Who pays the bills?

In response to a letter in the BDN, March 4, from the mother who’d moved recently to Brewer: She immediately requested town aid and was unhappy not to receive diapers, food, etc. right away.

First, let me say I do not deny any child food, shelter or medical treatment. But as the mother of two young sons, I believe it to be the parent’s responsibility to provide such. Not the town or government. I assumed several things here, and could be wrong in this particular case. But it seemed likely that if town assistance was immediately asked for, the mother probably is not paying for insurance for this child’s medical problems. So I assume that AFDC, food stamps, and Medicaid are involved. Implying that there is no job to support the family, or such programs as she relies on to support self and child. Perhaps these issues should have been addressed before having a child she cannot support.

Because a large portion of our hard-earned income goes to support these welfare programs, we could not keep up with the escalating cost of health insurance. The birth of each of our children cost $4,000 out of our pockets. Plus shots, diapers, food, etc.

I would not expect anyone else to pay my bills, and am sick of being taxed to death to pay others’. It’s time to end the free ride now. There are many reasons why temporary aid is necessary. But for far too many it has become a way of life. If you can’t be productive, don’t be reproductive. There are many other options, most of which are also available through government-paid programs, and much cheaper for the taxpayer.

Clara Bridges

Sedgwick