Protestantism

» paper_turtle - Bringing this back

Do you believe that the government should do what it needs to do (including the raising of taxes) to take care of the basic needs of those in poverty, ill health, etc.?
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Yes, definitely. However, I think the tax laws need to be changed so that the wealthy are not able to avoid paying a more equitable amount. Current tax laws place a heavy burden on the middle class.
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Do you believe this government assistance should be extended even to those able-bodied individuals who have declined to get the education, job training, skills training needed to be able to provide for themselves?
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What do you think of the saying: "Them that don't work, don't eat"? (Assuming that we're talking about able-bodied people).
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There are many educated people with a good work ethic who can't get a job. And many people are willing to work but they don't stand a chance of getting a job because they lack dentures, glasses or hearing aids. In rural areas people without a car may also be unable to work even though they would really like to (and no, car pooling is not always an option).
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Beyond that, though, you need to understand that those who have been born into poverty have been taught helplessness. They don't know any better. The cynical view that they are simply milking the system does not reflect the reality of their lives. We don't motivate them to get a job by forcing them to starve.
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I live in an economically depressed area. I have been on welfare. I know people in poverty--and if I can ever get a job I would be working with people in poverty. The opinions I have expressed reflect the thinking of a large number of people (not just idealistic saints, but people who are, so to speak, "in the trenches").
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peace and love,
Paper Turtle

-- posted by paper_turtle