Obama wants to spread the wealth around

[Renee in NC]

Exactly why charity should be kept private. The government has not been accountable to us about how the money they take from us is spent. Lots of pork barrel stuff. I contribute to an organization where $.85 of every $1 is spent on the people who actually need it; the other $.15 is administrative cost. That's a great percentage' date=' actually. I dare say the government does not do that. Additionally, I get a rundown on exactly how the money is spent, every cent. Government has never sent me anything telling me down to the cent how my money is spent.

 

And, yes, it is all about choices in life. Choices of whether to go to college, where to go to college, how to pay for college (there are many choices), chosen major (knowing ahead of time, if money is important to you, how much people in that field of work make), how to spend the money made, where to invest and how much, what a potential husband/wife brings to the partnership (other than undying love), when/if to have children, how many children to have. I could go on and on. The bottom line is that usually one choice leads to another. People who make bad choices usually compound that decision with more bad choices. I hold my children accountable everyday for the choices they make; I expect no less from my government.

 

*Just a side note about colleges. We were at Georgia Tech last week and they have something called the "Tech Promise." Bottom line: any family whose child gets into Tech that makes less than a predetermined amount of income [b']will[/b] graduate debt free. As I stated above, there are many ways to fund education for those willing to work for it. Of course, getting into Tech is not easy, it entails lots of hard work on the student's part, AP classes, high test scores, etc. but that's another choice, isn't it, whether to work that hard?

 

The Tech Promise also assumes that the student went to a high school that offered AP classes, had the educational background necessary to succeed in AP classes, and has the intelligence necessary to succeed in college. 30% of our students in NC don't even graduate from high school!

 

The reality of our society is that there are WAY more low-wage, service-sector jobs than anything else and the economic climate is always going to adjust for that reality. We *need* people to make "bad" decisions in order to continue our way of life. Kuwait is a good example of this - the population is so wealthy that they import low-wage workers from other countries in order to maintain their lifestyles. We have done the same thing here, but through a backdoor method (illegal immigration.)

 

I don't believe that we control our *entire* destiny (sometimes bad things happen to good people.) Yes, people do make bad choices. And a lot of times, by the time they realize it, it is too late. Yes, people can work full-time and go to school full-time (or get training or whatever) so that they can better themselves. But they can't work TWO full-time jobs just to make ends meet *and* go to school. I support programs that require accountability and truly give a "hand up" to those who need it.

 

Private organizations would be a better choice, yes. Especially private, local charities - they are better able to determine need, ability, and desire to succeed. What I don't see, however, is that people will give to private charities at levels necessary. That they will do this without passing judgement, calling it stealing, or stomping on the people who come for help is more than I expect. It seems to me that people are so caught up "taking care of themselves" that they either don't see the need of others or simply don't care. Or worse - that those people deserve it because they made bad choices at some point in the past.

[emeraldjoy]

 

And' date=' yes, it is all about choices in life.

 

quote']

 

Not everone has the same choices. And for some they are systematically removed. It is actually a luxury to consider college a choice.

e

[Academy of Jedi Arts]

And' date=' yes, it is all about choices in life. Choices of whether to go to college, where to go to college, how to pay for college (there are many choices), chosen major (knowing ahead of time, if money is important to you, how much people in that field of work make), how to spend the money made, where to invest and how much, what a potential husband/wife brings to the partnership (other than undying love), when/if to have children, how many children to have. I could go on and on. The bottom line is that usually one choice leads to another. People who make bad choices usually compound that decision with more bad choices. I hold my children accountable everyday for the choices they make; I expect no less from my government.[/quote']

 

So mental illness is a choice? Having a low IQ is a choice? Having parents who immigrated to this country from Mexico is a choice? Being black is a choice? Having a disability or disease is a choice?

 

What exactly do you do to help these people who are making such "bad choices" make better ones? Or do you just sit and point fingers like most, holding others up to their own standards that they seem desperate to justify? How can the need to be superior surpass the need to be compassionate and thoughtful? I will never understand that one.

 

To think that everyone in America can just choose to go to college and then choose whatever they want to major in is INSANE.

