Circa 1975, there was a popular game show in Canada called “This is the Law”. This show was based on obscure laws created decades ago, but were no longer enforced. But they were still on the books, and could, legally speaking, could result in a fine or jail time. Contestants tried to guess the obscure law when an actor went through a little skit.

Thirty years ago, welfare in Alberta (and the rest in Canada) was a hot political topic. The basic premise was that some people were deliberating abusing the system — and that led to cries to dismantle the whole social assistance program. But as time went on, Alberta adjusted its social assistance programs by reworking old legislation. There is much less abuse, and people are being helped. Many welfare recipients only stay on for a short time to go through a life crisis. These days, welfare is no longer a political issue.

But social assistance seems to be an issue in the USA. I think this is more of a sign that American legislation is both poorly thought out and unable to be modified. When laws are struck in the USA, they seem to stick around for a long time.