Welfare was never intended to become a way of life

Is our government the problem or the solution? Take some time to think about this. Years ago Barry Goldwater warned about greater government activism. Basically he warned of the welfare state where everyone gets something for nothing and there's something for everyone and what the final effect on individual freedom will be. He wrote, "The effect of welfarism on freedom will be felt later on -- after its beneficiaries have become its victims, after dependence on government has turned into bondage and it is too late to unlock the jail."

There certainly is a need for government intervention and regulation in order to protect the "citizens" of this country -- that is what our president and members of Congress are supposed to do as representatives of taxpaying "citizens."

My understanding of government welfare originally was to give temporary help to those in need and not to make it a way of life. Unfortunately, welfare has turned out to be a way of life for many, generation after generation. This has only led to a loss of personal responsibility, self-esteem and respect for anyone or anything. Very frightening that most people fail to realize that.

M. McCRORY
Crafton Heights