Recently, there has been a major discussion of the American welfare system and its costs, and inherent in this discussion has been a question as to whether we are morally obligated to help people who are unproductive and who may have made of themselves a burden on society. Taxpayers have become irate at the idea that some people are not doing their share but are expecting society at large to support them. Underlying this discussion is the question as to under what circumstances are we morally obligated to share the product of our labors with others? In seeking an answer, we must consider aspects of the concept of distributive justice and answer objections that might be raised.
The Republican welfare plan now proposed in Congress raises a number of important issues. These are the ten real issues found in the research on this topic:
1. State control versus federal control.
2. Morality issue related to the idea that people should develop a work ethic rather than being weaned away from one.
3. The need to balance the federal budget.
4. Imposing time limits and work requirements.
6. Family cap so that no additional funds will be provided for additional births.
7. Withholding benefits for those who may be legal residents--demand for citizenship should be a requirement.
8. All benefits should be withheld from those who are here illegally to help reduce illegal immigration.
9. Benefits should be withheld from those who are subject to addiction or alcoholism and who will not go into a program and change their behavior.
10. Welfare should be seen as a temporary assistance and not as a lifestyle choice.
An analysis of the arguments raised by advocates of these changes shows that there is considerable concern today about moral issues, and this has seeped into the debate over welfare reform as critics of the present system see a system that contributes to an environment of amorality at least...