[Academy of Jedi Arts]

Private organizations would be a better choice, yes. Especially private, local charities - they are better able to determine need, ability, and desire to succeed. What I don't see, however, is that people will give to private charities at levels necessary. That they will do this without passing judgement, calling it stealing, or stomping on the people who come for help is more than I expect. It seems to me that people are so caught up "taking care of themselves" that they either don't see the need of others or simply don't care. Or worse - that those people deserve it because they made bad choices at some point in the past.

 

 

Well said!

 

For those who think private organizations are a better choice, they do have the option of giving less money to the government because they give more to charity. Most charitable donations are tax deductible. Even when you donate clothes or coats- you can make up a list of what you gave and what it's estimated value is, get a receipt, then take that off your tax liability at the end of the year.

[Laura K (NC)]

The following summary of Marxism is from this site:

http://www.allaboutphilosophy.org/what-is-marxism-faq.htm

 

What is Marxism?

 

Marxism is an economic and social system based upon the political and

economic theories of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. While it would

take veritably volumes to explain the full implications and

ramifications of the Marxist social and economic ideology, Marxism is

summed up in the Encarta Reference Library as a theory in which

class struggle is a central element in the analysis of social change

in Western societies. Marxism is the antithesis of capitalism which

is defined by Encarta as an economic system based on the private

ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods,

characterized by a free competitive market and motivation by profit.

Marxism is the system of socialism of which the dominant feature is

public ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange.

 

Under capitalism, the proletariat, the working class or the people,

own only their capacity to work; they have the ability only to sell

their own labor. According to Marx a class is defined by the

relations of its members to the means of production. He proclaimed

that history is the chronology of class struggles, wars, and

uprisings. Under capitalism, Marx continues, the workers, in order to

support their families are paid a bare minimum wage or salary. The

worker is alienated because he has no control over the labor or

product which he produces. The capitalists sell the products produced

by the workers at a proportional value as related to the labor

involved. Surplus value is the difference between what the worker is

paid and the price for which the product is sold.

 

An increasing immiseration of the proletariat occurs as the result of

economic recessions; these recessions result because the working

class is unable to buy the full product of their labors and the

ruling capitalists do not consume all of the surplus value. A

proletariat or socialist revolution must occur, according to Marx,

where the state (the means by which the ruling class forcibly

maintains rule over the other classes) is a dictatorship of the

proletariat. Communism evolves from socialism out of this

progression: the socialist slogan is From each according to his

ability, to each according to his work. The communist slogan varies

thusly: From each according to his ability, to each according to his

needs.

 

What were the Marxist views of religion? Because the worker under the

capitalist regimes was miserable and alienated, religious beliefs

were sustained. Religion, according to Marx was the response to the

pain of being alive, the response to earthly suffering. In Towards a

Critique of Hegels Philosophy of Right (1844), Marx wrote, Religion

is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the feeling of a heartless

world, and the soul of soulless circumstances. Marx indicated in

this writing that the working class, the proletariat was a true

revolutionary class, universal in character and acquainted with

universal suffering. This provided the need for religion.

[seanda]

is that between 30 and 40% of all working Americans do not pay federal taxes... all income taxes are refunded back to them. Under Obama's plan he will give them a CHECK... he will redistribute the money from the wealthy to directly give cash handouts to the bottom 40% of American workers. This is socialism. Tax cuts are good... handouts = socialism.

 

And Obama is planning on raising taxes on almost all big corporations and many small businesses. Many seem to think that Obama is going to bring back jobs to the US but this is ridiculous. Raising taxes on corporations, raising the minimum wage, and increasing environmental regulations all will help chase off businesses who will have much larger profit margins if they move their companies overseas. This will lead to higher unemployment.

 

Did you know that the US already has one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world?

 

We can all complain about evil big business but the reality is that if we raise taxes on business they will pass on costs to the consumer or move their companies to where costs are lower to maintain their profit margin. And since many people who complain about big business own stock in said evil companies, they should know that stock prices are generally effected by profit margins.

 

Finally... Americans are very generous. We as individuals give of our time and money to a variety of charities. In fact, according to many studies Republicans give considerably more of their money as a percentage and of their time than do democrats. Oh, and Republicans as a group do not earn more than democrats. Republicans are conservative people who believe in helping but also believe in personal responsibility and freedom. They are not stingy or greedy as the media would have the public believe.

