Stop Writing Checks

Back a few years ago, when welfare reform was a hot-button issue, I had a friend who proposed the simplest welfare reform imaginable: stop giving people welfare checks. His theory was that those who didn't really need welfare would do something, and alternative approaches would pick up the rest. While I support the idea in theory, the practical aspects of it disturbed me. It always seemed you would need some time to transition.

Anyhow, someone who is far more familiar with the world's biggest welfare basket case than I has come to a similar conclusion. The interview is long and detailed, and she makes a lot of sense. Therefore, there's no hope in hell of it ever happening.

Although, given budgetary constraints among the G20 brought on by the crappy economy, now is the perfect time to try to convince people to quit giving money they don't have to corrupt third-world politicians.