What do you think about people who live off the government and don't give back?

Question

I am single, work 40 hours a week, go to they gym 6 nights a week, attend community meetings and volunteer for local events whenever I can, in addition to taking care of a house and a yard. I am not on unemployment, and I do not use nor need governmental assistance, nor care to put myself in that position.

I have several friends for various reasons are not working, and either are collecting social security, welfare, or some kind of "free ride." They go out almost every night and dine in nice restaurants, and play on the computer all day and night. They never volunteer their free time (and have lots of it) for anything!

Am I wrong for feeling like I can't relate to these friends anymore, because I am always tired after work, and I have so much I have to do on the weekends, that I can't go out and play? Am I wrong for feeling bitter? I feel they are taking advantage of a system that is intended for the very old, or very ill, and those in dyer need.
I would like your opinion

Answer 1

Granted friend, welfare itself is a majorly over-used system. However, you lumped Social Security into that group, and that's never a free ride.

I know.....I am on Social Security Disability. I worked my hump off for 20 plus years driving a truck, and had a major wreck......now I'm drawing SSD due to insurmountable back injuries. I'm also taking medication that precludes me finding something that wouldn't put any stress on my back (pain killers, meds for depression).

Between us? Virtually everyone I know on SSD would RATHER be working. You have no clue what it's like to go from being an "upright, contributing member of society" to having nothing but thumbs to twiddle all day long. The damage it does to your psyche.........well, let's just suffice to say, it gets much worse before it gets better.

I understand how you feel, but you have to see each person as an individual. Look at what they did BEFORE reaching that point, then decide if you wish to associate with them. You just might find that they need the friendship now, more than ever!!!

Answer 2

the differences are the haves and haves nots. plus you never know what are the circumstances. what may be clear to you from the outside may not be it from the inside of someone else's home. some people do need a hand up (those that abuse it, just abuse it that's all). now you may feel you are in a different place, then do something about it disassociate yourself away from those friends if you can't relate. Or be a real friend by helping them, since you say you volunteer your time do it with them too. you'll feel better and your friends will appreciate your not being phoney.

I wonder how does welfare rolls plague you, really? You still do what you hafta, you'll get taxed every paycheck but you'll hardly see where it goes. sure state/local authorities may fix a couple of roadways or do patchwork remodelling but how much of a difference will you see around you? NONE. Considering, if the hand full of people in charge knew better how to handle chronic problems it would mean less or no homelessness, affordable housing, better educational systems, jobs/job training, etc. (there's the difference). the welfare rolls, those people that plague you will then more likely seem minute under the circumstances.

Answer 3

I'm unemployed, not by choice. The benefits barely cover my expenses (mortgage, heat (62F), grocery store food) and will run out after 6 months. I don't consider it a free ride, but something my tax dollars went for while I was working. Maybe I should suggest a different system, where new workers are paid an extra $150 per week into a special account for the first year, and after that they have their own individual unemployment insurance account. Looking for work is harder work than you seem to think, I spend more than half the week at it and run out of places to look. I have the feeling it takes more time to fill out some application forms or send the resume than the employer spends reading them. Not to mention the time spent on cover letters. Are you sure they are "playing" on the computer? If they are giving good answers, isn't that giving back? Is it better to volunteer to call people up and ask for donations? Tonight I got a call, and even after I said I was unemployed, she persisted in asking, saying "Even just $200 would help a lot". I might volunteer for my local public radio station, it would take time away from looking for work.

Maybe you can't relate to your friends. Are you saying that if you were unemployed, you would be to proud to apply for unemployment? If you won't, that's your opinion. If they are getting benefits, they probably meet it's criteria for being in "dire need". Unless you know they are faking something.

Answer 4

To answer your question, it's not wrong to feel the way you feel. Yes they are taking advantage of our system. Unfortunately the government can't weed out every one who could get a job but won't and until we get a better system of dealing with this problem, it will continue to plague us. The truth of the matter is, they are comfortable collecting a check every month and most have no intention of changing that. So it's no surprise they don't try to find a job. However when you teach your kids the value of a hard earned check and show them how proud you are of their efforts, you teach him to be a man and an American. And what’s important is what you are doing for America.

Answer 5

I think that people who just sit around and get a free ride without giving back make the people who are using the assistance to make something of themselves look bad. Personally I am a single mother going to college full time trying to make a better life for my daughter and myself and I have daycare assistance, without which I would not be able to go to school. I volunteer and participate in community service groups at school and I can't stand the people who abuse the system and just get their checks and have more kids, never trying to better themselves or give back in anyway.

Answer 6

First of all, thank you for your community service and your committment to being a positive influence in our country. I get annoyed and complain about those kind of people too, but when it comes down to it, their lifestyle will catch up with them. The road they are on does have an end sooner or later. Even though we (the working people) carry their load, pay for their laziness and take care of them, they are always going to be around so we may as well just be thankful we aren't that way. I don't blame you for not relating to them- there is nothing in common with them. Take care.

Answer 7

You know what, I too was on disability for a long time. I wish I could have been working but was not able. You cannot tell by looking at me that I am disabled. I considered every working person my benefactor and went out of my way to be kind and uplifting to them. Being extra kind to clerks and others that met my needs. I appreciated them so much. I figured my ex-husband covered my tax expenses all by himself. lol. Gotta love 'em. Plus I put in my time working also. The Bible says the sleep of a working man is sweet so count your blessings that you are able to work. One time my husband injured his back and we were on welfare for 5 months. It was very embarrassing to go to the welfare office but I had to suck it up and go. It was a matter of survival. Have a good one. Mmm

Answer 8

There is no way someone can justify taking money for nothing. If somone is disabled fine. Unemployment is fine for 6 months to a year becuase everybody needs a break. To me it is morally wrong to take money that is not yours. It is just like stealing. God rewards those who work hard for the right reasons if not in this life then in the next.

Answer 9

People that take when they could be contributing to society are freeloaders and should be banned from having sex for the fear of polluting the world with another generation of lazy worthlessness. I too am upset with society in regards to the fact. Having children that you and I are paying taxes to support really upsets me, receiving gov. checks to lay around and make babies, ticks me off, and those who do these things see nothing wrong. They have grown so accustomed to being given everything they need, their mentality doesn't even for a second alllow them to see what they are doing is affecting society as a whole.

Answer 10

Unemployment is not a free ride! Your government outsources our good jobs then expects us to work 2 jobs at minimum wage to support the welfarians? Yes, Us displaced workers are bumbs.