The Welfare Queen, Redux

[Acsenray]

@Rigamarole

Government cheese?!? I’m pretty sure the Constitution forbids cruel and unusual punishment.

By all reports, government cheese was tasty.

@ZPG_Zealot

Because merely addressing the symptoms does little to treat the problem in the long run. It’s a placebo for the middle class conscience.

Actually, since a lot of the long-term issues of poverty are directly caused by the symptoms of poverty–food insecurity/hunger, unreliable transportation, lack of adequate clothing and supplies and safe housing–addressing those symptoms is indispensable to any long-term solution, and by themselves have enormous impact.

[slash2k]

@Kovitlac

I’m from a pretty conservative family, and have never once heard that sentiment. More along the lines of, “it’s shitty this happened, but now is the time to pull yourself up on your bootstraps and work 110% harder to get out of this shitty place.” I realize that this doesn’t make conservatives out to be hateful monsters though, so it’ll likely get completely disregarded :rolleyes:

How familiar are you with prosperity theology?

For example, Kenneth Copeland Ministries: God has made an irrevocable and binding covenant that you WILL be prosperous, that you WILL have financial dominion over your life, as long as you love Him with all your heart, soul and mind. Therefore, if you are experiencing poverty and hardship, it is because you are not keeping up your side of that covenant, and have allowed Satan authority in your life.

[Ann_Hedonia]

@Kovitlac

I’m from a pretty conservative family, and have never once heard that sentiment. More along the lines of, “it’s shitty this happened, but now is the time to pull yourself up on your bootstraps and work 110% harder to get out of this shitty place.” I realize that this doesn’t make conservatives out to be hateful monsters though, so it’ll likely get completely disregarded :rolleyes:

That’s one of those sentiments that’s good personal advice but lousy public policy.

It’s always good advice to try your hardest and do your best. But policy makers need to understand that not everyone can be the smartest hardest working kid on the block. Telling people to fight it out when there aren’t enough seats at the table isn’t even policy, it’s abdication.

[wguy123]

@Buck_Godot

With the subtext being that if you aren’t able to do so its because you are lazy. Potayto, potahto.

Bingo!

[pirviii]

@Acsenray

By all reports, government cheese was tasty.

They made good grilled cheese sandwiches and my mom made a great Mac and Cheese with it. We also got pinto beans and my mom would make a crock pot full, with some tortillas made great burritos.