Allen West on the Welfare Subculture

Here's what Congressman Allen West said:

"Self-esteem comes from doing esteemable things. Sitting at home and getting a check from the government is not going to help your self-esteem. What it will do is make you an economic slave to people living in a far, far, distant place. He does not want you to have the self-esteem of getting up and earning and having that title of ‘American'. He’d rather you be his slave and be economically dependent upon him."

Comment: Although the gentleman from Florida is referring to a bit of African-American history that's not part of our President's heritage, I say this observation has nothing to do with ethnic identity, because it is equally applicable to Anglo-American welfare recipients and Anglo-American politicians.

Congressman West's word for what the welfare subculture makes American adults into is "slaves." I've generally used "children," except when, last spring, in response to Peter Flom's opposing views, I used "caterpillars." "Beggars," "thieves," "prostitutes," and in view of the current national economy even "traitors" also come to mind. What receiving welfare does not allow people to be is free, independent, responsible, productive adults.

Some of us genuinely aren't in a position to be independent and productive. Some of us are disabled and/or responsible for children or disabled people. Those people don't need to feel guilty about taking handouts from the rest of society. Part of being free, independent, responsible, productive adults is that we want to provide for people with disabilities.

But somebody out there in cyberspace needs to rethink what trying to depend on grants, benefits, or pensions means for him or her, personally, as a person who is able to work but feels unable to earn an adequate income in the current economy. What's brought the economy to this point? If you call yourself a Democrat, what exactly do you mean by that? What happened to "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country"?

By the way...although I can't even afford to send money to my own candidates, that quote came in the e-mail from supporters of Congressman West's campaign. If you would like to chip in, click here:

https://transaxt.com/Donate/UHXLJN/WesternPAC/?src=120706