What Do You Think Is The Best Economic System

[HappySqurriel]

Squilliam said:

HappySqurriel said:

Rath said:

 I think you guys are missing the point of welfare. It's meant to guarantee that somebody, even if they can't find work, will be able to live without becoming a criminal.

Yes there are negative consequences such as dole bludgers but you are acting as if its immediately possible for everybody to immediately find work at all times, that's simply not the case in the real world.

 

Unemployment insurance is designed to ensure that people who find themselves out of work can survive while they look for work ... Welfare is a misguided effort of the government to get into the charity business

Actually if everyone had retirement savings they wouldn't need welfare except for people who had never worked. Its a greater incentive to find work if you're spending your own money whilst you haven't got a job. In addition to this, in times of recession it reduces the money supply as people withdraw money from their savings to pay for the cost of living. A pretty good economic reason too, IMO.

While I agree with you in principle, unemployment insurance and social security (while currently very poorly managed) do have value; and enough people see value in these services that they could be privatized. Welfare (on the other hand) is a form of charity.