The recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are a step in the right direction, pushing us towards a society that values personal responsibility. Under the leadership of former President Trump, new regulations have been set to ensure that able-bodied adults without dependents, like 38-year-old Nelson Scott, aren’t living off the taxpayers’ dime unless they truly need it. The rule is simple: if you’re between the ages of 18 and 64, not caring for young children, and physically able to work, you’ll need to put in at least 20 hours a week to keep receiving benefits.
Nelson Scott, a man with no disabilities, no kids, and plenty of years left in him to find work, is none too happy about the new requirements for retaining his SNAP benefits. His reasoning? With a criminal record, finding a job isn’t exactly a walk in the park. The idea of bearing personal consequences for past actions seems to be foreign to some. It’s as if committing a crime should come with a lifetime supply of government-provided cereal.
The changes have sparked concern, but the real question is: why should taxpayers subsidize able adults who choose not to work simply because they face challenges in the job market? Life is full of obstacles, and yes, finding employment with a criminal record can be tough. However, the expectation that society should hand out resources indefinitely just because one chooses not to lift a finger is unreasonable. Nelson is part of a larger culture that expects government support regardless of effort or intention to earn their keep.
Our society should aim to encourage self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on government programs like SNAP. While it’s essential to support those who truly need help—like families with children or the elderly—those who are capable should take responsibility for their own livelihood. If Nelson can make fixes in his life to reintegrate into the workforce, surely he can earn at least $217.50 a week through any number of legal avenues.
Ultimately, it’s about balance. We must protect the truly vulnerable while encouraging those who can work to do so. By tightening the criteria for SNAP eligibility, we’re fostering a culture of accountability rather than one of entitlement. This isn’t about coldly cutting people off; it’s about motivating able adults to stand on their own two feet. Society thrives when its members strive towards productivity, and these changes nudge us toward that ideal.