[Susie in CA]

Which will hit many small business owners very hard. There will be no incentive to grow a business beyond that amount. When Obama said (in the most recent debate) that the percentage of small businesses making over that amount was extremely small I about gagged and wanted to yell "Liar" at him through the TV. I was watching the debate from the vet clinic after appointments were over, the very small business that most definitely makes over that amount and definitely not all profit. It is all used to pay employees, buy inventory, etc. If he thinks most small businesses are making less than $250,000 a year he's crazy.

 

 

I totally agree!! It makes me gag, too.

 

The thing is there are many small business that make less, however, they are not the ones that have employees. The ones that have employees are the ones he is going to tax more. That's the problem! Now they have less money for payroll!! How is that going to help anyone?

[Jugglin'5]

I struggle with this constant attempt to connect not wanting to pay more taxes or fund government programs ("spread the wealth") with being greedy and egocentric.

 

There will always be those who choose not to use their money to help others (Christians and secular). And while I think that is unfortunate, it is not our right to demand how a private citizen uses his or her own earned money.

 

But there are many, many others (my family included) who use much of their discretionary income to support organizations that help and take care of others, both locally (as local as the family down the street with a single dad trying to take care of two young girls) and abroad. Not that I really care to broadcast this, but for most of us, it has nothing to do with an unwillingness to help others: it just should not be something the government has control over.

 

:iagree: This drives me crazy. I am sure I am on Amy's "you know who you are" list. It doesn't matter what we do privately, it only matters that we don't want to cough up more of our money in taxes. That makes us eeeevil and greedy. And none of us who are Chrstians understand the Bible or what Jesus said either:001_rolleyes:, 'cause actually, you see, he was a community organizer, who wanted the Romans to tax people even more.

[Margaret in GA]

a chance.

 

Who do you mean by "successful people?" Do you mean people like my husband who works two jobs and averages 5 hours a sleep a night? With my 3 12-hour shifts plus my husband's 2 jobs, we still live off of spaghetti and cream of mushroom soup w/ rice, and both our cars are 150K + in mileage because we are supporting 2 parents in long-term care and are trying to save up for 4 college educations because our kids won't qualify for pell grants. Are we the successful people you want to thank? The one's who will be hit by Obama's tax hike?

 

geez, louise. You will NOT be hit by a tax hike. If you're living off of canned soup you probably make less than $250K a year. Get your facts if you plan to vote.

 

As for me, I do earn over $250 a year. We pay an unreal amount of taxes because we own 2 small businesses. You wouldn't believe how the local, state, and federal government treat us when we have a good year. Large corporations have been milking the system and taking advantage of loopholes we can't get, making their CEOs wealthier all the time.

 

I am voting for Obama knowing that my taxes may go up. I happen to believe that people who are working so hard every day, living off of canned soup deserve a piece of the pie. But mostly, I believe this war in Iraq has been the worst mistake in my lifetime and I will not reward those who were for it by electing them into office to repeat those mistakes.

 

Margaret

[Tree House Academy]

Won't that be fun (when Obama is elected)? We can all have our little big brother ID cards, the UN can take over America, and we can be FORCED to give all of our money out to other people...often people who just sit on their butts and collect from the government because, well, that's easier than working like a dog to make it to the top ranks of middle class. Share the wealth, spread it around. Heck...just give it all away. I am not saying everyone getting the trickle down from "spread the wealth" (which, by the way, is just the democratic way and I am not really surprised at all) doesn't deserve some help from the goverment. I am saying there are certain groups I would not help if my life depended on it and unfortunately, I would have no choice in this matter.

 

I stay out of politics for the most part, but this country seems to be going to the birds (so many other fun ways to put that, but we will stick with the birds).

 

ETA: No, maybe those making under $250K a year will not be hit by a tax hike...but the places where they do business will. And what does that mean?? The prices of those goods will go up too. Any tax hike translates directly to the consumer - an no, I am not talking about Jo Blow's family's tax hike...I am talking about small businesses!

Edited October 14, 2008 by Tree House Academy

[Renee in NC]

I totally agree!! It makes me gag, too.

 

The thing is there are many small business that make less, however, they are not the ones that have employees. The ones that have employees are the ones he is going to tax more. That's the problem! Now they have less money for payroll!! How is that going to help anyone?

