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> This is already a massive problem in programs where we do require demonstrations of need. See NPR's expose on rampant disability fraud: http://apps.npr.org/un
by josho 10y ago
> This is already a massive problem in programs where we do require demonstrations of need. See NPR's expose on rampant disability fraud: http://apps.npr.org/unfit-for-work/ http://apps.npr.org/unfit-for-work/
But, the disability fraud is due in large part to the rampant unemployment, poverty, and gutted social safety net in that area. So, the option for those folks is disability or live on the streets. I wouldn't exactly say you are making the case for requiring proof of need.
Also interestingly you see use of drugs as reason to refute need. I believe there is a correlation between desperate poverty and drug use, I think it's because for those people with no hope of escaping poverty they need some kind of escape. Unlike you and I if we ever loose a job or get hit with an unfortunate circumstance we can get out of it fairly easy because of our education and in-demand skills. Now imagine a factory closing and 5000 folks with barely an education now out of a job, some percent of that cohort is going to end up resorting to drug use as an escape from their hopeless position. Idealistically, I'm hoping a basic income gives people like this some hope back. But, even then if there truly are no jobs for them, then if some % of the population enjoys weed then maybe that's ok--it's better than a lot of other possibilities they could be doing.
- yummyfajitas 10y agoNo, the disability fraud is caused by healthy people lying in order to take money from others that they didn't earn. Are you somehow claiming that wealthy Americans are unable to make choices for themselves, i.e. they are incompetent? If so, lets find them caretakers who can manage their lives for them. Lets not let them continue making bad choices that cost the rest of us. I have no problem with smoking weed and I do it myself sometimes. I have a problem with spending your own money on weed and then turning to me claiming you are hungry. Spend your own money before you spend mine.
- pessimizer 10y agoI think that if you did a cost/benefit analysis on benefit fraud, you'd find that it's a lot of work and risk for a very tiny benefit. Unless you don't believe in economics, you'd assume that they would do another job which would require less work and risk and more pay if they had access to one. Disability fraud is caused by desperation. Either that or 2% (IIRC) of the U.S. working population suddenly became either very sick or lying dopesmokers right after the housing bubble burst.
- yummyfajitas 10y agoI think if you scrolled up you'd find a link to NPR's expose on rampant disability fraud. Disability fraud is caused by desperation. Either that or 2% (IIRC) of the U.S. working population suddenly became either very sick or lying dopesmokers right after the housing bubble burst. You are simultaneously claiming that cracking down on fraud won't save money, yet also saying disability fraud is huge but only because people are desperate to do it. "Your honor, I didn't kill that guy and he was such a jerk that he deserved to die."