1993-1994 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest

Responsibility, Who Has It and Who Doesn't and What That Means For The Nation

Teacher: Patrick Murphy

Ramsey High School, Ramsey, Illinois

1st Patra Rakers   2nd Tawnya Marley  3rd Aaron Halford

What is the "free lunch" syndrome and why does Mr. Sykes claim it has "undermined families and  a sense of responsibility?"

"The 'free lunch' syndrome is one of the many problems with our government.  Sykes was talking about the welfare system and how it is setup.  In the 1960's, not everyone who was eligible for welfare was on welfare.  Back then, people had a lot of pride and dignity; they wanted to work for what they needed and prove their ability to succeed. So, when Sykes says the system has 'undermined' families and a sense of responsibility, he is absolutely right.  The system is being abused.  You no longer have to work if you don't want to;  "just go on aid" Heck! You don't really even have to finish school, knowing that you can always fall back on the government.  In other words, you never have to be a responsible adult and worry about where your next meal is going to come from (It's a sad situation)."
Tawnya Marley, Ramsey High School, Ramsey, Illinois

"I think the government should determine 'economic fairness and equity' by first deciding how much the family really needs and then, by deciding how much the family really needs and then, by whether or not they are really disabled.  It would take more effort, but, isn't it worth it?"
Tawyna Marley, Ramsey High school, Ramsey, Illinois

"I do not believe that the youth today value self-expression over self-control.  If the youth are expressing themselves so much, why are they so misunderstood?  If we had no self-control, all of us with a girlfriend or boyfriend would be pregnant or have gotten someone pregnant.  There are still teenagers out there who have values. It just seems that their statistics aren't as interesting."
Patra Rakers, Ramsey High School, Ramsey Illinois

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