Politicians really know how to act as circumstances dictate. When they don't feel like issuing a senior pension, they moan about the fact that the pension would costs billions of dollars annually, so that the electorate would be taken aback by the unimaginably gigantic figure. When they want to make good on a campaign promise, they disguise and sugarcoat the figure as being a small percentage of the total annual budget. "We can provide and care for the seniors with a mere 0.01 percent of the budget each year," they say, so that the general public, unable to see through the gimmick, would thank their lucky star for such wise leaders.
All seniors need not receive the same NT$3,000 per month pension. To poverty-stricken seniors, NT$100 per day may keep them from going through other's garbage for a living, but the money would only allow them to enjoy a meager living standard. To most seniors, NT$3,000 is nothing more than an extra entertainment allowance. Is this what we call "human dignity?" Even tycoons such as Wang Yuan-ching (王永慶) would be entitled to the NT$3,000. Reportedly, President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) mother would be entitled to receive the NT$3,000 per month. In view of the personal assets reported by Chen during his campaign and his filial piety, how can we justify this policy?
The proposal to offer free medical treatment to those under the age of three faces a similar problem. The plan to offer low-interest rates to young home buyers may cause many rich parents to borrow the the names of their sons and daughters in order to enjoy a lower rate than they would be offered otherwise.
But the "333 policy" is not necessarily a mistake. Rather, we should examine it in the context of Taiwan society. Economists believe that "only when social resources are plentiful can more refined values be maintained." If Taiwan is currently at the peak of its economic development and the general public is willing to spend tax money to care for seniors and children, then there would be no problem with the "333 policy." However, there have been talks of a tax increase due to the enormous financial pressure that our government is currently facing. A blind showering of money on a senior pension would further squeeze the less urgent components of the budget, such as the maintenance of public libraries.
The "333 policy" does not generate public wealth, rather it re-distributes wealth. Quite possibly the middle and lower class might end up paying taxes for wealthy seniors to enjoy. This might well create a good reason for revolution. Government officials always seem so reluctant to define qualifications for recipients of social welfare. Rather, they prefer to make it available to everyone. It was this way with the subsidies for the 921 earthquake.
To distinguish the rightful beneficiaries of social welfare could incur enormous administrative costs. However, in view of the injustice resulting from an indiscriminate issuance of pension, we need to thoroughly re-examine the policy. It is simply inappropriate to impulsively implement it.
Chang Yuan-chien is a senior law student at National Taiwan University.
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