Social Services are Selfish

But not in the ways you think...

We were in the Uber on the way to dinner over the holidays talking about social services, history, politics, work/life balance—you know, as you do. The discussion turned to the toll on everyone that this movement toward Dickensian era norms is taking, and the larger consequences of squeezing the life out of us in service to the few.

As someone who is a unique bridge of experience with humans living below the poverty line to those hobnobbing with billionaires, it has been curious to witness the pull for those in the upper echelons toward hoarding. California last year voted to uphold the correctional facilities' right to use inmates for slave labor, and San Francisco voted across the board for judges and policies that eliminated social services and strengthened punitive "justice". This, in service to obtaining larger profits, and to feeling like those assests are protected.

They would have failed the Marshmellow test.

After all, what happens when folks can no longer afford rent or groceries? What happens when there is no avenue for upward mobility in a society? When the only people who can live a decent life are those born into it? When we have been pushed to the brink with nothing left to lose?

I'll tell you what. Folks turn to crime—avenues for which are much broader the more strict a society becomes.

When people are in need of the basic necessities of food, clothing, and shelter—yet have no means for procuring them—they tend to strategize ways to supplement. People end up being less and less educated because of the need to work younger and younger, more and more. The median health of the community degrades, mortality coming sooner. And, violent crime sky rockets.

Beyond those grim realities of deprevation, when the entire population is cared for, even in the most basic of ways, we all benefit from things we might not have considered.

I lived in Portland, OR for so many of my formative years. When we moved up there in the early 80s, downtown hangtown was a nightmare. I can remember the punk kids living under the bridge with their spiked mohawks and safety-pin piercings. Then, got to watch the transformation with the nation's best public transportation system, amazing food scene, lush public gardens, OMSI, and of course, a thriving art scene—both cultural, and counter.

Everyone loves that image of Portland(well, I suppose not everyone ;) ). Keep Portland Weird! It's got great beer, great weed, there is always something cool to do and live music to listen to. You can see indie movies in old theaters with couches instead of aisles and eat pizza with friends. Voodoo Donuts and Rose's cinnamon rolls will induce a diabetic coma. Throw a stone and hit a coffee house with the best espresso you've ever had. And, a whole store dedicated soley to salt, bitters, and chocolate!

Well, there is a reason for all that...

How do you think artists get to lead lives that thrive?

CHEAP RENT, and one decent paying job that allows for free time, and maybe even affordable nourishment.

Who benefits from societies with low crime rates, a delicious variety of restaurants, rich culture, unique shops, fun things to do, healthy constituents—and the resources of not just money, but time, to enjoy them with?

We all do.

I want EVERYONE to live a good life. I want everyone to have access to really good public education AND healthcare. I want everyone to be able to afford housing, hold just one job, get time off, be safe from harm, and more.

These are not radical ideas. They are sound and selfish economic investments.

This article was originally published on Substack. You can read the original here.