Here is a book I think you will enjoy S. Lindsey

Stealing from Each Other: How the Welfare State Robs Americans of Money and Spritit by Egar K. Browning.

Happy reading.

Welfare was never intended to be a lifestyle; rather, a vehicle to help people get on their feet. The problem seems to be with the mentality of those who find a way to stay in the system and a system that doesn't expect accountability from those leaching off its apron strings.

There are those that overcome the penury existence of welfare life. They are the warrior souls that could overcome any adversity (ie: Colin Powel). The question comes down to what to do about those more desultory indigents that have no desire to improve themselves. The answer is simple:

a) Stop giving more money for more dependents and instead reduce benefits for those having more than two children while on welfare. This is not a matter of the government imposing restrictions on family size - if you want more children, get off welfare.

b) Time limit for receiving benefits. Just as the Dept. of Labor has time limits for unemployment benefits - so should welfare. If you can't get your life together within a reasonable time frame, then you need more than government help, you need counseling. It will be easier to stay within that time frame without the birth of additional dependents.

c) Mandatory participation in an apprenticeship program. You may choose from a number of skilled professions, ie: plumbing, printmaking, carpentry, masonry, etc... After you have completed your apprenticeship the welfare department will even help place you in a job.

It seems to me that the answers are so easy. It's kind of like raising children - sometimes you have to practice tough love. We should help those less fortunate but should not allow them to leach off our generosity.