Is Welfare Just?

We were having a discussion in my Ethics class a couple of weeks ago about what our obligation is to those who are needy or on welfare. Do we owe them something? Are they entitled to a portion of our earned excess? One student told a story of his wife who visited a school somewhere in the south. While sitting in on a first or second grade class, the teacher went around asking the students what they would like to do when they grew up. One student said that he would like to draw. The teacher said, "Great, what would you like to draw?" The student responded that he wanted to "draw a check," meaning that he wanted to be supported by the government. Shocking, right?

We should not be required to support those who will not make an effort to support themselves. We should not have to be penalized for being successful. No one should be able to take away what one has rightfully earned. I think it's a sad state of affairs when someone as young as an elementary school child is already programmed to be a lazy, ineffectual and dependent drain on society. If you are using food stamps, then I don't want to see you with a new smart phone, a new tattoo or freshly manicured nails.

You can say that this is harsh, uncharitable or unjust. But, really, it's reason that is at work here. If you have the ability to earn money, then you should also have the ability to choose where it goes. There are many great causes out there and ways to help those that are less fortunate, but this should be done at the discretion of the individual.