The argument against social welfare is anti-democratic, so if the United States would like to continue believing in itself

as a democracy, destitution must be abolished and a robust program of universal social security instituted. The argument against welfare, and restrictions on welfare, which some Democrats have acceded to, is that welfare paradoxically encourages poverty by incentivizing indolence — why work to get less money from the government? I do not know enough of human nature to confirm or deny the truth of this belief, but I know it to be against the principles upon which our country is founded.

Any belief that assumes an irremediable badness in other humans is either anti-democratic or reveals a lack of conviction in one’s beliefs. If you believe that the superiority of hard work to laziness is a self-evident truth, and you believe that “all men are created equal,” then you must believe that all others also have the ability to perceive and act on this truth. To fail to do so betrays either a secret desire for hierarchy or a fear that welfare queens have it right, that neglecting parental duties while using other people’s money to drive a Rolls-Royce and snort cocaine truly is a desirable way to live.

It is depressing to see a country with the means to give tax breaks to the wealthy and bail out reckless corporations turn its back on those in need or believe the worst of those suffering fellow citizens. For the sake of our country, make your beliefs wisely.