Not everyone knows about these options. Not everyone understands the value of education in today's market. You are fortunate to have had such opportunities.

With all due respect, everyone knows High School is free and as for grants and scholarships, yes I was fortunate to have gotten them, but I got off my butt, looked into my options and figured it out on my own. The info is out there if you really care. No one held my hand and led me through the process. I am not elitist, I am just tired of "I didn't know" or "I couldn't do it" as an excuse. 'Can't' never could.

If there are people out there too lost to know that you can get a scholarship if you make good grades and apply for one, then I don't know what else you can do to inform them. It's pretty basic knowledge for any HS student in this country. Maybe it's easier to do nothing and blame everyone else for not telling you how to do it. I scrolling marquee a foot away from their faces probably still wouldn't motivate them. Nothing worth having comes easy. you have to work hard, figure out your options and make good choices. The Lord helps those who helps themselves.

I know there are some kids whose mommies and daddies did it all for them and through connections, managed to secure Jr. a pretty nice education and living. I am not one of those kids.

If I can do it anyone who really wants to can do it.

Have you ever actually spoken to any of the people that we're talking about? Their entire state of mind and mentality toward education is very different from what yours appears to be. Many of them come from families who have never attended college, so who is telling them about the benefits? You?

Same question I like to ask of these folks here who think that 'getting a job' will stop the food stamp proliferation.


Are these same people who think it's so easy are they willing to provide opportunities for these folk?

Like I said, no one told me, or helped me, I just started asking questions, went to the guidnace counselors at my HS, called the Universities I had applied to find out about work study programs. It isn't rocket science and if you are too ignorant and lazy to take some iniative, then maybe you should lie around and 'cry poor poor me no one will do it for me'.

It is a ridiculous argument to say that because no one told them they had options, they can't be faulted for not finding them. If I waited around for things to be handed to me my whole life, I would be in a shelter too.

It is insulting to say that because I don't come from that background I can't understand. Yes, I came from a comfortable background, but had hard-a$$ parents who wanted me to think for myself, do for myself and make something of myself. And I did it myself. And I teach the same thing to my children.

But I also know lots of people who didn't even have strict parents teaching them a good work ethic, and they managed to figure it out, too. Because they wanted the education badly enough. It's up the individual to take the initiative and quite blaming their circumstances for their problems.

While it is true not everyone is afforded the same privileges in this country, education is available to everyone, regardless of money or social class, and in many cases regardless of intelligence. Some of the biggest idiots I know have post-grad degrees. ;)

You're right. Sitting on your behind and collecting a check is a much better option. I have worked crap jobs to pay my bills and hated it. But I did it because it was what was right and I was able and willing to work. Not take a handout.

And it's not my job to provide work for people. It's not my job to hold their hands and fill out the jop app. for them. No one did it for me and guess what? It ain't that hard.

Everywhere you go there are signs for help wanted. Sorry if it's beneath people to work at Wal-Mart or at a fast food place. :rolleyes:

You don't need outside guidance to take a shower, fill out a job app. and earn a living. It might be a low-paying living, I know. I worked 3 jobs at one time. But is that less noble that taking a check you didn't earn? :confused:

For the record, how many jobless welfare recipients have you given a job to, or helped find a job? How many of them kept the job more than a month? How many never showed for the interview?

I can't count how many, but when I did addictions counseling a few years back, many of those folks I sat with and counseled on how to type a proper resume, how to be successful at a job interview etc.

No you cannot CANNOT be responsible for handholding...what we CAN do is open the DOOR. THEY have to choose to walk thru.

NOT EVERYONE had the same kinds of opportunities and life lessons that most of us have had...me...I have never gone longer than 2 weeks without employment....but everyone cannot say that they had the same will that WE have...but how can you complain if you aren't willing to take time out to DO something.

You mistake GIVING A HAND OUT to creating opportunities for those that have none, I don't beleive that you give something to someoen...what you do is EDUCATE if u can for those willing to listen and learn.

That in part is MY community service, to help those without the ABILITY to help themselves not to sit back watch others go thru the dark when I have a perfectly good light and map in front of me.

I have had kids in my community who came from poor families that i helped send to college...one of wich recently not only GRADUATED from my almer mater 3 years ago (1st in his family) but is a police officer with the Baltimore city police and back in school for his Master's.

Where did I say this? If anything, I would encourage you to use the blessings you have received to benefit others - not condemn you for having money/education/status/whatever. I asked if you had actually spoken to any of the people that we're talking about. Perhaps you could get involved with these folks in a service capacity. It's easy to talk negatively about people you don't know personally.

You should re-read your response on page 1. You specifically did mention the elderly.

It's interesting how people's opinions on topics like these are shaped by their own life experiences. Those who've been there and gotten themselves out of it vs those who've had things handed to them by their parents and other people they know.

I never spoke negatively about them. I stated fact. It isn't that hard, there are opprtunities everywhere, and it isn't my fault if people don't take what is openly out there and available.

