My opinion concerning social programs is rather insignificant on the grand scale of important things in life. It probably won't even matter to the ten or so people who read this. However, I'd still like to take this opportunity to clarify my position.
I'm not against them. I've been accused of being sanctimonious and lacking in experience (not compassion). This post isn't even about that.
It's is only logical that the government responsibly build roads and highways, provide basic services and even help those who, for whatever reason, cannot help themselves. Helping the needy and helpless used to be the Church's job, but she has effectively abdicated that privilege to other entities, primarily the government. The government provides a myriad of services and programs that are essentially good for our country and help define us as a kind and compassionate people, regardless of what the America haters would have us believe. Living in a foreign country has pointed that fact up on innumerable occasions.
However, privatization and capitalism are not evil concepts. Competition still spurs higher quality and lower prices. It's a fact. Another well-known fact is that the government is notoriously inefficient and wasteful. My frustration is with those who make the following totally illogical leap: Something is broken. The government must take over.
Let's take Social Security, for example. I will concede the fact that many people are living comfortably on Social Security. I will also concede that fact that removing Social Security entirely, would probably be a bad thing for the country. However, since I was a child, I've heard that social security is going bankrupt. I've also been advised by people who are knowledgeable in economics, that by the time I'm able to draw Social Security, it won't be enough to live comfortably. I've done the responsible thing and opened a Roth IRA and am making great personal sacrifices to maintain semi-regular deposits. Sometimes, our financial situation doesn't make that possible. Sometimes it does. I'm hoping for the best. I will not opt out, because I've already paid into it (before I became aware that I was being forced into a program for which I didn't ask). I'll take what's coming to me.
Health Care. A government take over was not the only available option. Period. I've seen up close what government-run health care is like and I shudder think that we're even taking steps in that direction. Speaking of experience, that's one experience I DO have and let me tell you, it's a long way from compassionate.
That's a short list, but they are two examples that illustrate my point rather well.
Much has been said about greed in our American system and the part it plays in our current economic woes. I'll concede that point. The real discussion isn't about capitalism versus socialism. The issue is how much socialism is acceptable. Evidently, some are quite comfortable letting the wasteful and inefficient government handle some of the must crucial and important areas of their lives. I, however, am not.
If you have something to say, you're welcome to comment. If you make it personal, I'll try to ignore you. That kind of behavior works just great over at Blogster, but we're not like that here.