The U.S. Government and Welfare

Essay by Anonymous UserCollege, UndergraduateB, March 1997

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For a long time now, since the accomplished formation of a stable government, the U.S government has had programs and passed laws that either dealt with issues of or influence family. Many of these "family" programs and laws currently in place today are frequently and commonly debated. One of the most debated and most labored over "family" programs or law is Welfare. The argument is whether or not to, and how welfare should be cut or minimized.

The debate is simple enough, but the argument on welfare's benefits and drawbacks is not. On the pro side of the argument, on which I stand, welfare aids poor families as well as the economy and may help to reduce crime. Welfare's benefits far out weigh its drawbacks. Welfare generally helps poor families survive in today's economy by providing a means for them to obtain food while they search for a job.

These families receive foodstamps, to purchase food, and a small amount of dollars to aid with either rent or utilities. Because of this income from welfare, crime is reduced. This is because there is now more income so the poor no longer have the need to go out and commit crimes to attain that income. Welfare also aids in improving the economy because the children of these families can afford to go to school and have a chance to make someone of themselves. Instead of enrolling in welfare themselves, in the future these people will make contributions to the economy and will be tax paying citizens.

On the contrary, welfare is currently a great government expense that tax payers pay for. Federal tax rates throughout the country are extremely high and welfare, along with Medicare and Medicaid, are main contributors. The purpose of welfare is to aid a person...