[Lady Sidhe]

Originally posted by ladysycamore


While I agree, the problem is that people don't always know which ones are the ones who are abusing the system (unless you actually know someone or know of someone's situation first hand). Reform and overhauling is fine, but IMO, it can put people who really need the help in a possible bind.

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That's why I think a five-year-limit is a good start. It shouldn't take five years to find a job. I know that sometimes it can take up to a year to find a job if the market is bad, but five years....naah.

Unless they actually had people going to recipiants' homes to monitor them, I don't think there's really any way to know for sure if someone is abusing the system. Although in La., you're required to look for work if you get public assistance, and you have to bring at least 5 applications to their office a week to prove it. If a job comes up that you can take, you're required to take it. You don't get cut off if you do, although the assistance may be reduced depending on how much the job pays. I think it's at least a good start.

There's nothing wrong with trying to get people to stand on their own feet. It instills pride to know that you can take care of yourself...at least I'd think it would. It does for me. I believe that people who truly DO want to take control of their lives won't protest welfare reform. They don't intend to be on it forever, so they don't have a problem with it. So long as it's there when the people who need it need it... That's why it exists.

Sidhe