RE: B's a proud socialist... :-)
A comment from a friend who wishes to remain anonymous:
I love how he (Andy) insists that these people who happen to be poor bring it on themselves. I don't think he understands the mandates of TANF (Temporary Aid for Needy Families - which was, I hate to admit, signed into law by Clinton). TANF perpetuates poverty. It doesn't help the families and individuals participating in the program get off of welfare.
I suggest that both Steve and Andy read "Nickel and Dimed" by Barbara Ehrenreich. I'm reading her new book "Bait and Switch" right now, concerning middle class "poverty".
Andy,
I understand where you are coming from when you say that you don't have much compassion for able-bodied adults who don't do anything to help themselves. I would agree that it is truly difficult to feel sorry for some people when you see how they choose to spend their money and time. But you hit on a very important point. You do care about what happens to children and the elderly. The problem is that children are under the care of adults. Whether you agree with the parent's lifestyle or not, it isn't the child's fault. Therefore, should the child suffer for the sins (used loosely, here) of the parent? We can't take all the needy children into an orphanage or half-way house in order to care for them all. You can't take children away from parents who love them and want to take care of them. I believe we would all agree on that. So what is the answer, if not social programs? How do you care for children when their parents can not? Do we really want to see children and the elderly on street corners begging for food?
I love how he (Andy) insists that these people who happen to be poor bring it on themselves. I don't think he understands the mandates of TANF (Temporary Aid for Needy Families - which was, I hate to admit, signed into law by Clinton). TANF perpetuates poverty. It doesn't help the families and individuals participating in the program get off of welfare.
I suggest that both Steve and Andy read "Nickel and Dimed" by Barbara Ehrenreich. I'm reading her new book "Bait and Switch" right now, concerning middle class "poverty".
Andy,
I understand where you are coming from when you say that you don't have much compassion for able-bodied adults who don't do anything to help themselves. I would agree that it is truly difficult to feel sorry for some people when you see how they choose to spend their money and time. But you hit on a very important point. You do care about what happens to children and the elderly. The problem is that children are under the care of adults. Whether you agree with the parent's lifestyle or not, it isn't the child's fault. Therefore, should the child suffer for the sins (used loosely, here) of the parent? We can't take all the needy children into an orphanage or half-way house in order to care for them all. You can't take children away from parents who love them and want to take care of them. I believe we would all agree on that. So what is the answer, if not social programs? How do you care for children when their parents can not? Do we really want to see children and the elderly on street corners begging for food?
posted by Anonymous | 4:08 PM
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