[MD] Unreality of Equality

[Ham Priday]

Hey, SA --


> Ham said:  "The more we feel it necessary to bail
> out the weak and indigent in our society, the less we
> can expect of our nation's leadership in the world."
>
> What do YOU think would be the best approach to
> the weak and indigent people of our society?  I
> emphasize YOU, because I don't want a preconceived
> notion about how I might or might respond to your
> answer.  I seriously want an honest answer from you
> about what to do with these people or not do; or how
> we are to approach, live with, or live without these
> people.  You admit there are weak and indigent people
> in our society in what way might they affect the rest
> of this society and how do we handle that effect?

I'm sorry to have to say that most of these people are doomed to victimhood
by the time they catch our notice.  The majority of these street people have
been deprived of a nurturing family environment that would have taught them
basic social skills, such as self-control, personal integrity, fiscal
responsibility, the value of education, the work ethic, and how to take
advantage of the opportunities available in a free society.  There are
numerous charities, like the Salvation Army and religious organizations,
that can meet the material needs of the indigent, but they can't be expected
to teach the habits of self-reliance that are crucial to a person's success
in this world.

If a person seeks handouts, whether from generous benefactors or the
government, he should be willing to do something productive in exchange.
Some cities have neighborhood work groups that employ the homeless to clean
streets, pick up refuse, or perform menial repair or refurbishment tasks
like painting or gardening.  I don't see why the indigents should not be put
to work; that's not "punishment", any more than clearing the table or taking
out the garbage is punishment for kids at home.  This has the benefit of
making the person feel useful, and may even give him a sense of pride in his
work.  Likewise, I believe incarcerated criminals should be made to work,
and I see nothing cruel or inhuman in "chain gang" labor performed under the
supervision of penitentiary officials.

By keeping indigents off the street and reducing urban blight, such programs
will raise the morale of the community and set the precedent for a
healthier, more productive society.  Remedial reading and job training could
also be offered as an attachment to the work program, so that in time the
community might be able to eliminate the spectacle of idleness and poverty,
while improving the lives of those affected.

Then again, drug and alcohol addiction is a related problem that calls for
professional rehabilitation.  I don't have the answers for this; however, as
I've outlined for Arlo, there are many tax supported programs available to
deal with this malady.  Any community that experiences this problem has a
moral obligation to direct the addict to the appropriate corrective agency.

--Ham