 

This is not true. We have employees and make way below this. At one point my father had 12 employees and his profit was not $250K. My mother at one time had 10+ permanent, full time employees and was making slightly under that. She now has only 4 FT employees (and 2 PT) and is making much less than that (due to economic issues in her area.) I have done (and still do) books for small businesses - many, many of them had employees and lower than $250K profit.

 

If you are talking GROSS revenues, then you are probably right. I am happy to make 10% profit, which would mean our sales would have to be $2.5 million in order to profit $250,000. If it were so, we would have probably 10 employees. I would GLADLY give up a chunk of that if it meant helping other people. Yes, I would prefer it to be through other-than-government organizations, but that simply isn't the reality of our country right now.

[cathmom]

is that between 30 and 40% of all working Americans do not pay federal taxes... all income taxes are refunded back to them. Under Obama's plan he will give them a CHECK... he will redistribute the money from the wealthy to directly give cash handouts to the bottom 40% of American workers. This is socialism. Tax cuts are good... handouts = socialism.

 

 

 

We already have this. Haven't you heard of the Earned Income Credit?

[Renee in NC]

We already have this. Haven't you heard of the Earned Income Credit?

 

And the Additional Child Tax Credit?:D

[Bev in B'ville]

So mental illness is a choice? Having a low IQ is a choice? Having parents who immigrated to this country from Mexico is a choice? Being black is a choice? Having a disability or disease is a choice?

 

What exactly do you do to help these people who are making such "bad choices" make better ones? Or do you just sit and point fingers like most, holding others up to their own standards that they seem desperate to justify? How can the need to be superior surpass the need to be compassionate and thoughtful? I will never understand that one.

 

To think that everyone in America can just choose to go to college and then choose whatever they want to major in is INSANE.

 

Careful, you're on a pretty high horse. Don't presume to know me. You don't. You never will. I am the Executive Director for a non-profit organization, founded by me, to help the children in my area. One of our goals is to help these children claim unused scholarships. Scholarships are left behind by the hundreds every year. Our local ps doesn't offer a lot of AP classes, in fact, they only offer 2. However, our state offers free online classes through the Georgia Virtual School and there are other options as well for AP classes. These kids do have choices. Some of them decide to work hard to get there, some do not. My husband was raised on welfare, but his mother valued grades and hard work. He was able to get a scholarship based on his grades; he graduated valedictorian. People who use their social status to perpetuate their continued existence in it are sad individuals.

 

IQ is not everything. Perseverance is more necessary than IQ. I should know. Army paid my tuition, but I had living expenses to pay for and my textbooks. I worked 2 full-time jobs while getting my undergrad and, at one point, added a 3rd part-time job. So, yes, it can be done. I worked very hard for my grades, studying during lunch breaks, dinner breaks, and whenever I could, especially on the train I took to school. It was never easy, but the alternative wasn't an acceptable alternative in my book.

 

And, yes, there are alternatives for those people with disabilities (forgive me, but I don't consider race a disability and many of my friends would laugh if I told them they were considered disabled). ADA has made sure these people can attend school if they wish to and can work in almost any field they choose. And I really don't see a connection between immigration and hard work/school choice. In California, illegal immigrants get in-state tuition and they can use the public schools; heck, even their classes are taught in Spanish. There are other states who offer this as well. Many mental illnesses and diseases can be controlled with drugs. So, what other excuse can you come up with? That's usually a question I give to one of the kids I work with when we sit down and talk about their future. They keep throwing out excuse after excuse until they're out of excuses. Once they see that's there's really no reason why they can't do the things they want, many make the decision to work harder. Even if it's just technical school, they can still make the decision to support themselves.

[cathmom]

And the Additional Child Tax Credit?:D

 

 

Oh yeah - that one too! :tongue_smilie:

[seanda]

geez, louise. You will NOT be hit by a tax hike. If you're living off of canned soup you probably make less than $250K a year. Get your facts if you plan to vote.

 

Margaret

 

And you should read more carefully and get your facts straight before telling someone to get their facts before voting.

 

She said she supported 2 parents in her original post and has already clarified that she does make over 250K and that they pay over $10,000 a month just to support their retired parents. Additionally they are trying to save for college for their kids because with their income level they will have to pay for it all themselves. But, you know what, she shouldn't have to spell out how she is spending her money for you to take her word on her personal financial situation.

