It is not the taxpayers’ responsibility to set up every child with a sum of money to access when they turn 18, especially when the purpose is not specified.

Just when I thought Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton couldn’t come up with a proposal more ludicrous than her new health insurance plan, she amazed me once again.

Her projected baby bond plan would give a $5,000 bond to every newborn in America. They would then be able to access the money at age 18 and use it towards college, financing a new home or something of their choosing. Please note that approximately 4 million babies are born every year.

Clinton’s proposal is not only foolish, but impractical. It’s nothing more than a liberal, “feel good” idea. She did neglect to mention where she expected the funding to come from. Let’s go out on a limb and assume the pockets of the working class.

Citizens can hardly keep up with government entitlement programs as is. Maybe Clinton fails to remember we are a democracy, not a socialist society.

Nothing promotes the ideology of the American values of saving and fiscal conscientiousness like government handouts, similar to how per-child welfare credits produce sensible family planning.

If a couple decides to have a child, it should be their sole responsibility to provide for the child. The government already supports more than enough families through welfare programs.

Enough is enough. If parents cannot provide for their child, it is wiser not to have a child at all rather than expecting others to foot the bill.

What children really need, instead of yet another government handout, is to develop a work ethic, a savings ethic, a budget and personal pride. It is completely realistic for students to put themselves through college without assistance from the government, or parents for that matter.

Think I'm wrong? Hardly. I am a full-time college student, I own my car, I pay rent and I’ll graduate virtually debt-free. A little hard work, parents who teach the value of a dollar and responsibility can achieve great things. Not to mention the personal satisfaction of earned success.

Let’s be realistic. It is not the taxpayers’ responsibility to set up every child with a sum of money to access when they turn 18, especially when the purpose is not specified. What percentage of 18-year-olds will actually use it towards continued education or building a home? How many will blow it on cheap thrills?

What about taxpayers who choose not to have children? Paying school taxes is more than enough. It is not necessary for them to fund anything further.

Clinton has really outdone herself this time. This plan is solely a ploy to buy secured votes from a class of people who feel the government owes them something. Such behavior is not only irresponsible but also destructive to the nation’s economic future.

So Hillary, next time you’re giving handouts, keep in mind I never got that silver Mustang with the black leather interior that I wanted for my sweet 16. I’m sure you’ll come up with another half-witted, government-funded idea to provide for me.

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