Why work when others will give you something for free?

So in difficult economic times, why are folks still willing to ask their government for a handout?  The Taxpayer knows human nature.  Humans have a natural tendency to try to live off another's hard work and property.  Some folks are able to control it and they by default are the providers. Those that cannot will use every means to take without work other's property. Today, we see clear examples from this week's Chesterfield Observer of how the "smart" lazy ones do it through the government.

Concerned citizens are organizing in an attempt to influence the supervisors. Many are using petitions, Web sites, e-mails, letters and phone calls to get their message out.

Especially in tough times, it is shameful for these folks to continue to go to the trough of our local government looking for handouts.  The Taxpayer has a message for you.  If you have a valuable service or commodity, it will succeed in the free market. 

Some that get it include the Department of Parks and Recreation as shown here in this week's Midlothian Exchange.

“Our hope is that, with the help of community and non-profit organizations, some of these programs can become self-sufficient or reinstate some of the programs.”

An example.  Folks seemed to be concerned about softball. A fine sport.  Fun to play. Fun to watch. Let's look to a privatized model whereby the county leases the field to a management company who runs the program.  The private sector grows.  The public government shrinks.  The service is provided to those that want it.

Yet the government official is always willing to respond to sloth...

Snead explained that there has been a 56 percent increase in demand over the past five years for services such as Medicaid, SNAP and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, known as TANF.

56% increase in free stuff.  Who'd thunk? The Taxpayer is surprise at such a slow rate of increase.  Most folks are not dumb. They understand how to expend the minimum amount of effort to survive.

Meanwhile, staff over at the CCPS continue to collect awards and accolades...

"Dr. Marcus Newsome is the clear choice to serve as Region 1 Superintendent of the Year. His impeccable integrity and dynamic leadership has made Chesterfield Schools a national model for high performing districts,"

"Dr. Newsome has led the transformation of Chesterfield County Public Schools by developing the action plans necessary to connect the school system's mission and vision with the improvements required in each individual school. In addition, he has accepted the challenges of these difficult economic circumstances and has exhibited great leadership,"

The only question The Taxpayer is left with is "How much did that cost us?"

The highest paid employee in the county is Superintendent Marcus Newsome at $248,667 including car allowance ($12,500) and deferred compensation ($28,500).

Who was second place?  What was his/her results? AND how much would we have saved?