In case you missed it yesterday, Dr. Ben Carson was grilled by Congressional members on his appointment to HUD Secretary. 

To be fair, I didn’t watch it myself due to work, but one highlight in the news today really jumped out, and I gotta say, I love the response.

Someone asked what the best way to help people on government assistance was.  The response, in my humble opinion, was perfect.  “Get them off of it.”

I love this response not because I think people on government assistance are mooches or slackers.  I honestly believe that many people getting government assistance truly need it.  Heck, I’m using it myself right now, since our adoption process isn’t fully completed.  Once it is, Levi can go on my insurance and we won’t be using Medicaide anymore.  Until then, though, it’s beneficial.

And that’s the key here.  It’s short term.  It’s temporary for us.  Yes, I know there are some out there who may need more government assistance for longer terms.  But there are those that don’t, but want to take advantage of the system and milk it.

I firmly believe that we should do everything we can to help people get off of government assistance.  Government should be in the business of giving a hand up, not a hand out. Because the government can only give a hand out as long as the money is there.  And guess what, the government doesn’t make money.  They take our money. 

Again, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying the government shouldn’t help those that legitimately need it.  But for anyone on government assistance, I think we should be encouraging them and doing everything in our power to help them get off of it.

What would that take?  I can’t say for sure, but my initial thoughts are things like job/skill training (real trade skills) and hiring assistance for those able to work, truly affordable housing with acceptable living conditions, affordable (but not government mandated) health care and insurance that individuals decide on (let the free market compete). 

Essentially, I want to advocate for the idea of personal responsibility for everyone.  If you can take care of yourself (and or a family), then do it.  Lean on others for help, but not for everything. 

Like I said, those are just initial thoughts (and this is a blog entitled RandomThoughts).  But I do think we should all take responsibility for our own lives. I know people fall on hard times, but keep working to pick yourself back up.  Have the courage, have the heart.  I know you can do it.