America,
Filial Cannibalism, the act of eating one's young. This tendency has been observed in many species, such as Wolf Spiders, Polar Bears, Hamsters, cats, and many fish, insects and birds. The practice is hard to justify from an evolutionary standpoint and harder comprehending from a social or moral standpoint? Would you try it on your kids?
In America we make choices that, though aren't as forward as filial cannibalism, might lead to a similar outcome. Before I get started let me tell you a little of my situation, I am a 26 year old college student, with a wife and two beautiful girls (ages 1 and 2). I go to school full time, and work full time. I am blessed with a job that allows me to support my family's basic needs. I have had friends and peers try to talk my wife and me in to getting on programs such as CHIP, WIC, and Food Stamps. These programs would make my life much easier and even give me more time to see my kids, however at what cost? From what I understand, I qualify for each of these programs, however as long as I can avoid them I will. For me the cost is too great.
I do not believe these programs are bad, nor do I attempt to judge or classify the people who take part in them. My goal in writing this article is to share my perspective. These programs offer aid to those who are classified by the government as needing it. The cost of the aid given is a debt our government incurs. The way I view it, this debt will not be paid by me, but by my daughters, when they are young mothers and in a similar situations as me. How would I be able to handle an extra weight right now that represents the cost of my parents feeding me 20 years ago? I as do all Americans bare some of the weights of the past. Am I willing to give my girls a greater burden? Am I that self-preserving, like the animal that eats its own offspring due to low food?
To be clear I am not saying "Those who are on food stamps are cannibals" or something ridicules like that, if you want to be offended by my words, that's your choice, but please listen to my words. These programs from the government perform a good deed regardless of how efficient or inefficient. Those in need can benefit from these programs. Unfortunately that good deed is slowly becoming in the minds of us as Americans, a "free right" with no thought of the cost.
If you are a mother or father who is benefiting from CHIP, WIC or Food Stamps, please ask yourself this question EVERY time you receive these benefits. "Is this worth making my child pay for it when he or she is in my positions?" Sometimes the answer will be yes, and that's OK, however you need to always realize at what cost that benefit is coming. It is irresponsible and incorrect to think that someone else who "can afford" it is paying for it. The burden will ultimately end up on your children and my children. Understand the cost and remember, just because you qualify for these programs, doesn't mean they are worth that cost. No one will tell you where you fall, but you can figure it out if you care enough to put forth the effort.
To those of you living pay check to paycheck, where are you headed? I know, and am reminded each week of how tight it can get. Don't lose hope. Look at where your current path is taking you and if you don't like the destination change it. It is your God given right to pursue happiness and no one can take that away from you. This land still is the land of opportunity. The burden of debt will keep you down; get rid of it as soon as possible. Avoid it whenever possible. It is not a way to run a household or a country. Live within your means and always avoid debt for it is the enemy that never rests. It is up to you to better yourself through education. That doesn't only come through a school or organizations. Read books that make you better or teach you skills. Do something that gives you control over the direction your life is going. If you need extra help, turn to your family, local churches and local charities before you turn to the government. The government will give you with "no strings attached" however you will feel better if the support that comes to you has a face and name behind it. When you pay it forward to someone else or pay it back to those who helped you, your character and self-respect are lifted.
For those of you prominent members of your community, why is the federal government feeding those in need in your community? If you allow the federal government to run its current course your children will be buried by the weights we are giving them. Realize that for each of your taxpayer dollars allocated to the welfare system about 30 cents arrives in the hands of a worthy recipient, however for each dollar given to a charity about 70 cents arrives in the hands of a worthy recipient. Do you see the value of being a part of your community’s needs? I don't think there is one right way to fix each community, but I believe the people in each community as Americans can innovate and find ways to satisfy the majority of the needs in their respective community. It may be through food banks, local Churches or Charities. It may just be taking some frozen meat to a neighbor who might need it. Unity is one of the things that make our country strong, and that starts in the community and grows from there. Have faith that people are generally good and will try and make good choices if given the chance. Remember this isn't a problem we can leave alone until it goes away. If you don't help the people in this country stop relying on the government than the country your children and grandchildren grow up in will not be the America you know. Help your community be self-sufficient.
I want you to know that I am not on a soap box and I do not believe myself to be above this task. I see that this country will not be fixed until we the people fix it, regardless of who is in D.C. I love this country. I have seen its goodness and I have seen its strength. I have the hope that my children will grow old seeing that same thing. Not only do I have the hope, but I am willing to work to make it so. This is My country and in so being it is My responsibility. God bless you, God Bless America.
Fredrick Christensen
Fred, I think you've hit on a lot of good points here. It seems to me like the gist of what you're saying is "What you're doing may or may not be harmful, but just stop to think about its long-term consequences and whether or not they justify the short-term gain."
ReplyDeleteHaving been outside of Utah for a good while now, I have to say I've been fairly shocked by what I perceive as the general shortsightedness that seems to pass as the norm. From my observations, this type of attitude does not discriminate on the basis of political affiliation or religiosity, as many try so hard to paint it (ie., liberals are all lazy, and conservatives are all intolerant religious fanatics). I was very refreshed at the care you took in this post to avoid putting across that type of sentiment.
I agree with you that strength comes with unity, and that doesn't mean that we can't have our own opinions--rather, that we can learn from the opinions of others, rather than demonizing them. I think this sentiment comes across strongly in your post, and is one of the reasons that I liked it.
Anyway, I just kind of felt like commenting, for what it's worth. Hope things are going well for you.
DF
Thanks you my friend. I appreciate your comment. I wrote this probably six months and was thinking of getting it published in the local newspaper. A close friend who works for the paper said it was good but I would literally get threats on me or my family because of it (she said it could be taken offensively). I sat on it for a while and saw it last night and thought "well it's about time I share that" so I created this blog. I really do appreciate the feedback. I still may try and get it published locally, I hope to write more things like this.
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