Children, the disabled, and the mentally ill should not have to work. Our religious and ethical principles say we should not tolerate hunger, homelessness, or other poverty-driven tragedies. More Americans could volunteer, helping others to overcome problems that interfere with their ability to work. Welfare will one day be unnecessary if we invest more resources in preventing poverty. We need to develop children's minds and bodies, and teach morals, ethical behavior, and family values.
Children deserve to grow up with self-esteem and good education.
It's more cost effective to invest in programs that teach responsible behavior than to pay for the consequences if we don't. All of us gain if we give families the help they need to raise their children to be successful. There are not enough jobs, especially in the right regions, to employ all those are currently on welfare. The working poor are the evidence that work alone is not the solution. The minimum wage is not a living wage.