The Poor
Posted by: tony on 10/10/2007 10:34 PM
Updated by: tony on 10/10/2007 10:34 PM
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Expires: 11/10/2007 12:00 AM
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Reading Kathy Shaidle at Five Feet of Fury is one of my guilty pleasures. If enjoy reading the missives of someone who doesn't guild the lily (and most times, covers the lily in flaming napalm) you'll love reading Kathy. She is the only exception to my rule to only read blogs that allow comments (and don't have overly fascistic moderation policies).
She writes:
That's why I don't care about the poor. They're no more real than Bigfoot. Those we and these lefty Christians call "poor" are "poor" because they've made a series of stupid choices; spend all their (actually, my) money on lottery tickets, beer, tattoos and manicures; are suffering from undiagnosed but easily treated mental illnesses; had too many kids too young; smoked behind the gym while I spent recess in the library, etc etc etc.
When President Bush vetoed SCHIP (the States Child Health Insurance Program) the wailing from the left was "but the CHIL'RUN!!!". We then find out that what "America's Mother-in-Law", Nancy Pelosi, wanted was to extend that coverage for families making 400% of the poverty level. That amounts to free health care for the children of those making $82,000 / year! In my area, $82,000 is considered just a hair under "rich". You can live comfortably in my area, own a nice home, drive a nice car for $70,000, leaving $1,000 / month to buy your own health insurance which will also cover your children.
I understand that feeding the hungry is an act of mercy. But with the primary nutritional problem among those below the poverty line in the United States being obesity, I don't think too many people are actually hungry.
I don't mind sharing what I have with those less fortunate than me. What I have a problem with is being forced at gunpoint (the IRS) to share what I have with those who are more fortunate than me.
Both the state and federal government are too far removed from the people to make a valid determination about what they need. Some need a check. Some need a hot meal. Others need a kick in the ass. What they are doing is handing out the money of workers who produce to support those who don't. As a result, they are keeping them mired in a pseudo poverty. A dependent limbo where all their needs are met so there is no motivation to get out an make something of themselves.
That is not charity.
Read the rest of Kathy's missive. I think you'll find yourself nodding your head in agreement. If not (and even if), meet me in the discussion forum.
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