Dear Editor,
This topic on welfare brings a clear contrast when it comes to political ideology between liberal and conservative.
Welfare (onderstand) is the provision of a minimal level of wellbeing and social support for citizens and other eligible residents without sufficient current means to support basic needs. In St. Maarten, welfare is mainly provided by the government from tax revenue. The challenge is what programs does the government establish to make people self-reliant. A liberal (social Democrat) supports long-term welfare because they see it as a necessity for the poor. Liberals always or falsely label conservatives as people who oppose welfare because they are not compassionate toward the poor. Without welfare, life below the poverty line would be intolerable.
Conservatives oppose long-term welfare. We need to provide opportunities to make it possible for poor and low-income workers to become self-reliant. It is far more compassionate and effective to encourage a person to become self-reliant, rather than keeping them dependent on the government for money. It is better to teach a man how to fish than just giving him a fish.
Conservatives believe in motivating people to become productive and self-reliant because conservatives believe every man should be able to contribute. If a person is sick or physically not capable that is surely understandable and they should be taken care of. But not healthy people just sitting and stop looking for work because they believe they are entitled to welfare. Welfare is taxpayer money and should be treated responsibly. Welfare should be treated as help but not an entitlement.
Conservatives believe that all welfare recipients should do a drug test and be free of drugs in order to get welfare. Liberals are against that and see it as discrimination.
In St. Maarten’s case oftentimes the welfare recipients use taxpayer money to gamble in the casinos. Conservatives believe welfare recipients should never be given cash but vouchers to support what is needed. With that manner the individual will endeavor more to look and find a job.
Welfare when not handled properly can bankrupt a economy or country.
2 Thessalonians 3:10: For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
Stay tuned for the next subject on political ideology.
The Patriot Miguel Arrindell
