Partnerships can solve two problems

First problem: At least half of the families on welfare in our country have been on welfare for generations. Many of these people are stuck in the cycle of welfare and either don’t know how to work or don’t even understand the concept.

Some of these people actually think about working and sort of want to work, but the culture of public aid keeps them from pursuing employment. Our government has done a great job of enabling this sense of learned helplessness.

Second problem: It has become almost impossible to find products made in the U.S. People here are unemployed. Tourists come here and can’t find a souvenir made in the U.S.

Greedy American CEOs are abusing people in other countries with poor working conditions, low wages and long hours. It’s a step up from slave labor, and those people really don’t have any other options. As a result, the quality suffers. How good can the accountability be halfway around the world?

The solution: American CEOs need to partner up with Public Aid.

Able-bodied people are sitting at home watching TV all day, just waiting for their check from the government. Instead of doing nothing but burden taxpayers, they could be working in factories for that same check.

Manufacturers make the initial investment of building factories in high Public Aid areas and provide child care and transportation. These “public” employees can earn increases to their government check based on job performance.

I think we would begin to see star employees who take pride in doing a good job, and a renewed sense of earning a living.

I’m sure this “idea” is riddled with complications that would prevent it from becoming a reality, but one can still hope.

Jenny West

Mundelein