Poverty is not a personal choice, but a reflection of society

Post by EdSharkey » Sat, Jul 01, 2017, 7:30 PM UTC

mikeash wrote: post #179

EdSharkey wrote: post #177

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I wasn't talking about those people, was that not clear? I wrote because you were being either sarcastic or snarky or chronically compassionate. There are scam artists that stitch the rich tapestry of welfare programs together to make a living. You might choose to look the other way, out of compassion, whereas I choose to look straight at it and call it theft, out of compassion. I am being compassionate (tough love).…

I was talking about those people. Was that not clear? I was being sarcastic because I was replying to a person who said that avoiding poverty was simple, all you have to do is get a job. I don't see what any of your comment has to do with this.

Post by gumby » Sat, Jul 01, 2017, 7:52 PM UTC

tcbawo wrote: post #14

jimmies wrote: post #2

Regarding blaming each other for their misfortune, I have an anecdotal experience I want to share. I don't know if that's just me or this phenomenal happens to everyone else as well: That's the "fuck you/who cares/deal with it" attitude. The "fuck you" attitude can be summarized as people won't go the extra mile to help other people. It is the non-sympathy, non-action I get from everyday people (including the police)…

I grew up in a small town in the Midwest and one thing I've noticed is income stratification has had an impact. It used to be more prevalent for your police officer, postman, waitress, or hairdresser to be able to afford to live in your town. Their kids would go to school with your kids, or you might go to the same church. But a lot more families struggle while others have done very well. I see a huge disparity in in…

Post by EdSharkey » Sat, Jul 01, 2017, 7:59 PM UTC

tonyedgecombe wrote: post #83

EdSharkey wrote: post #41

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Government regulations created the twisted non-market for healthcare that exists in the united states. Pretty please don't sign us up for more government. You know there are 7 big health care providers in my state building spectacular facilities as fast as they can, and they don't have to compete with each other? There's no competition. Every pleb goes dutifully to the assigned provider his employer sends him to. You…

Lack of good government regulation is what created the mess you are in, the real world isn't like some Ayn Rand novel.

Post by tptacek » Sat, Jul 01, 2017, 8:23 PM UTC

humanrebar wrote: post #105

rayiner wrote: post #94

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> I was ranked 10th in a graduating class of 900 students and did well on the SATs except for the English section. Being born one or two standard deviations away from median on the intelligence scale is a whole lot of luck and privilege. > The problem is not money, but culture. Privilege has _nothing_ to do with it since tons of people in much much poorer countries with schools that have a lot fewer funds do a lot be…

> ...is a whole lot of luck and privilege. I really dislike the language of privilege in this context. I'm not sure what point it serves other to diminish someone else. Some people are smart. That's as much a part of them as their skin color or sexual identity. Should they feel apologetic about that? Also, as a counterpoint, I know brilliant people who wasted that talent on drugs and other things.

Post by EdSharkey » Sat, Jul 01, 2017, 9:35 PM UTC

humanrebar wrote: post #184

EdSharkey wrote: post #182

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Our adversaries in this debate see government as a hyper-competent, wise dispenser of justice that is nearly akin to an invisible benevolent god and savior. I don't think your rational arguments will make a dent against their fervor.

Often the goal is to let the like-minded know they're not alone. Other times it's to let the open minded know there's a rational position they might not have considered. I think part of combating our bubble-filled culture is to speak up even when it's not popular.