Are we Turning Morality Into a Transaction?

Jose Peo is co-host of the Politically Correcting podcast

Why Paying Children Not to Commit Crimes Is a Band-Aid, Not a Solution

In an effort to address rising crime rates, George Payne’s article “Why Paying Youth to Make a Difference Will Reduce Crime” proposed paying at-risk youth to abstain from criminal behavior. While some studies certainly highlight the challenges faced by low-income families, the idea of paying children to follow the law is a deeply flawed, short-term solution that undermines the role of education, family values, and community engagement, all while creating a very dangerous reliance on government incentives.

Education: The Foundation for Crime Prevention

Education is a proven and effective tool for addressing the root causes of crime. Unfortunately, many see the Rochester City School District (RCSD) as a pathway to continued poverty and/or prison. Here are some disturbing facts about the district:

1. Declining Enrollment: Over the past 20 years, RCSD enrollment has decreased by more than 40%, prompting the closure of 11 schools.

2. Cost per Student: RCSD spends over $35,000 per student annually, one of the highest in the nation, yet (somehow) this expenditure has not translated into proportional improvements in academic performance, raising concerns about the efficiency of resource allocation​ in the district ran by one of the highest paid school boards in NY.

3. Low Literacy Rates: Only about 15% of third-grade students demonstrated proficiency in English Language Arts, which is far below both state and national averages​​

   
   

Parents and tax payers should advocate for greater transparency, real accountability, and programs that teach real-world skills—like financial literacy, trade skills, and STEM education— to equip young people with tools to succeed in life.

The Role of Family and Community

Strong families and engaged communities are essential for a healthy society. Parents should provide the foundation of moral guidance, teaching right from wrong, offering emotional and spiritual support, while mentors and organizations like Youth for Christ strengthen this network with a sense of belonging and accountability.

Paying children not to commit crimes undermines this structure, shifting moral development from families and communities, to Big Daddy government. Instead, we should invest in solutions like affordable family counseling, parenting workshops, and mentorship programs that address root causes of youth crime—neglect, lack of supervision, and absence of 2 parent households—without diminishing personal accountability.

A Common-Sense Approach to Accountability

At its core, the idea of paying children not to commit crimes is counterproductive because it undermines one of the most fundamental principles of society: accountability. While financial hardship can certainly exacerbate challenges, it does not (and should never) excuse criminal behavior. Rewarding individuals for adhering to the law creates a seriously perverse incentive structure. It implies that basic decency and compliance with societal norms are extraordinary behaviors deserving of financial compensation. This diminishes the importance of personal responsibility and devalues the efforts of those who uphold these principles without ever needing external rewards.

Instead, policies should focus on empowering individuals to make ethical choices because it is the right thing to do—not because they are paid to do so.

Breaking the Cycle with Sustainable Solutions

Supporters of cash-based crime prevention policies often argue that these programs address immediate needs, but they fail to recognize that such measures are Band-Aids to the disease, and not a cure. True crime prevention requires long-term investments in education, family stability, and community engagement.

We should consider the following common-sense alternatives:

1. Educational Equity: Invest in programs that prepare students for college, entrepreneurship, or the workforce, and demand the outcomes improve. If not, school-choice vouchers should immediately be implemented so parents can choose which schools are best for their children (to include homeschooling).

2. Family Support: Provide resources to help parents succeed, such as safe and affordable childcare, access to family counseling, and parenting education programs. Parents are the first line of defense against crime, and they must be equipped for this role.

3. Community-Based Solutions: Encourage local mentorship programs, youth sports leagues, and arts initiatives that engage young people in positive activities. Many kids are striving to become social media stars and podcasters, yet have no idea there are good paying jobs behind those people like producers, videographers, content writers, editors, etc…

   
   

These solutions are not only more sustainable, but also reflect the values shared by most Democrats and Republicans alike: that strong families, quality education, and vibrant communities are the foundation of a thriving society.

This is not a partisan issue but a call for common-sense solutions. By investing in a better foundation, we can address crime's root causes and empower youth to make ethical choices. Let’s reject quick fixes and reliance on government handouts, focusing instead on shared values like responsibility, opportunity, and the potential for success.

~  Jose Peo is co-host of the Politically Correcting podcast, a program he started in 2021 that aims to bring reasoned dialogue to the tumultuous political landscape and empower listeners to speak honestly. Peo is a veteran who swiftly rose to E-5 sergeant, served as an intelligence analyst in Korea, along the southern U.S. border and in South America. Combining that with his entrepreneurial spirit, he won his first foray into politics by being elected to the City Council in Rochester, N.Y. in 2019. Peo’s journey from Army sergeant to entrepreneur and community leader reflects a commitment to unity and shared values.