Society & Dependency

Why is it that despite having one of the best (in terms of money paid to people) welfare systems in the world do we have people remaining so dependent? Because we demand nothing back for it. Sure, they are required to fortnightly return forms showing they have been looking for work, sure they have to do a few volunteer hours here and there if they don't work, but good grief, we keep feeding it to them without working with them to change things. Let's look at MY ideal system! Each individual would have to earn say 1 point for every dollar paid to them in welfare payments, (other than those on short term medical sickness benefits). To earn those points they would have to attend a number of learning centres such as: Cooking 101...how to make minced meat go 50 different ways Basic car mechanics Basic woodworking skills Basic Home maintenance Parenting Information Sewing Food Sense ( how to shop frugally) Working with the environment How to grow your own fruit and veggies Housekeeping for the homemaker How to attend an interview (dress code, body language etc) How to write a CV Reading & Writing Sports etc etc For each attendance they obtain a certain number of points. These points equate to a dollar value to a maximum amount payable. Not only are they maintaining their payments, they are learning new skills, gaining more self confidence, self esteem, and skills. Hopefully these skills learned are observed by their children in a practical sense around their homes. We take all we know for granted. So much of who we are as adults was absorbed sometimes quite unconsciously by watching our parents, Dad fixing the door or window, taking pride in the home, mum making meals from next to nothing, structures, routines, skills. For many, they didn't have that opportunity, they weren't given the opportunity to learn for a variety of very sad reasons. This way we interrupt the cycle, we teach, we support, we enable self esteem to creep in, confidence, build in these things and you have someone willing to get out there and give it a go! Now we could also get into the conversation about the average Joe Bloggs, who expects the Government to have all the answers, to have the Government be responsible for all manner of things, however perhaps one rant is enough! Suffice to say I believe it is time we took the responsibility for our needs and wants back, became once again the provider for our daily needs.....as it was many years ago...

Just my thoughts for the day! Take care of you and yours and for those that are in Aussie - enjoy your long week-end!