[emeraldjoy]

I am confused by hearing all of the "I worked with people who got 3,000 month from government" or "I worked hard and this is where it got me" or "my business does this" or "my brother-in-laws wife get disability when she shouldn't" or "I saw a man buy 10 lbs of mm's with his food stamps" or "I know someone who gives to chairity" or "I give to charity" or "I know someone who (fill in the blank) yada, yada, yada.....as a foundation for an argument that claims to understand the bigger picture.

 

Anecdotal experiences are what make up stereotypes which become our normal human way to cognitively process the information we receive in our enviroments. This is just what we do as humans

 

However....

 

That does not make the information processing correct AND a telltale sign of maturity is being able to look at that process and generalize where we are suppose to and think larger when need be. Please try to think larger.

 

Emerald

 

Edited to say that I did not mean to come off sounding so aggressive or pious. Please don't lose the intended message by getting offended when it was not my point. My point is anecdotal stories don't make the whole story, but because of how our information processing works as humans, we have to make an effort to look bigger. Thanks.

Edited October 14, 2008 by emeraldjoy
content:spelling

[ma23peas]

They may have survived, but not everyone did. Infant and child mortality was much higher, whether from lack of good nutrition, disease or access to medicine. People did starve, freeze because they couldn't afford wood to heat their houses, stayed sick because they couldn't get to a doctor. While I want the government to leave me alone, I don't think the "good old days" were better in terms of poverty.

 

 

So, because my grandparents never lost a child in infancy or even in childhood, or even due to a tornado ripping the clothes off your back and throwing you 200 yards from your house...that proves your point how? There are people starving freezing in our country every year, we have more kids dying on the street through gang violence than have ever been killed in the Iraqi war...there will always be strife...there will always be inequalities...our country is not designed to make all people equal, they were created equally and our country allows them opportunities through their freedoms, that is all I want my country to do is to protect my freedom..not give me handouts to make us all equal like Obama is trying to manage by sharing the wealth...it is up to the people to create their own opportunities, not for it to be given to them.

 

Tara

Edited October 14, 2008 by ma23peas

[Jugglin'5]

However....

 

That does not make the information processing correct AND a telltale sign of maturity is being able to look at that process and generalize where we are suppose to and think larger when need be. Please try to think larger.

 

Emerald

 

Ummm.....okay:001_huh:

[emeraldjoy]

Given all of your experience (which is very honorable and is my future goal) you really should know that not everyone has the same choices, though.

Careful' date=' you're on a pretty high horse. Don't presume to know me. You don't. You never will. I am the Executive Director for a non-profit organization, founded by me, to help the children in my area. One of our goals is to help these children claim unused scholarships. Scholarships are left behind by the hundreds every year. Our local ps doesn't offer a lot of AP classes, in fact, they only offer 2. However, our state offers free online classes through the Georgia Virtual School and there are other options as well for AP classes. These kids do have choices. Some of them decide to work hard to get there, some do not. My husband was raised on welfare, but his mother valued grades and hard work. He was able to get a scholarship based on his grades; he graduated valedictorian. People who use their social status to perpetuate their continued existence in it are sad individuals.

 

IQ is not everything. Perseverance is more necessary than IQ. I should know. Army paid my tuition, but I had living expenses to pay for and my textbooks. I worked 2 full-time jobs while getting my undergrad and, at one point, added a 3rd part-time job. So, yes, it can be done. I worked very hard for my grades, studying during lunch breaks, dinner breaks, and whenever I could, especially on the train I took to school. It was never easy, but the alternative wasn't an acceptable alternative in my book.

 

And, yes, there are alternatives for those people with disabilities (forgive me, but I don't consider race a disability and many of my friends would laugh if I told them they were considered disabled). ADA has made sure these people can attend school if they wish to and can work in almost any field they choose. And I really don't see a connection between immigration and hard work/school choice. In California, illegal immigrants get in-state tuition and they can use the public schools; heck, even their classes are taught in Spanish. There are other states who offer this as well. Many mental illnesses and diseases can be controlled with drugs. So, what other excuse can you come up with? That's usually a question I give to one of the kids I work with when we sit down and talk about their future. They keep throwing out excuse after excuse until they're out of excuses. Once they see that's there's really no reason why they can't do the things they want, many make the decision to work harder. Even if it's just technical school, they can still make the decision to support themselves.[/quote']

[Margaret in GA]

And you should read more carefully and get your facts straight before telling someone to get their facts before voting.

