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The stigma and judgmental accusations don’t help, I know, but people are naive and possibly afraid of their own stability - and losing it - and sounding like they’re better, more moral etc., is their only mean of coping. Pretty destructive, but some people act this way and it’s too bad. They’re probably afraid of being one event away from having their lives completely gutted. That is happening to countless folks now - through no fault of their own. Accusations are so uncalled for - (speaking generally, not that I’ve read anything regarding your comment. It’s just my observation based on comments I’ve read.
I hope you have someone available for support. Call the hotline. They will help. I know it doesn’t solve everything and the slowness of everything is excruciating. But I hope you just take one step.
Wish you well and it probably doesn’t help, but our systems are upside down and people get caught in it, through no fault of their own. It’s unsustainable. Do send a text or call that line. Nothing bad will happen if you do. Nothing. Take 5 or 3 minutes. Or 1. Hang up if you don’t like it. It could really help you. Good thought to you and yours. You have people. Just call.
Last edited by paperwing; 10-31-2020 at 07:40 AM..
Reason: Grammar, editing.
I don't understand the idea that anyone would want an underclass. It's much more pleasant to be in the company of people who aren't needy. I'd like to see all Minnesotans being upward mobile.
We have tons of programs to help people in the United States. In order to take advantage of self-improvement programs you really have to attach, have goals and hang on. Many people would rather just have the money which is soon gone again.
Location: New Albany, Indiana (Greater Louisville)
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We have safety nets and free public schools for two reasons.
1. To take the desperation out of poverty and reduce crime, prison population
2. To give an opportunity for gifted children raised in hard places to rise out of poverty and into the middle class.
Places with no safety nets see their richest residents spend probably a similar amount on private security than rich Americans have taken out of taxes for safety net programs.
The OP assumes that all of the people who are so-called "poor" are poor because their wages aren't sufficient and not because these people might be living high off the hog. That simply isn't true. There are millions of people making six figure incomes and consider themselves "poor" and go to food banks and ask for loans from family members but yes, they DO live high off the hog. If someone is making six figures or even $50,000-$100,000, they certainly should be able to live on this. If not, they're not living within their means. Of course, living within one's means might mean that someone can't afford a classy $2000 a month apartment, takeout, the yearly vacation, the health club membership, new Nikes and the latest I-phone. The legitimate poor are the people who are working at minimum wage jobs and have dependents. The pseudo-poor people (making 50 grand and above) shouldn't even be compared to the legitimate poor people, it's a disgrace to lump them together. Someone who makes 50 grand and is whining they can't make ends meet should take a long hard look at their budget. Get rid of the $200 cable TV, the I-phones, the Amazon Prime memberships, the high priced vitamins, the health club, the fancy leased car...I still see many people standing on corners waiting for buses yet wearing fancy sneakers and have cell phones.
Capitalism seems to require a perpetual poor class. People desperate enough to do the work for minimal pay. Argue all you want the individual can negotiate or walk. Beautiful Sunshine. Not if you rent and eat and have debt. Debt being what current American economy is based on. More money made from servicing debt in this country than actually selling goods and services. Its a big scam economy.
Meritocracy has always been a myth, especially if you are other than white protestant male. But anymore pretty much anybody but the 1%. Most companies dont promote people through the ranks. Production workers rarely work their way up to upper management. They hire top tier from outside, usually middle tier too.
Oh there are always some so uniquely smart or so talented, they, like cream, rises to top despite all obstacles. This is rare. Most people are not exceptional. Just moderately competent and living their life. Few want silly job, its just going along to get along in this society.
There are strong trade unions in western Europe. This is what is needed to negotiate pay, something the individual cant do. But somehow its been beat into heads that unions are evil. Believe that lie and go talk to average German worker. They get paid living wage cause they do have strong unions.
Whats truly bizarre is the support for right wing capitalist politics in this country, when most of those voters would benefit from a real democratic socialist government. Not the corporate apologists running both parties now. But Americans all have some secret fantasy they will become billionaires and dont want onerous laws on them when that happens. Seriously only tiny percentage of population will ever become wealthy under any system. Big hint, not everybody can be Indian chief, most have to resign themselves to being mere braves. Better to elect a govt that actually looks after working stiff rather than one that makes grandiose vague promises that they have no intention of honoring. The current capitalist system is nothing more than marketing for some big lottery. Promising you can be rich if you only work harder. Again big hint, few win a significant amount from any lottery.
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