Greatness lies with people

For those who say that small-government conservatives want to heartlessly cut social programs, please consider that social programs foster dependence on the government and take away the dignity of those in need, while encouraging others to take advantage of the system.

You wonder who will help the poor if the government does not? Before the government stepped in, it was the communities. It is easy to say, “I pay my taxes – the poor are the government’s problem.” However, we are not getting our money’s worth and it is time to take some responsibility. We CAN do more with less.

If we took food stamp money and gave it to programs like Second Harvest Food Bank, it would stretch further through bulk purchases, and healthier food could be distributed. If unemployment benefits were only given to those who volunteered in the community, it would increase our pool of volunteers while adding to their resume and restoring their dignity. If volunteers actually went to homes receiving aid, they could weed out those taking advantage, or assess needs that were overlooked.

It is people that make our country great, not our government, and there is a lot of heart in that belief.

Gail Oehl

Spokane