How do you feel about all the government programs that you pay for out of your tax money?

Question

I'm only 16, but I'm very strongly opinionated about this! Serious answers please!

I understand that there are some of these programs that are beneficial to all, but for the programs that only help the people who won't help themselves. With all of these promises to these people, they expect more and more, and do less and less... it is a tunnel down a path that I don't think this country can afford to go.


I say, we (not me yet, don't pay taxes), but our taxpayers choose where our taxes go. so the good programs continue to thrive, but the programs that help people who won't help themselves will disappear.

I understand that there are some of these programs that are beneficial to all, but for the programs that only help the people who won't help themselves. With all of these promises to these people, they expect more and more, and do less and less... it is a tunnel down a path that I don't think this country can afford to go.


I say, we (not me yet, don't pay taxes), but our taxpayers choose where our taxes go. so the good programs continue to thrive, but the programs that help people who won't help themselves will disappear.

Answer 1

I feel that I should direct input as to where the money goes.

Answer 2

I agree with those who have said that some programs are very worthwile, while others are either mismanaged or shouldn't exist.

To the answerer who stated they think they should have direct input on how the money's spent.... if you're over 18, you do have the power to vote for the candidate whose beliefs on government spending most closely match your own. Beyond that, sorry... it's not how our government works.

EDIT:

Thanks for the clarification, bigballa. I get the impression that you're referencing public assistance programs, such as medicaid, food stamps, etc. and I disagree with you to a point. While there is room for improvement where many assistance programs are concerned, I don't believe that eliminating them would be the best answer. We've already seen a reform trend in more recent years. It's becoming more and more difficult for people to abuse the system to make public assistance a career choice. Another thing that we don't hear as much about is those people who have taken advantage of public assistance at a time when they needed it, then gone on to live incredibly productive lives... contributing back to the system that helped them. If my tax dollars can help one such person, then it's worth paying to me. (Ducks in anticipation of all the thumbs-downs :o)

Answer 3

The government programs are necessary due to social problems that are either not addressed by or as a consequence of the private sector. It is up to voters and citizens to do their part because anyone of us could be in that situation where we lose our homes due to a health problem or lose a job and have trouble finding work. Where do you get the evidence to back up your views? I say that because I used to feel that way but as I've gotten older and started looking more closely (reading more, talking to people, listening to people, etc.) that my views and beliefs have changed. I have become much more liberal. I also took sociology and psychology classes. The sociology class actually did not take a liberal viewpoint as some people may believe. You also have to look at how wealth is distributed in this country. You have some folks who plan for 6-8 generations at the expense of the current generations. There is a lot of fraudulent and unethical behavior that causes problems. Don't be so quick to blame the poor. It is not their fault. Look at the society we live in and how difficult it is to get ahead, especially with rampant globalization. Look at how many people try to cheat others by getting something for nothing. The rich are just as guilty as the poor. I believe the rich and poor share very similar values and that is to the detriment of most people. We all need to wake up and start questioning our assumptions and beliefs if we want a better and more stable existence for ourselves. We need to look for evidence that supports our beliefs as well as contradicts our beliefs. Somewhere in that lies the truth. We need to look for information for viewpoints that are outside our own realms of possibilities. Dig deep. Dig deeper still. Aren't we happier when we help each other instead of working against each other?

Answer 4

Depends on the program. I don't mind helping the poor and the elderly, although I think we should figure out a way to punish the abusers. Social Security is a good thing and Social Security Disability is also. I think we waste money on other countries that hate us. I think we waste money on the space program. I know we waste money giving it to corporations while they gouge the American public. Get the drift? I don't mind helping our own. And it really upsets me when part of our Senators and Congressman bash our social services while voting to give it to everyone else. Hope that answered your question but I feel I don't agree with you. If you are 16 and very opinionated about it, your parents are probably well off and vote Republican.

Answer 5

The problem with your conclusions is that all bills benefit someone, whether it be a Corporation or an individual or a group.
Senators and Representitives introduce bills that benefit a part of their constituancy. That is how they get reelected.
The way to defeat the problem is to get involved and write to your congressman and let him or her know which bills you are for or against.You do not have to 18 to do that. Then when you become of age, become an activist and work to change the system. Do not make the mistake that many people make and assume that you cannot make a difference. YOU CAN AND SHOULD!!!!!!!!!

Answer 6

Generally the purpose is good, but the management and use of funds is terrible. I have worked for local government entities before and have found an enormous amount of waste associated with their operation. I would feel a lot better if the government spent our tax money more wisely and efficiently.

Answer 7

Good for you! I am incensed especially for my money that is used to support agendas that I feel are immoral...like abortion....or to help illegal immigration that is damaging our country, etc. ....or stem cell research....some of which I don't agree with.....They should not "force" me to pay for them....let them raise their money on their own.

And the reason our schools are in such a mess is because they are using the money for "social programs". They need to let some of us who went through school the right way, to take over the educational system. We could straighten it out in a hurry! It just gets worse and worse and is a national disgrace!

I also think we should have a fair tax for everyone.....a flat tax.

Answer 8

Most of it goes to gov't and the crooked politicians.
There is a cure for every disease, most of which are plants.
It's all BS the societies, foundations, associations there is no research going on. If you want to help someone put the $$$ in their hand. Good luck with telling the merchant where your taxes go every time you purchase. I'm with you.

Answer 9

A complete waste of my money, as I will mostly likely never use them.

What I don't get is why do some demand these handouts, and then ***** about the qualifying and application process. If you are going to be on welfare, have 27 kids by different fathers, abuse substance and in general provide no benefit to the poluation, then I say the governement can dictate whatever they want to you as long as you have your handout.

Answer 10

Anything the government does has very high administrative costs attached to them. Large civil engineering projects like dams, large bridges and irrigation systems where co-ops have tried and been bankrupted are good projects for the government. check out www.usbr.gov

Redistribution of wealth is not a good thing because people start expecting more and more and generations in the future will have to pay for promises made today and yesterday.

Answer 11

All government programs are financed out of the federal reserve banks,....your taxes go toward paying the interest on those financed services which has a backlog of about 30 years......in the end not a single penny of your money paid for the services provided by the government in the year prior.

Income tax in and of itself is not constitutional, and it is merely a tool which was sharpened in 1909 to be used to re-distribute wealth back into the wealthiest bankers pockets in America. (JP Morgan for example)

Watch this video...and be enlightened.