Q & A

Q: Is it OK for a libertarian to take a welfare check or an unemployment check?

A: This was a question Stefan Molyneux took on the radio program I was listening to last night. Molyneux likened these government checks to compensation for stolen loot. Basically, if someone steals your bike and you find it lying somewhere, it is perfectly fine to take back your property. Molyneux also said that it was just compensation for being imprisoned in public education for eighteen years of your life. Of course, here in SC, you get to drop out at age 16, so those last two years are on you.

My own libertarian positions are not based on this line of argument. Molyneux is a philosophical libertarian while I am a consequentialist. Issues of right and wrong matter, and we can make a case that victims of injustice deserve compensation for their loss. But I don't spend my time considering those things. I look at what the outcome will be.

If the government provides it, it is your right as a citizen to take advantage of it. This could be a road, public education, food stamps, or whatever. In fact, you will probably find your life and freedom considerably diminished if you don't do these things since the government has a monopoly on things like roads. But I draw the line at welfare checks.

The problem with welfare, food stamps, and other forms of aid is that they require something of you namely that you not work or be gainfully employed. A Social Security check collected after age 65 entails no such restrictions. Even Warren Buffett collects his Social Security checks and doesn't miss a day of work. If the government check comes with moral hazard, you should never take it.

Welfare creates lazy bums. You don't want to be one of those people. Going without is harder in the short term, but you will be a long term winner if you don't take the welfare check.

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