Maybe because I’m the kind of Singaporean they want (except for that pesky independent thought thing), or perhaps because it doesn’t take a genius to know that welfare can be a bad thing, but I agree with workfare and disagree with any proposed introduction of unemployment benefit to help the less well-off:
“We can’t stop the income gap from widening because the wages are determined by the global competition for knowledge workers, and by the excessive supply of unskilled workers,” says Mr. Lim, the minister and union leader.
“But what we’re trying to do is to make sure that the widening income gap doesn’t necessarily translate into a widening social gap.”
When you live in a town where paid employment is a dirty word (really) and widespread disbelief abounds when one might choose not to sign up for welfare if unemployed, there’s lots to be thankful for. I’m thankful that Neil has never fallen into the cycle of unemployment benefit and was raised in the belief that one had to work for one’s money (despite the attitude of the community around him). I’m thankful that I have never been raised to feel entitled to welfare handouts.
I think Singapore would be going down a very ill-advised road if the government ever decided to introduce unemployment benefit, unless that benefit meant providing more work opportunities and/or training to those who’re having problems. And if an unemployed, low-skilled Singaporean considers themselves ‘too good’ for certain jobs, then that’s a CHOICE they have made.
The problem I see is it’s the oldies who are willing to do the work, even really crap work, if they have to. With people from my generation, we’re all Gimme Gimme Gimme while being Lazy Lazy Lazy. We don’t know how lucky we are. When it comes to senior citizens who have worked their butts off, they deserve support. Housing support, daily expense support, and centres where they can pursue recreational activities. I will gladly pay tax towards that. But not to create a society where the unemployed stay unemployed because there’s no NEED to work to feed or shelter themselves. If Singapore goes down that road, we’re going to end up with generations of dole-bludgers who have no dignity or pride.
(By the way, what in the hell is up with young women in the UK who have babies to get a council flat? What in God’s name did their parents teach them? Children are not a commodity to be exploited.)