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One of the government's jobs is to make sure that every citizen is living up to a certain standard of life
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<p>It is?</p>
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To what end do you want to develop these programs? Isn't the ultimate aim of these programs to uplift the financial situation of the poor people and bridge the gap between the rich and poor? Just a method of income redistribution
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<p>The ultimate aim isn't to bridge the gap between rich and poor, but to give the poor opportunities to participate in our capitalist country. It is not merely "income redistribution" in which they are written a check for nothing. Also, this money should not all come from the rich; yes, it should come partially from the poor, and it should also come from all of the money the government is pouring into Iraq...hah (but that's another issue). Surprisingly, in my state, the most money goes to the poorest school districts, but the money is completely squandered and the schools still left in ruins. Obviously there are other issues besides "lack of funds" that create inequality, which is why merely throwing money at poor people and poverty-ridden neighborhoods in the form of welfare and pre-paid benefits is the wrong way to manage a problem. Of course that is a liberal's favorite way of doing things.</p>