Does the government have an obligation to provide food, money, medical care and housing to the poor?

Question

If so, where in the Constitution is this stated?

Answer 1

It doesn't state this in the constitution but the majority has decided that in an industrialized nation such as ours, we help provide for the poor/and or disabled. Unfortunately sometimes that also includes the just plain lazy.

If we didn't, and had children living in the streets, people dying of easily treated illnesses, and 20 people living in a house with broken windows and no heat, it would reflect on us as a nation. We would be like Peru or Nigeria or some place where it sucks to be alive.

Answer 2

I do not believe that it is an obligation, but then again why would the American people expect the government to pay for the underprivileged. Why don't the American people stand up and support the other American people who do not have a job, house, or food. I lost my job and could not find a job in my field, so i found what ever I could and worked sometimes 3 jobs. Even though I did not have all that I wanted, I made do and was also able to give to others. We all want the best of everything and our kids are now growing up expecting certain things. I do want better for my kids than what I had, but I will not spoil them with crap. I would rather teach my kids that they can do without some of the things and be able to help some one else who has way less. We all should take a look at what we have.....do we really need it or could we use the money to help some who needs it. If you have never given you should.....there is no other better feeling of gratitude.

Answer 3

The government doesn't have an obligation, but they will provide those resources to the poor only if the poor seek the help. I am a white, single mom who does receive assistance and no, I'm not lazy and fat. I'm on Social Security Disability with a 12 year old son and I'm going to school to better myself. In my opinion, everyone in this country should receive medical care, no matter what their income is. It should be a given right. So many people fall through the cracks (i.e., veterans and children). That's just not right.

Answer 4

A government of the people, for the people, by the people.
Kind of vauge but I believe that applies.
The help came from laws (intitlements) passed by the government.
Medicare,Welfare,Social Security,OSI, ect.....
and god help us if we go to a national health care plan.

Yes the government should treat all americans like part of thier family. But just like a family member you cannot just carry them thier whole lives. Helping someone to much can destroy them sometimes. The problem is the government has such bad oversite on just about anything that they do they cant tell the difference between the freeloaders and the people who really need help. So every year people who just need help to continue with thier lives get off assistance and better themselves. But the freeloaders never leave and more join ever year. Also dont forget about corporate welfare. Let the airlines fall..... Then someone will buy the planes and get some non union labor. Run the airline like airtran and jet blue and make some profit while running a dicount airline. Dang I tend to ramble on sorry.

Answer 5

There is no actual source of documentation that states that we have an obligation. There is although a statement that says, "bring me your sick, your poor and tired..." I feel that everyone has an obligation to theirselves to porvide and do the best they can. The current system is established in theory like the Unions-to help people that try, work hard and need a little help to get over the hump, deal with issues that affect them and the such. The problem lies in the way that they are abused. I personally suffer from what my husband calls "save the world affliction, by trying to save one person at a time" I like to help people, but mostly the elderly and those that have tried to get up, and need someone to believe in them.
We are not obligated, but the only obligation lies in you.

Answer 6

The answer is no, and keep your legs together and don't have a kid unless you can take care of it. I shouldn't have to pay high taxes because you are sleeping around and become an unmarried parent. Get your education so you will not be some worthless person whose child will repeat your mistakes. I feel if you have one child and are not married, you should not expect other children you have to be supported by the taxpayer. Get into school and get an education. You are one of the few who can get a paid education free of charge.

If you become disabled or are born disabled, then you should be able to get support. Being unmarried with children you cannot take care of does not make you disabled.

Answer 7

Dear SIR , Madam .

We are all Brothers or Sisters we have the combined obligation to nurture each other.

The Government and of course all politicians let the bean pushers say; " 3.5% unemployed is acceptable" if we can turn that around and say that if it is Acceptable then we surely have the responsibility to look after them.

A minimum wage is one thing that they use as a smoke screen to give you the impression that they care and are doing something.. Hello a LIVING WAGE is what all people are entitled to , have we no morals at all.

Answer 8

no the government has no obligation to provide anything for any one. it is up to the people to find ways to provide for themselves. now there are cases of handicap when people are unable to provide for themselves. in cases like this yes someone needs to care for these people. one would hope the government would take care of the weakest among them. but this is not always the case. i do not believe the government needs to do anything for able bodied apt minded people with all the ability to work a job and chose not to or just chose not to improve themselves enough to get a better job when the one they have is not providing with enough money to pay their bills. i am not sure why anyone would think this is the responsibility of the government. the bill of rights the constitution none of this provides anything like this. you are thinking of the communist manifesto. and that is not the united states.

Answer 9

i think every civilised country has an obligation to help people when their down, sometimes through no fault of their own, but i do think it should be restricted to a helping hand and not a meal ticket for life

lets hope thumbs down you never need a helping hand in life, it can happen to the best of us. people can be poor when their bread winner is killed in things like war or is it only OK in some cases, you cant have it all my friend, either its one law for everyone, or no law at all

i always thought some Americans were thick this site just confirms it so lets give this scenario breadwinner goes out gets killed by a hit and run leaves 3 kids and a wife, you lot let them starve and die, yup sounds about right for the good old USA what a civilised country

come to the USA if your white, daddy's rich, then no probs if not too bad your fu..ked

Answer 10

I am afraid not....in this capitalistic society, it may be morally and ethically correct to provide food and shelter, but certainly not a law or statute that someone be "given" basic eminities. If it were a law, the police could not arrest anyone for vagrancy, or sleeping on a park bench. No, not a law, and not found in the Constitution.