It used to be that to be a part of a society meant living under the laws that govern that society and obeying them. If somebody doesn’t obey those laws, they are punished accordingly. ; you are free to live your life. Your liberty.

It seems rather silly then to pay somebody money, to “not” commit crimes but that is exactly what has been happening in Richmond, California and is set to expand to other cities including Washington DC.

The Washington Post story attempts to put a positive spin on it as the they report the homicide rate has been reduced over the last several years. However, there are serious issues with a program such as this:

  1. These are taxpayer dollars that are being given to people with no strings attached.
  2. The program ends after 18 months. What do the young men do when they are no longer getting this monthly stipend?
  3. The story says on at least two occasions, recipients of the stipend have evaded responsibility for homicides they have committed.

Before a controversial program such as this is extended, the benefit, if any, should be strictly scrutinized first. Otherwise, the only thing it does is potentially delay crimes from being committed with the taxpayers footing the bill.

What do you think about paying people to not commit crimes? Sound off below!

H/T: Washington Post

Mentioned in this article:

More About: