"And when one speaks of welfare in this country, whether
or not one wishes to acknowledge it, one is almost always speaking of black
people, not because black people are the only folks receiving state aid (indeed
more white receive benefits from the myriad social programs than do blacks),
but because that is the image we have been encouraged to have when we hear the
term. (90)”
Growing up for the first few years of my life I was homeless
and poor living with my mother. I can remember those cold nights with no food
or place to call home. When something as trivial as getting a new pair of shoes
become as important as your next meal there is an issue.
I am not arguing that people of all races do not abuse
welfare across the United States but what I am saying is that it is worth the
gamble if it saves people like me. As a product of my parents, I was born very
poor. My parents relied heavily on welfare to pay for not only their drugs but
also for my life. This system is easily
abused but it is a good program. Changing it so that “drug users” cannot
benefit from it also prevents many from actually receiving aid that they need.
The argument that “If they can afford drugs then they can afford to pay for a
house or food” is not a valid one in my head. If drug abusers are fortunate
enough to have the cash for rehabilitative services like rehab then perhaps
they also have a fighting chance of fighting off these addictions. People who
abuse welfare are likely not fortunate enough to just be able to break their
habits with things like a strong will. Programs like welfare are often a last
resort and something that is keeping them alive. I know it kept me alive until
I was saved by my aunt who is the reason why I’m here today.
