The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Andrew R. during the 2011-2012 League.
Mission: Letter to the Editor #1
Submitted to the Flint Journal
The purpose of unemployment benefits should be extremely simple. When a citizen of the United States loses a job, that person may need a little help keeping themselves and their family afloat. This concept is designed as a short term fix, providing just enough support to help a family from going completely bankrupt. This is simple, right? Some people in our society, however, are taking advantage of the forced generosity of their fellow citizens. These individuals are using this "temporary" money and have chosen to live off of it for long, extended periods. An old saying comes to mind when I think about this system that is in desperate need of reform: why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free? Instead of earning income for themselves, these folks can just depend on the taxpayers to carry the load.
The system is full of flaws and minimal expectations. While many are quick to put their hand out to receive, only a few are willing to pay back society for the gracious gift provided by hard working taxpayers. Is it really that much to ask aid recipient to do 10 hours of community service a week or contribute in another way?
Finally, since it is often a requirement to get drug tested for a job, it is a reasonable request for someone seeking government assistance to also be tested. If the person earning the money that is given to the unemployed group has to take the test, so should the people receiving such benefits. If you participate in illegal activities you should not receive government money, especially in today’s economy with finite resources.
In so many ways, our unemployment system needs reform and fast.
