First, this free stuff doesn’t add up to much in the grand scheme. Lots of free stuff will not appreciably lessen the disparity in wealth between you and Bill Gates who has something north of $100 billion.
Second, the administration of these freebie programs is very costly. The providers take a big cut off the top.
Third, the programs are often corrupt. The participants and providers lie and cheat, as people seeking or granting freebies tend to do.
Fourth, it encourages politicians to pander to the middle class with endless promises for more and more free stuff, as if stuff can be created for free out of thin air. It can’t, and promises that it can is no way to run a country or a government.
Fifth, and most importantly, it all encourages a something-for-nothing mindset. Maybe hard work is one of those dead white male European traits (I personally don’t think it’s limited to that demographic at all) but history has proven its value in creating a more just and more wealthy society for everyone. When hard work as a strategy for getting ahead is replaced with strategies for getting something for nothing, society declines and so does its wealth.
(via Lucianne)
Join the conversation as a VIP Member