problem a problem.” That is why it pains me so to see our government standing stagnate and digging their heels in based on party principles rather than coming to the table intending to find a viable solution for the welfare system. Both parties agree the system is broke and needs fixing, but it seems neither party is willing to hear the other side out or come together to develop a workable answer. In the mean time, we all suffer. What a shame. I doubt any one person has the perfect solution, but I believe a group of concerned citizens like you and I might be able to join together and present an initiative that spurs some sort of action. What do you think?

[Jonda Lehrmann]

I agree with a lot of of what you are saying Ronnie, and Social Security seems like a giant "Ponzi" scheme.  People are currently paying into a system that they will never get their money back much less any additional return on their investment.  I may see some of the money but my son may not which is very disheartening. Currently pastors are able to opt out of the social security system and it would be nice if we in the general public could do the same.  

God calls us to be good stewards with what he has blessed us with and this is one area that our government has not been good stewards.  At the very simplest perform drug testing on recipients of welfare money, as an example.  On a personal level we need more individual and church involvement with the less fortunate within our communities, and not rely on bureaucrats and the Federal government.  Our church is involved with 6 Stones ministries that helps the less fortunate families in the Mid-cities area.