Welfare cuts have hint of eugenics

There has been much alarm aroused by government proposals to cut welfare benefits for some of the poorest and most vulnerable in society. The numbers of people claiming these benefits have risen substantially over recent years, in no small part due to the COVID pandemic. The mishandling of so much of the pandemic by government has helped create a huge number of people, who are unable to work. The harm done to mental health over this period and subsequently has been huge. It is estimated that two million people (3% of the population) are still suffering from long COVID. The government has targeted welfare on the basis of saving money. Again, as with the attack on winter fuel payments, the amount being saved is relatively small. Why not tax those with the most, many millionaires and billionaires have asked to pay more? There is a rather worrying eugenic theme running through these policies. The government bang on about delivering for working people, whilst seemingly ignoring, or attacking, other groups such as the elderly, disabled and poor. In the case of the elderly, who proportionately vote more than any other demographic, it seems a strange electoral strategy, let alone the moral dimension. A number of commentators have also made the link between the moves to legalise assisted dying and these other policies attacking the poorest and most vulnerable in society The narrative seems to be if you are not tied to the economic wheel of employment you have no worth. Never mind the billions of pounds of free care provided by elderly people for their children and grand children. Or the voluntary work done by so many. Or the service and taxes contributed over the years. None of this counts, only work, right now, on the wheel of capitalism by 'ordinary working people.' It is all rather confusing if not a little sinister. The mindset needs to change. Everyone has worth, all lives are sacred, it is high time government recognised this reality and acted accordingly for the common good of all.