Why would I get involved with these folks in a service capacity? I am not a counselor or a homeless advocate or even a social worker. I would however be happy to, and have, help those who cannot help themselves. That again, is cannot, not will not.

All I can tell you is my sorry brother in law is 30 and never finished college because it was 'too stressful' and 'I can't afford it'. :rolleyes: I told him everything I had done and how easy it was and he never took my help or advice. (BTW, there are 4 other sibling in the family and they all went to college on scholarship or loan) Now he whines about how it's so easy for the rest of us because we got our degrees and make more money than he does. We always have to spot him on family gifts, trips, etc. Give me a break.

But whose fault is it he didn't get his education? Mine? Yours? Guess again. It was his own darn fault. And the only reason I feel the need to help him out from time to time is because he is family.

Again, I am not talking about drug addiction. That is out of my realm of experience and knowledge.

My comments are directed specifically at people claiming they have no access to an education. Pure and simple. And I still say that is crap. If you want it, go and get it. I never made a mint, because I worked for a non-profit, but I paid my bills and fed myself. That's what I am talking about.

ITA. I wouldn't have posted the first word on this subject if I had a free ride from mommy and daddy. If that is your situation, great for you. You should appreciate it. I don't put anyone down for that. I wish mine had helped me more.

But I have worked my butt off and paid for my own education (and post-grad debt) and I know whereof I speak. I knew I had to do it, I made calls, asked questions, filled out paperwork. I can't understand why anyone would think someone else owes them that. That a load.

I will pray for God to heal your heart and soul...
 

Kevin--

Most of the time agree with you. But these statement. Can you be any more heartless and so hardened? Do you call yourself a Christian with your kind of thinking? Stewardship, Lovingkindness and Charity? These ideals are all parts of LOVE... We Christians are called to follow one last commandment to "love one another"... Who are you on that trail to Jericho?

You are turning your back on humanity. Another name it is called idolatry--attempting to be beyond the view of God. Fact is, in the course of life you NEVER KNOW if loss of everything including your mind and credibility can happen. Just ask Job, if you think it doesn't. And guess what, folks that lose everything think it would NEVER happen to them in a million years. So, it is prudent to show some humility and without prejudice. Because ultimately, you will die someday... And if you believe in God and Christ, then you will have to explain that dash in between your birthdate and death date.

Now, I know you support many wonderful things and several positive forces in your life have provided aspects in your life to bequeathed you with the degrees, knowledge and training for the career of your wildest dreams. You have been truly blessed to be in your position. However, many extremely impoverished people have criminal records. So, inevitably we, the taxpayers, wind up paying for them anyway... I would prefer remediation, with homeless assistance and education rather than prison anyday. It is cheaper in the longrun. And now the poor recividism from prison release without proper retraining has become a public health issue.

All people deserve dignity... That is a Geneva Convention under the world court. Overt starvation without the state's attempt to improve it is a human rights violation, moreover, it is tortuous for government agencies not to protect the dignity and rights of all its people within its borders.

With this, I will leave you with Langston Hughes poems:

Dream Deferred

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sag
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?



Mother to Son

Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So, boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps.
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now—
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

And I will pray for you to mend a broken heart...
 

JWithers--

Ever heard of the Prodigal Son?

Well, we former Deacons are asked to be of "sympathy" when we take an oath before God...

People hurt. Suffering is our lot in life. But as a Christian, I believe in hope for things unseen. Which means, I believe in hope in other people who "society" has deemed as failures. Without questions, without judgments, without discussion, I have been asked to trust and help people.

You cannot ask a bootless man, to lift himself up by his bootstraps... (MLK)

We can be better, hopeful and mindful of Love to Mankind.

Freely we serve, as freely we Love... As angels we climb to strive to our closeness to our Divinity...

Hey, if you are not about that, cool. And I will pray for you so that you gain understanding...

Lastly, Biblically, it does say, "Man does not live by Bread alone" and "I shall give you 'living water'"...

We not only have to feed people fish--we must teach them how to fish...

OMG. All I said was that anyone can go to college. I never said let starving people starve. I never said let the homeless die. I never said get rid of welfare.(although it does need reform) Don't put words in my mouth.

I said that everyone has free access to an education. There is not some hidden code or hierarchy. You just apply for grants and scholarships and fill out your paperwork and you got to college.

And do not preach to me. I am a strong woman of faith and I do believe in Christ's commands that we love our neighbors as ourselves. I am active in my church and carry with me the fruits of the spirit everyday in a bracelet on my arm. One of which is self-control. You and only you are in charge of your destiny. God gives you whatever you begin with and it isn't always much. But He expects you to mkae the most of the gift of life and not blame others when you don't succeed.

I do NOT believe that someone has the right to point a finger at me and say "she didn't tell me how to get into college". I mean c'mon, if you haven't the gumption to fill out a few forms, then how can you say it's my fault you didn't go to college?????

