Workfare

When President Roosevelt proposed the various “alphabet soups” of federal programs in the 1930s, he did so because he knew that most Americans were too proud and independent to take federal money for nothing. Today, we have welfare recipients who find workfare “demeaning” (July 7). Some have even refused the notion of working to improve their own living quarters and neighborhoods.

People who accept taxpayer funds should be willing to work for it. Just like the taxpayer who works to earn a paycheck, part of which goes to support these same welfare recipients. If they don’t care to work, they should not receive taxpayer funds.

JENNIFER KING

Cedar Glen, Calif.