The Hypocrisy of Freebies: A Tale of Double Standards

 

The Hypocrisy of Freebies: A Tale of Double Standards

It is remarkable how people with wealth and privilege often criticize government services for the needy, labeling them as “freebies,” while simultaneously seeking and enjoying far greater benefits for themselves—benefits they rarely acknowledge as handouts. This hypocrisy is not confined to any one nation; it’s a global phenomenon, deeply ingrained in societies where the wealthy have a disproportionate influence on public discourse and policy.

I recall a personal encounter that highlighted this contradiction. A friend of mine, a staunch supporter of Republican ideology in the United States, invited me to lunch at his home. Financially secure, with both his parents retired—his father from medicine and his mother from academia—they were living in a high-end nursing facility, the kind only the very wealthy can afford. As lunch ended, a specialized bus arrived to pick up his parents. The vehicle, equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment to ensure passenger safety, charged only $2 per ride.

When my friend proudly mentioned this service, I pointed out that such programs were made possible by policies funded and championed by Democrats in Congress and the Senate—policies often criticized by Republicans as handouts. He seemed momentarily stunned by this realization, recognizing that the service he valued so highly was, in fact, a publicly funded initiative—a “freebie” he was willing to accept without question.

Freebies for the Wealthy

This anecdote reflects a larger truth: the wealthy often receive far more in government subsidies and benefits than the poor ever do, yet these are rarely framed as freebies. In the U.S., the government spends billions on tax breaks for corporations, agricultural subsidies for large-scale farms, and bailouts for financial institutions. These are justified as necessary for economic stability and growth, yet they disproportionately benefit those who already hold significant wealth.

In India, a similar pattern is evident. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, billions of dollars in loans have been waived for some of India’s richest corporations and individuals. These debt write-offs are presented as strategic economic decisions, even though they directly benefit billionaires who already enjoy substantial wealth and influence. Meanwhile, when the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) provides free healthcare, 200 kWh of electricity, 20,000 gallons of clean water, free quality education, and free bus rides for women—services aimed at empowering ordinary citizens and accelerating economic growth—they are dismissed as “freebies” by political opponents.

This framing reveals the stark hypocrisy in how public benefits are discussed. When resources are directed toward the wealthy, they are seen as investments. When they benefit the poor or middle class, they are labeled as giveaways.

Promises Versus Deliverables: The Modi and AAP Comparison

The contrast between Modi’s promises and AAP’s policies is striking. Modi came to power with grand assurances, including a pledge to deposit ₹15 lakh into every citizen’s bank account by reclaiming black money hoarded abroad. This was a blatant example of a promised freebie, one that never materialized. Despite its failure, this unfulfilled promise is rarely critiqued with the same vigor as AAP’s initiatives.

The “freebies” provided by the AAP, on the other hand, are not empty promises. They are tangible, well-implemented policies that address basic needs and uplift society. By offering free healthcare, education, electricity, and water, AAP is fulfilling the fundamental responsibilities of governance. These services are not gifts; they are tools for empowerment, designed to create a more equitable society and stimulate economic growth.

Free bus rides for women, for example, have allowed countless women in Delhi and Punjab to participate in the workforce, access education, and provide essential services. This not only benefits individual families but also contributes to the broader economy by increasing productivity and mobility. Similarly, free electricity and water ensure that basic utilities are not a financial burden, particularly for low-income households, enabling them to invest in other aspects of their lives, such as education and small businesses.

Free Services as Economic Accelerators

Far from being handouts, the services provided by AAP are economic accelerators. By reducing the financial strain on citizens, these policies free up resources for savings and investment, creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire economy. Free quality education ensures that children from disadvantaged backgrounds have the same opportunities as their wealthier peers, breaking the cycle of poverty and contributing to a more skilled workforce. Free healthcare reduces the economic burden of medical expenses, allowing families to allocate resources toward other priorities.

The economic logic of these initiatives is undeniable. For example, a healthy workforce is a productive workforce. When people are not weighed down by medical bills or utility costs, they are more likely to contribute to the economy through work, consumption, and innovation. These policies create a circular economy where public investment translates into public growth.

The Political Opposition to Empowerment

The backlash against AAP’s policies reveals a deeper truth about the nature of political and economic power. Parties like the BJP, which benefit from corporate donations and the support of wealthy elites, are inherently threatened by policies that level the playing field. For them, labeling AAP’s initiatives as “freebies” is a strategic move to discredit policies that challenge the status quo.

By dismissing these services as giveaways, opponents aim to divert attention from the substantial subsidies and benefits they extend to the wealthy. This narrative perpetuates the myth that only the affluent contribute to economic growth, ignoring the fact that empowering the majority creates a far more sustainable and inclusive economy.

A Call for Accountability

The debate around freebies is not just about policy—it is about values. It forces us to ask fundamental questions about the role of government in society. Should governance cater to the privileged few, or should it strive to uplift everyone? Should resources be concentrated in the hands of the wealthy, or should they be distributed to create a fairer and more equitable society?

Kejriwal’s policies provide a compelling answer to these questions. By prioritizing the needs of ordinary citizens, the AAP government is redefining what governance can achieve. The success of these initiatives challenges the deeply ingrained biases against public welfare programs and exposes the hypocrisy of those who criticize “freebies” while enjoying far greater benefits themselves.

This chapter serves as a reminder that governance is not about charity; it is about justice. The services provided by AAP are not handouts—they are investments in a better, more equitable future. They demonstrate that when governments prioritize the well-being of their citizens over the interests of the wealthy, everyone benefits.