U.S. Government ‘benefits’ reach 16% of Family Income
USA Today reported this morning that benefits paid out by the government has reached over 16% of personal income in the United States. It is disturbing to read what is considered a benefit. In this case, Social Security, food stamps, unemployment insurance, and health care are considered benefits. Last time I checked, I paid for my benefits. Is it ironic that many are arguing that health care is a right? The government will spend over $2 trillion dollars in ‘benefits’ this year, which is an average of $17,000 per household. I have not seen my check from the government, have you?
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-06-03-benefits_N.htm
None of my income are these so called ‘benefits’ from the government, somebody else must be receiving my 16%. The real tragedy in these numbers is the fact that this is the highest rate of the redistribution of wealth we have ever seen. One might argue that after the recession passes, these numbers should decrease; but in reality, after the 2001 recession, these welfare programs expanded!
As hard working Americans make more money, they are just better positioning themselves to pay for other people’s ‘benefits’. The chairman of the Federal Reserve, this week told congress that if they do not shrink the huge budget deficits this country is seeing, the economic stability of America is greatly at risk of a major collapse. Regrettably, the current tactics of the administration and congress in bringing the American economy out of the recession is to spend more money.
There appears to be a slow culture shift in America toward a greater welfare state. As these ‘benefits’ are increased, taxes on middle Americans will be raised to foot the bill. All the while the inefficient and wasteful federal government will be administrating these services. This is creating a environment that will soon lead to another fiscal crises in the future. The most dangerous side effect of this situation however, is the increased dependence of citizens on the government, and the expectations that it is the governments roll to coddle them.
