It's NOT Hypocrisy to Take the Check!

Published on February 15, 2007 By Gideon MacLeish In Current Events

Somewhere in the process of arguing, many people have lost sight of what the word "hypocrite" means. I was thinking about this today while trying to get things together to fill out my FAFSA for 2007-2008 (still waiting on 1099 from the newspaper, I'll be waiting for another month, but it's good to get the rest of it together now). I have had to wrestle with the idea of receiving government money for going back to school when I don't think the government should be so heavily invested in social programs.

It's not an easy choice, but it's getting easier as I think about it.

See, whether I like it or not, the money is there. Not taking the money would be akin to running a 400 meter race and granting the other runners a 100 meter headstart. Sure, it would be good bragging rights if I won, but what point would it prove?

And I have the knowledge of knowing that in my case the money's not wasted. I'm putting in 80 hour weeks right now to do the best I can, and quickly making a bit of a name for myself. I will more than return in taxes what I am getting in college funds (and my long term plan includes paying as much out in scholarships as I get in in grants once I have the income to do it so that I balance things out in a way), and basically the money spent on my college is somewhat of an investment in my future. I can dig that.

But what gives me pause is those who would claim that my taking the money represents hypocrisy. It doesn't. Here's why:

See, I have never advocated against someone taking money they were entitled to. Sure, I may question why it's there at all, but if there's wastefulness, it's always been my policy to blame the bureaucrats, not the recipients of the government check. Many recipients know the government is going to spend the money anyway, so they figure why not on them? And, really, they're right.

I have a problem with someone taking a free paycheck and demanding more. I have a problem with someone living a life of excess third world countries cannot even imagine, and then comparing their plights. I have a problem with a nation where the poor are fat, yet they complain they are starving. And I have a problem with people who feel they are OWED something for nothing.

But if the check's there, I figure, take it. If you don't, the next guy in line will, without a second thought about it. Just don't bitch that there wasn't an extra zero.

Comments

SanChonino

on Feb 15, 2007

But if the check's there, I figure, take it.

Definitely. I won't lie; I applied for an undergrad research grant to fund my writing of public service announcements for the city of Ogden concerning the Equal Opportunity Housing Act in Spanish.. Was I owed it? No. Did I want it? Heavens, yes.

And (unofficially) I got it. That means an extra 1500 bucks. Hee hee hee. I love needless money thrown higgledy-piggledy about . . .

Gideon MacLeish

on Feb 15, 2007

Yup...I figger as long as there's pork, Ima get me some bacon. But I won't whine when they cut it.

Well, I MIGHT whine. But I'll come to my senses soon enough.

terpfan1980

on Feb 15, 2007

Investing in your future is always a good thing. Investing in the future of employees is also a good thing. Investing in the future of potential future employees a very good thing. Until the government cuts out pork in a lot of other areas, I'd just as soon see the investing in education (in higher education at least) continue and I most certainly am not going to begrudge someone from taking advantage of the opportunity that might exist.

Heck there are plenty of far more "well to do" individuals that benefit from employer contributions to education, including lots of workers for the federal and state governments. Lets see those benefits cut all around if you are going to do the cutting.

In the meantime, if the benefit is there, take advantage of it if possible. Worst case the fed turns you down for grant money but offers up some Plus loans or something similar and you wind up working the money off anyway. Win-win for everyone that way.

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