[68vette]

Holy crap!!! I am counting my blessings. Had my parents and grandparents come to this country with this type of attitude, I would probably be the poster child for government handouts. This by no means is to say my family situation was worse than yours or your background was not that bad. My family immigrated to this country in the 1930's during the worst times in the depression. They didn't come to this country expecting anyone to hand them a thing. In fact, my mothers side was discriminated against because they were Italian. Often times called the N word. By today's standards, the tenement they paid rent on was considered uninhabitable and they were treated like the lowest form of life. They all busted their humps to make it here. My grandmother had a 2nd grade Italian education, but she worked hard enough and earned enough money to retire before 50. On top of this, she raised and took care of my uncle who was mentally retarded. She didn't put him away in a home or have the government subsidize his care. He was cared for by family.
Watching/hearing how hard they worked and how much my family sacrificed shaped my beliefs. Could everyone do what they did? Probably not, but many did. With hard work and the right attitude, anyone can get by. In fact this is the reality in Vermont. A large percentage of the working class are working more than one job to make ends meet. There are people that need help. Social programs have a role, but if anyone is able bodied, they need to work just as hard as the next guy.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by Evan_Lanctot

I have been homeless for a year since returning to my home state. But I am moving into something next week.

Meanwhile. I've had 2 heart attacks and quadruple bypass surgery and flatlined from one of the attacks.

Despite everything, I would be dead if I hadn't returned here.

I'm glad you survived your heart attacks and received proper medical care. Congratulations on finding housing. Good luck to you.