German Vs. American Social Progress

In an era of so much free information and knowledge available through the internet, it astounds me that so many Americans are unaware of the social progress of Western European countries. Germany, in particular, has led the way with social programs that aim to help diminish the burden of heavy taxation on their citizens. Relatively inexpensive healthcare, free education, a broad-reaching social insurance system, and programs such as Kindergeld (direct payments to families based on number of children) put America to shame. Although many German individuals believe that they pay a high amount of taxes, through personal experiences I have found that they feel as though their contribution to the government yields much greater returns. They are proud of their contribution to clean and renewable energy through government programs. They are proud of their world-class education system, and they are thankful for inexpensive and easily accessible medicine and healthcare treatments for all ages. Therefore, I have to ask why does America not have universal healthcare, why are we afraid of free education and what will it take for us to change our social welfare programs?

In a report published in the Greenhaven Press, Journalist J.D. Tuccille states that “government programs do not do much to help the poor – in fact, they encourage bad behavior.” She goes on to say that the gains in welfare reform and social changes our country went through during the 1990’s have all but been erased in recent years. Tuccille reiterates the famous concerns that Michael Tanner voiced in front of the US Senate in 1995 that “welfare contributes to the rise in out-of-wedlock births and single-parent families.” Arguing that private charities are both successful and efficient, she believes it is not the state or the national government’s job to provide for the welfare of its citizens, but rather the individual and well-funded private groups. (Tuccille n.p.)

This article, “Government Programs Have Not Helped the Poor” was found in the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center (OVRP) for a reason. In America, there is a growing sentiment of conservatism, shrinking of government programs and less government involvement in the lives of every day Americans. Tuccille, and many other writers across the country, is trying to promote the fact that large-scale welfare programs do not work. However, if you go to any modern Western European country, you can find cultures focused on providing all members of society with the basic rights of healthcare, education and welfare; these are systems that work. What is not working in the United States is that we fail to back up our social programs with adequate taxation and management. These failures are what associate a negative image with the idea or “socialism” and particularly “welfare.” Americans do not want to give more money to the government if they know it will not affect them.

I personally would have absolutely no problem paying more taxes if I knew of the benefits I would be receiving. I also believe that other Americans would feel the same way about this if everyone received free healthcare, education and other important tax incentives to ease the burden of higher taxation. This precise reason is why I encourage and urge America to accept the fact that unless we begin looking after the country as a whole, we are doomed for failure. What is so frightening about universal healthcare? Is it the fact that you may have to wait somewhat longer for care, or somehow the overall level of care received will diminish? The same goes for higher education. Wouldn’t free or low-cost education ease the burden on everyone in the country? The extra money paid in taxes would only save you money in the future, in the form of tuition bills. Of course with both of these examples, there would still be some privatized healthcare and education options, just as in Germany, but there would at least be the option available for all to explore.

In 2002 the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development posted through their Social Policy Division an overview of the German system of social affairs. This document shows the vast number of ways the government benefits their citizens in the form of government funded social programs. From rent and housing allowances to government mandated free child care, the report gives insight into how far-reaching the programs in Germany are. They affect everyone, and justify the social state that governs the country. If America wishes to fix our current welfare state and begin to provide real support for families, I ask that it models its programs after those in Germany, as they are progressive and fully-encompassing. (Germany n.p.)

With the vast amount of knowledge available through the internet and media, I believe it is time for everyone to start researching the social programs of Europe, and understand how they can help almost every individual here in America. Read, learn, take notes and question. The concerns over healthcare, education and welfare in this country can be answered with one simple word, funding. With more taxes and a better understanding of what socialism really means, we can begin these programs and help the overall social health of our country. It is not just information that is key, but valid information and well researched facts. During the writing of this response paper, I had first hand in creating falsified information about Germany on Wikipedia. I added information to a page about Leipzig, a city I lived in during the summer of 2008. This erroneous information pertained to the economy of the region, and although it was not true remained on the site up until the time of me writing this paper. I do feel guilty about posted this information yet I was able to prove a point that not all information is valid and reliable information.

Works Cited

“Germany 2002.” OECD Social Policy Division – Directorate of Employment, Labour and Social Affairs. 25 Sep. 2008. http://www.oecd.org/els/social/workincentives.

Tuccille, J.D. “Government Programs Have Not Helped the Poor.” Opposing Viewpoints: Poverty. Ed. Karen Balkin. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2004. Opposing Viewpoints Critical Thinking. Gale. 25 Sep. 2008.