 

She said she supported 2 parents in her original post and has already clarified that she does make over 250K and that they pay over $10,000 a month just to support their retired parents. Additionally they are trying to save for college for their kids because with their income level they will have to pay for it all themselves. But, you know what, she shouldn't have to spell out how she is spending her money for you to take her word on her personal financial situation.

 

You are correct. I didn't read her post as carefully as I should have. I guess I jumped to conclusions because I hear this every single day ("under Obama everyone's taxes will go up") I do apologize for saying something out of ignorance. I find it staggering now that I reread it that she somehow pays $10k per month? On what? Isn't this the type of thing that having a better health care system would solve??

 

Margaret

Edited October 14, 2008 by Margaret in GA

[Renee in NC]

Why is this such a polarizing issue?

 

It seems that there are two sides - either people work hard and get what they deserve or they just didn't work hard enough and get what they deserve. Is there any in between? Is there a middle ground where people can get past this and help other people because we want to have a better world?

 

I don't think that all wealthy people are greedy, stingy, or anything like that. The majority of my extended family falls well above that $250K mark. They don't fit the stereotype. They don't drive fancy cars, they don't spend extravagantly, and they don't look down their noses at others.

 

I don't think that all poor people are destined to stay poor. My grandfather was poor and worked his way through college with a wife and 2 children (at the time) and led a very financially secure life.

 

But I also don't think that all people can simply "pull themselves up by their bootstraps" without mentoring and yes, even financial support from the community. Some can, some can't.

 

There has to be a middle ground somewhere.

[seanda]

What she has quoted as costs is not unusual... as it is for 2 separate people... and according to her they both are in double rooms. This is a reality that many are facing. As she said this is not luxury accommodations but is also one that is clean, good, and without rampant MRSA something that is truly becoming epidemic in many nursing homes.

 

According to a metlife study, in 2002 the average cost for nursing home care was $61,000 a year.

Edited October 14, 2008 by seanda
add statistic

[Bev in B'ville]

The point is that people make their own choices, their own reality. I grew up poor, too, and I am in fact still the only college graduate from my side of the family. College was not encouraged, grades were not encouraged. I was expected to turn 18, get married, and have children. My parents actively disapproved of me going to college. I changed my choices, I changed my reality. If rewards were given out for the lowest SAT score ever, mine would have definitely been in competition. It wasn't until I decided that it was a worthy goal that my SAT score increased with much preparation. Bottom line: It can be done, sometimes with much sacrifice, but it can be done.

[Haiku]

I am saying there are certain groups I would not help if my life depended on it

 

And this is why I think we need government guarantees of assistance. It's way too easily to marginalize people as unworthy and refuse to help them. The government does not deny assistance because someone is gay or black or ugly or has kids with too many different men or whatever.

 

I am not saying that the government does a perfect job, but at least the government can guarantee that people are not discriminated against when they apply for public assistance.

 

Private charities often only help certain "types" of people. Ok, I guess they should be able to make those decisions. But if they are the only source of help available because we have eliminated government assistance, there will be a whole lot of people who get no assistance because too many people would consider them "unworthy."

 

I think the government should be in the business of protecting the most marginalized among us.

 

Tara

[Renee in NC]

So, what other excuse can you come up with? That's usually a question I give to one of the kids I work with when we sit down and talk about their future. They keep throwing out excuse after excuse until they're out of excuses. Once they see that's there's really no reason why they can't do the things they want, many make the decision to work harder. Even if it's just technical school, they can still make the decision to support themselves.

 

 

That's exactly it! YOU make a difference in these kids lives! We need more people like you - people who can help other people work through their issues, figure out a plan, and show them how they can make it happen! What a WONDERFUL thing!

 

I wish there were more people like you out there helping those who can, do.

