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Hawaii is in the 19th "wealthiest" state as of 2018 using this as a measure.
As an aside regarding the red state/blue state discussion earlier in the thread. This same list shows blue states holding down 15 of the top 20 slots. The next 20 are a mix or red and blue states, and the lowest 10 states are mostly red states. Make of that what you will.
Wealth of nations is often measured by Gross Domestic Product.
One of the stupidest posts on city data I’ve seen. Right up there with the Big Island residents should lay down and take it because freeloaders prevail and nothing you can do about it.
One of the stupidest posts on city data I’ve seen. Right up there with the Big Island residents should lay down and take it because freeloaders prevail and nothing you can do about it.
For those able bodied (not disabled, mentally ill, old, etc) Being fat and lazy does not exclude you from able bodied.
My first act would be regular illicit drug and alcohol testing for those receiving government assistance. If you are receiving taxpayer assistance - illegal drugs and alcohol should be off the table. If you can't afford to eat without taxpayer assistance, you shouldn't be able to afford illegal drugs and alcohol. If you can't stay off of drugs and alcohol, I cut your funding.
Quite frankly that act alone likely gets some people motivated.
I'd force you to work for your assistance after a specified timeframe. And it wouldn't be fun work. Pick up trash on roadways, paint government buildings, cut grass - and if I ran out things for you to do - and I don't think I would, I'd park you in a building and make you sit there all day if you didn't have a bona fide job interview - or, if I really want to motivate them - make them exercise during the day. I'll even supply some computers for job searching. No need to park yourself at home watching The View on your 75" TV.
For those able bodied (not disabled, mentally ill, old, etc) Being fat and lazy does not exclude you from able bodied.
My first act would be regular illicit drug and alcohol testing for those receiving government assistance. If you are receiving taxpayer assistance - illegal drugs and alcohol should be off the table. If you can't afford to eat without taxpayer assistance, you shouldn't be able to afford illegal drugs and alcohol. If you can't stay off of drugs and alcohol, I cut your funding.
Quite frankly that act alone likely gets some people motivated.
I'd force you to work for your assistance after a specified timeframe. And it wouldn't be fun work. Pick up trash on roadways, paint government buildings, cut grass - and if I ran out things for you to do - and I don't think I would, I'd park you in a building and make you sit there all day if you didn't have a bona fide job interview - or, if I really want to motivate them - make them exercise during the day. I'll even supply some computers for job searching. No need to park yourself at home watching The View on your 75" TV.
Freeloading should have a level of difficulty.
I could get behind this. Obviously the current situation is abused by many and becomes a lifestyle rather than a short-term bridge to independence.
So much fraud and abuse of these programs. The Social Security Disability program is full of long term abuse as well.
For those able bodied (not disabled, mentally ill, old, etc) Being fat and lazy does not exclude you from able bodied.
My first act would be regular illicit drug and alcohol testing for those receiving government assistance. If you are receiving taxpayer assistance - illegal drugs and alcohol should be off the table. If you can't afford to eat without taxpayer assistance, you shouldn't be able to afford illegal drugs and alcohol. If you can't stay off of drugs and alcohol, I cut your funding.
Quite frankly that act alone likely gets some people motivated.
I'd force you to work for your assistance after a specified timeframe. And it wouldn't be fun work. Pick up trash on roadways, paint government buildings, cut grass - and if I ran out things for you to do - and I don't think I would, I'd park you in a building and make you sit there all day if you didn't have a bona fide job interview - or, if I really want to motivate them - make them exercise during the day. I'll even supply some computers for job searching. No need to park yourself at home watching The View on your 75" TV.
Freeloading should have a level of difficulty.
So Tough Love? Wonder why no one has thought of that? More stick, less carrot? But is there carrot?
So Tough Love? Wonder why no one has thought of that? More stick, less carrot? But is there carrot?
I don't consider you not taking illegal drugs or drinking alcohol - or asking you to work for government assistance "tough love", just common sense. I don't subscribe to the do nothing but I pay you anyway channel. But if I have to define a "carrot" is that if you do the things I outlined you get the money - at least you aren't freeloading.
I don't consider you not taking illegal drugs or drinking alcohol - or asking you to work for government assistance "tough love", just common sense. I don't subscribe to the do nothing but I pay you anyway channel. But if I have to define a "carrot" is that if you do the things I outlined you get the money - at least you aren't freeloading.
I'm not arguing against anything you said but maybe your plan has unintended consequences. What happens to all the alcoholics and drug addicts when they no longer have enough to be addled? Probably an uptick in petty crime and robberies panhandling. Then taxpayer expense and insurance, etc. will go up and general quality of life will go down for all. I think most people on drugs won't stop just because you offer them money or take it away. Think of the rich kids that risk inheritances etc, to stay on the horse.
It would probably be cheaper to develop Beer Town and contain the addicts to a cheap location with Free Beer etc, than to have some bureaucracy determining if you are getting your check this month or not.
Another problem, are you saying just because I'm poor I can't have a beer..or medical MJ? what about a candy bar or a piece of beef? Where does the policing stop and at what cost. Look at our prisons. Talk about a "controlled" environment and people that should have limitations on their rights. Mostly full of able bodied men that could probably pay their way if they were just on a stationary bike generating electricity for sale. Yet this is a major taxpayer drain. If we don't have the will or plan to solve this I think the hurdle to control "free" people will be very high.
I don't think there is a quick fix. Our society has changed but our social institutions are still operating as if we were in the 1800's. Personal consequences need to start at a young age. And I do believe that society needs to be obligated to each child to teach them that even at the cost of parental rights.
When I'm King one of the first things I'd do is combine schools with nursing homes. Nothing wrong with kids seeing the full spectrum of life that they used to see when Grandma or Grandpa died in their bed at home. Plenty of unskilled work that kids could do during the school day. I could go on...
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