Reply #38: Who are the poor? [View All]

[The Straight Story]

I did not say all are lazy, I said some are. I was poor and not lazy, though I did make some poor choices.

To say that some are not lazy is not accurate, some are. I can give you the names of five I know - but I am not so blind as to think ALL are.

My basic point is that there is a problem and one band aid will not fix it. Focus on one solution and we miss the others and people slip through the cracks.

People are poor for many reasons, lets understand them all and see what we can do to help. I had three kids before I was 24 and there was not way I could support them and the wife on the income I had. Had it just been me and the wife both working we would have been ok. That was my fault. But that does not mean I think people who get themselves in bad situations should not be helped (hell, we bail out big companies with billions, why not help the avg joe when he needs it?).

Help is more than money and raising taxes. It means looking into all the reasons and finding a mix of solutions. Some people can be helped. The homeless guy I know does not want help (though imho he needs mental help), my niece just wants to hit the lottery as she hates to work, as do her friends. Not sure sending them a monthly check is the answer (well, both my nieces really).

Heck, my nephew is same way. Lost his job at burger king (he is 18) for not showing up. Went back a few months later and begged to get his job back. Manager gave it to him and first day back he was almost two hours late because he over slept and did not want to go in. How do you help people who don't help themselves??