In a recent editorial in the Twin City Times newspaper, Lewiston, Maine Mayor Robert E. MacDonald called for the creation of a public database of welfare recipients. As reported in this article on MSN, Mr. MacDonald, a Republican running for re-election, wants a massive overhaul of the many laws and policies governing confidentiality which currently prevent such a database from being made public. MacDonald cites the fact that information about the recipients of public pensions is available in a public database, and he doesn’t believe those receiving welfare should be shielded from such exposure.
This is yet another example of the constant vilification of the poor and needy by the political party most responsible for ensuring they remain in that state. Personally, I am not the least concerned about people abusing welfare. I am acquainted with the procedures and reporting requirements they must follow to insure they are not abusing their public assistance, and I feel confident these programs are being administered in such a way that those being assisted are, by and large, worthy of public largess.
I am so amused by the ability of Republicans to swallow a cow while choking on a gnat. The database I would like to see is one that would make public the names of those pumping hundreds of millions of dollars into our elections. I am much more concerned such massive infusions of cash, done under the cloak of absolute secrecy, are doing far more damage to our nation and our democracy than any alleged abuse by somebody receiving some small amount of public assistance. I don’t hate the poor, nor do I believe they are massively gaming the system. I would find much more sympathy for Mayor MacDonald’s protestations were he calling for a database to expose those who are truly gaming the system, attempting to subvert our democracy, and doing so with the aid and support of the corrupt Conservatives on the SCOTUS. This is the Republican mindset. They have no concern about the abuses of the wealthy. After all, they are rich, proof they are righteous and bask in the favor of the Lord! They aren’t like those despicable poor people. After all, Jesus frequently spoke about “blessed are the rich" while stating emphatically "it is harder for a poor man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle!” Jesus said that, right? I sincerely hope there is a Hell.