[TraceyS/FL]

You are correct. I didn't read her post as carefully as I should have. I guess I jumped to conclusions because I hear this every single day ("under Obama everyone's taxes will go up") I do apologize for saying something out of ignorance. I find it staggering now that I reread it that she somehow pays $10k per month? On what? Isn't this the type of thing that having a better health care system would solve??

 

Margaret

 

For long term care for 2 elderly parents, in a home.

[Academy of Jedi Arts]

Careful' date=' you're on a pretty high horse. Don't presume to know me. You don't. You never will. I am the Executive Director for a non-profit organization, founded by me, to help the children in my area. One of our goals is to help these children claim unused scholarships. Scholarships are left behind by the hundreds every year. Our local ps doesn't offer a lot of AP classes, in fact, they only offer 2. However, our state offers free online classes through the Georgia Virtual School and there are other options as well for AP classes. These kids do have choices. Some of them decide to work hard to get there, some do not. My husband was raised on welfare, but his mother valued grades and hard work. He was able to get a scholarship based on his grades; he graduated valedictorian. People who use their social status to perpetuate their continued existence in it are sad individuals.

 

IQ is not everything. Perseverance is more necessary than IQ. I should know. Army paid my tuition, but I had living expenses to pay for and my textbooks. I worked 2 full-time jobs while getting my undergrad and, at one point, added a 3rd part-time job. So, yes, it can be done. I worked very hard for my grades, studying during lunch breaks, dinner breaks, and whenever I could, especially on the train I took to school. It was never easy, but the alternative wasn't an acceptable alternative in my book.

 

And, yes, there are alternatives for those people with disabilities (forgive me, but I don't consider race a disability and many of my friends would laugh if I told them they were considered disabled). ADA has made sure these people can attend school if they wish to and can work in almost any field they choose. And I really don't see a connection between immigration and hard work/school choice. In California, illegal immigrants get in-state tuition and they can use the public schools; heck, even their classes are taught in Spanish. There are other states who offer this as well. Many mental illnesses and diseases can be controlled with drugs. So, what other excuse can you come up with? That's usually a question I give to one of the kids I work with when we sit down and talk about their future. They keep throwing out excuse after excuse until they're out of excuses. Once they see that's there's really no reason why they can't do the things they want, many make the decision to work harder. Even if it's just technical school, they can still make the decision to support themselves.[/quote']

 

I'm not judging you as a human being. I don't know you, you are right about that. What I see in these posts though, including this one, is a great deal of ignorance.

Edited October 14, 2008 by Academy of Jedi Arts

[Academy of Jedi Arts]

And this is why I think we need government guarantees of assistance. It's way too easily to marginalize people as unworthy and refuse to help them. The government does not deny assistance because someone is gay or black or ugly or has kids with too many different men or whatever.

 

I am not saying that the government does a perfect job, but at least the government can guarantee that people are not discriminated against when they apply for public assistance.

 

Private charities often only help certain "types" of people. Ok, I guess they should be able to make those decisions. But if they are the only source of help available because we have eliminated government assistance, there will be a whole lot of people who get no assistance because too many people would consider them "unworthy."

 

I think the government should be in the business of protecting the most marginalized among us.

 

Tara

 

Well said! I raise my coffee cup to you. :patriot:

[Debbie in OR]

 

Would you help me understand why it is a luxury? Because, there is always working your way through college. That's how I did it and I'm actually very average. And your sig line is from Booker T....what about his story. And then there's my dad who grew up dirt poor in the mountains of W.Va and worked two jobs while taking 18 hours of engineering classes to get his engineering degree. (The same goes for four of his six siblings). He now has a PhD AND did it with not a penny of government help. Just to name a few. There are so many stories of those who started with nothing or very little and made it through college (if college is your goal; I don't think it's for everyone but if it is, it can be done.)

[Bev in B'ville]

I'm not judging you as a human being. I don't know you, you are right about that. What I see in these posts though, including this one, is a great deal of ignorance.

 

and attacked me on a personal level by calling me ignorant. It is quite obvious from our disagreements that we will never see eye to eye. You will now have the dubious honor of being the only person on my ignore list as I will not respond to any more personal attacks from you.

 

I, at least, see deficiencies in our government and have taken it upon myself to do something about it rather than waiting for government to step in (and am doing so without a paycheck I might add). I don't just talk the talk, I walk it, every day. If you respond to this, I won't read it as I won't see it.