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From: adolph@mprvaxa.UUCP (Stephen Adolph)
Newsgroups: net.politics
Subject: Re: re-distribution of wealth
Message-ID: <611@mprvaxa.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 23-Jan-85 22:10:46 EST
Article-I.D.: mprvaxa.611
Posted: Wed Jan 23 22:10:46 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 24-Jan-85 03:05:45 EST
References: <138@ihdev.UUCP>
Organization: Microtel Pacific Research, Burnaby, B.C., Canada
Lines: 49


	I always find it interesting when Americans complain about the
	tax system sapping the life blood and vitality of their nation
	away when Canadians are taxed much more heavily. However this
	is not my main point. Yes I agree the social welfare system is
	a massive economic burden, I am reminded of this every two weeks
	when Her Majesty's government freely takes its share of my
	meagre ( in my opinion ) earnings. However, consider this, did the
	poor make a conscious decision to be poor ? Did they have or will
	they have the opportunity to improve their stature ? One expression
	often used by those of a more conservative nature is the so called
	"welfare bum". I have no doubts these people exist ( there are even
	a few companies who fall in this category, but thats for another
	posting ), however many of those on welfare are there because of
	desparation and what is worse there is no path out for them.

	A reform of the social welfare system is required, but a reform
	which will open doors for those on welfare and lead to lives 
	which will be productive. I am quite sure almost anyone on welfare
	would prefer to be a master of their own destiny rather than living
	on the good graces of the state. 

	What kind of reforms are necessary ? Two which I would suggest are:

		1) Improve educational opportunities. Face it, there are not
		   many menial jobs around anymore even if there was someone
		   who wanted one. Make continuing education widely available,
		   ensure the children of welfare recipients know they can
		   have the opportunity to advance to university, not just
		   the exceptionly bright, but also the mediocre (like the 
		   rest of us).

	 	2) Improve day care facilities. A large number of receipients
		   are single mothers trying to raise a family. For them to
		   attend school or work is almost impossible because of 
		   family requirements.

	These are two suggestions. I am quite sure that in many provinces and
	states there are programs similar to the ones I have mentioned perhaps
	they are working, perhaps they are not. The final question still 
	remains though:

		 Is there opportunity ?

	Without opportunity there cannot be reform.

	From the tall forests of British Columbia,

	Steve Adolph