South Carolina Statehouse Blog

Last week, Lt. Governor Andre Bauer said America is “breeding a culture of dependency,” and told an Upstate town hall meeting that we must find ways to break that cycle.

Bauer acknowledged that his intended metaphor could have been delivered more eloquently, but said his overall message remains true.

“Government has bred a culture of dependency, and there’s absolutely no one in government with the courage to stand up and say, ‘We need to break that cycle of generational poverty and dependence.’ Well, now there IS someone saying it.

I do not care about being politically correct. I care about being honest. And we honestly have a problem of dependency which is getting worse instead of better.

We are a compassionate people, and we will always take care of those who are truly needy, as we should. But there are also those who are NOT truly needy, merely lazy or greedy, who are taking advantage of the system. And, unfortunately, the system is actually designed to encourage them to take advantage of it.

Spending is out of control. When we waste tax dollars on those who are just lazy or taking advantage of the generosity of the American people, we have fewer dollars available for the truly needy or the hard working families who find themselves in hard times.

Last weekend, I went to Massachusetts to help campaign as a volunteer in that very important election for U.S. Senate. Over and over, I heard frustration from taxpayers who were angry that our nation is sliding rapidly toward socialism and away from the free enterprise system, and it was that frustration that caused the electoral upset.

The people of South Carolina are also frustrated with government. I’m frustrated. We have welfare recipients in this state who collect their checks and have no intentions of ever getting off the government gravy train. We simply cannot afford that mentality anymore. Somebody has to have the courage to speak out against it.

There are parents who are dependent upon the government for food and shelter, but who are unwilling to engage in their children’s education. This robs children of a chance to break out of poverty. Thousands and thousands of innocent young children are stuck in this cycle, and will never have a chance to break out of it… unless WE change the system.

Requiring the parents to show up at their child’s school once or twice a year is not too much to ask if they expect to keep getting their welfare payments, and it might just make the difference in the child’s future.

Back in 1996, when I first ran for office, I told voters, ‘I may not be the slickest talker, but I’ll be the hardest worker.’ That’s still true.

And next month, I expect to officially announce my candidacy for Governor, and I can tell you now I will not always be “politically correct” during my campaign… but I will always be honest.”

André Bauer
Lt. Governor
South Carolina