LETTERS: PROUD OF COUNTRY'S HELP FOR NEEDY

To the editor:

I am a 15-year-old student at Scott City High School. I have always been interested in the welfare program of this country, and I feel the need to express my opinion. Since 1965, this country has spent more than $3.5 trillion on easing the disadvantages of the poor. I do take pride that my country thinks of this as such an important issues to spend $3.5 trillion on it in 34 years.

When I was younger, I never could understand why the government took money out of my parents' paychecks and gave it to people who wasted it. At that time, the only thing I heard about welfare was how people wasted it. As I became older, it was more evident how welfare helped people. Some of my friends were supported by welfare, and that is when I became proud of my country and this program.

Since 1965 there has been a 600 percent increase in violent crimes and a 500 percent increase in births out of wedlock. Obviously, welfare has not always solved America's problems.

I am glad we are trying to change these problems. The new welfare-to-work program is helping. I would like to thank the increasing number of people who are offering jobs to welfare recipients. The future depends on the people who are willing to support the welfare-to-work programs. I hope I can always be proud of my country and this program.

GRETCHEN WARD

Scott City