Hand Out Anyone?

On Tuesday, CNBC reported that government payouts, which include Social Security, Medicare and unemployment insurance, now make up more than a third of total wages and salaries of the U.S. population.  This is a record figure that will only increase if action isn’t taken before the majority of Baby Boomers enter retirement.  In 1960, only 10% of the wages were hand outs.

I guess this makes us more humane and fair, but to who?  To the third that get a check, or the two-thirds that
write the check?  I would suggest to anyone this type of handout is not sustainable.  It is the reason that socialized countries, such as Greece, have had economic calamities in recent history.  It is our future if the tide doesn't turn.

While I certainly wouldn't withhold a hand up to anyone down on their luck or incapable of supporting themself, it is hard to imagine that a third of American families fit this mold.  Instead, I believe we have become too generous and made it possible for some to live a comforable life on the public dole.  Imagine the deficit reduction that we would see if the current government payouts were reduced to 1960 levels. We might have a balanced budget.  Instead, we hear that Constitutional responsibilities, such as defense, should be short changed  in order to spend less.  Absurdity abounds in Washington.