I chose David's Government Blog to critique when I saw his post on the Death Penalty because it's something most people don't talk about, but is widely controversial. I loved the fact that he stated openly his opinion and did it boldly. (I'm a little jealous, because I still feel intimidated to do something like that.) I may not agree with the post as a whole or his opinion but I respect it and his opinion. David made some valid statements about issues that I do agree with. Maybe I watch too much Law and Order but it's scary to think about wrongful deaths and judgements, maybe even framing someone. I would like to see more statistics involving states, and cases of the death penalty, and maybe the citizens and their crimes. Maybe a back history or pro con list. But I think David wrote it well and stated his opinion well.

Slight Modifications to Make Big Changes

     I think government funded state assistance programs are a great help to those who actually need them. I do think we should keep the programs but add more restrictions and limitations to them. Maybe even teach people that these programs are not means for living but just temporary assistance.
     I am a single mother. I work 40 hours a week (sometimes more) and I take 9 hours of classes. I make more than minimum wage which is now $7.25 in Texas (but not a whole lot more in my opinion). I am grateful for my job and my earnings but by no means am I well off. I struggle to make ends meet and pay my bills on time.
     However, I don't qualify for any sort of government assistance because I make too much money. I've been told to quit my job, find a job that doesn't pay as well and to have another kid, because it'll "help". I work hard and pay taxes on a service that I'm unable to use. With my job I see and handle customers first hand who have and use SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and/or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Need Families). SNAP pays for groceries (anything not pre-cooked) and TANF gives cash on a card that they can pull out and use for whatever they desire.
     Who is getting these benefits? I know that there are truly needy people out there who are unable to work, or don't make enough money and need them. But I also know that their are people who come into this country (illegal or not) to benefit from such a program. Some work under the tables and don't report their income or some people life and put false information to benefit themselves and get more benefits. Other people keep having kids and aren't able to provide for them to keep getting more benefits. (SNAP, TANF and Medicaid)
     I think it's harder to change people, and they way they are, or the way they think. But I think with the right changes, limits and restrictions we can keep these benefit programs and make sure they aren't being wrongfully taken advantage of.