Unfair Rules: Why Your Side Hustle Gets Checked But Welfare Fraud Doesn't
The Double Standard in Financial Tracking
Washington's approach to financial oversight is skewed. They want to track every Venmo transaction over a small amount. This means they want to know if you're:
- Running a side gig to cope with rising costs
- Splitting a bill with friends
- Paying a neighbor for odd jobs
But here's the catch: if you make a mistake, you could face serious trouble.
The Vanishing Transparency in Welfare Spending
Meanwhile, when it comes to federal welfare spending, the enthusiasm for transparency vanishes. Welfare programs like:
- SNAP
- TANF
- Section 8 housing
- Medicaid
are vast, yet there's little urgency to monitor how the funds are used. Fraud and misuse seem to slip through the cracks. For example:
- Food stamps from Ohio often end up in Florida
- Minnesota has seen billions in Medicaid fraud
The Striking Double Standard
This double standard is striking. Hardworking Americans must:
- File quarterly tax estimates
- Pay penalties for any errors
Yet, there's no similar system to track how welfare money is spent. This selective transparency flips accountability on its head.
The Political Motive
The goal seems to be keeping people dependent on welfare to secure votes. By subsidizing poverty, politicians ensure a steady stream of support. Meanwhile, monitoring personal transactions poses no political risk and helps fund the welfare state.
The Impact on Economic Growth
This system stifles economic growth and allows fraud to thrive. It's a far cry from the vision of the Founding Fathers. The government should focus more on ensuring welfare funds are used properly rather than scrutinizing every personal transaction.