My ONLY statement was in reference to education, and of course I did make an earlier statement earlier about the choice to have children out-of-wedlock and then find yourself alone to raise them.

It is all about choices. That's all I am saying. The Lord helps those that help themselves.

It is ridiculous to intimate that I am not a Christian because I think people should apply for their own college grants instead of giving up and saying they can't afford college becasue the world is against them. :rolleyes:

If I have to repeat this one more time I'm gonna need a nap. College, College, College. Not food stamps, not welfare, not WIC.......

I said everyone can go to college if they really want to . Yeeash!!!:rolleyes:

Not to sidetrack the conversation, but I just ran across a very interesting book called The Feminine Mistake (by Leslie Bennetts) that discusses this very issue. It talks about women who didn't work once they got married because they had a man to provide for them, and then something happened to their husbands (death or divorce) and they were left without the means to fend for themselves.

I'm going to post this story again because it is valuable:

This woman still has not been able to go to college. She desperately wants to but she cannot qualify for loans because of her bad credit and other sources of funding are in short supply.

FYI, JWithers, the man who coined the phrase "God helps those who help themselves" did not believe in God's constant involvement in our lives. The Bible tells a very different story - one of humility, compassion and sacrifice even for the most wretched and undeserving of us.

But how do you do that with a helicopter going over your area of living and police or ambulance sirens constantly going off?

How do you do that, when your parents don't read or cannot read English so they never thought to tell you a requirement to fillout any forms and which forms do you speak of that they can understand in plain language--cultural competency, perhaps?

How do you do anything when an adult hits you and uses verbally abusive language all the time or sexually abuses you because you are the foster child that everyone but the State gave up on you??? In fact we have several cases of foster parents being pedophiles in my state. I doubt we are an exception.

So, if you are a woman of Faith, then you know all about compassion! Wonderful!!! And it doesn't just occur on a bracelet! Really, with your statements, are you practicing what you preach? And no, I believe God uses people to exact His will to glorify His name.

As I understand it, my state does not have welfare. They have WIC, they have some low income subsidies and housing that has over 1000s people on the waiting list to move into the housing...

Most people do die on the streets... Quite a few of them under 30 years old.

Where does one get educational opportunity to access any school without a computer these days when the public library restricts one's time on that said computer.

I don't know where you have lived, nor do I know your personal experiences, but I do know that you have a heartless view of people in general and I would never wish that on my worse enemy to suffer the plights that I have witnessed. I have lived a fairly decent life and I could not want for nothing, but I have seen injustices.

And because of my blessings, I was taught in Sunday school to pass it on to those who have less than me. And on many levels, I give suffering people those Spiritual needs of "living water".

All people can be uplifted. And for you to make the kinds of statements in response to my comments, it is one thing to disagree on equally yoked people, but it is totally another on impoverished people. And your "poverty"--one of the soul--how can I lift your life up?

There's a term for this situation in workforce development: displaced homemaker. And, there are entire organizations devoted to assisting these women in preparing to enter the workforce. The need grows yearly.

Something else to consider about folks on food stamps....and it was in the article....soem of those affected are those same ones that have the task of feeding us....farmers....

After their fall harvest they have to live on whatever income they make and because we are so busy outsourcing where we get our food and the fact that lots of these sources are gettiogn contaminated....and.....with less and less people taking up farming....it's a wonder for part of the year they have to take govt subsidies...

I geuss we can tell them 'go get a job' to hmm?

check this article out if u would like....

http://sayanythingblog.com/entry/pom...rs_on_welfare/

and something else too

http://www.apa.org/pi/wpo/welf.html

No, you do not know me, nor do you know my life experience.

You do not have permission to judge me or judge the quality of my faith. That alone is displeasing to God.

I simply stated that education is available to people in the most impoverished circumstances. Liz Murray, the daughter of herion addicts, was neglected and abused since infanthood. She was placed in foster care, where she was repeatedly assualted. And yet, somehow, She had the drive and the will to go to school, make good grades and get into Harvard. Flippin' HARVARD!

She didn't blame me for her circumstance. She didn't cry, "I can't do it because no one will help me". She made her life work. SHe took the crappy hand life dealt her and refused to let it hold her back.

You do not , I repeat, not, know me. You do not know what contributions I make to my community and you do not know where I sit with my Lord. Don't you judge me, it is not your place. I teach Sunday School, too, and also lead a ministry for teens in crisis. So keep your self-righteous rhetoric to yourself. You speak in hyperbole and and speak knowingly of what you know not.

And I agree, we are here for His glory. How is it glorifying Him to say, "I can't , it's too hard". If thats how you feel , you just go ahead and throw God's gift in His face. But I thank Him everyday, even when I buried a child, even when I thought I couldn't go on, I thanked Him and I got up, moved on and praised His name.

You do not know me, you have no right to judge me and I will respectfully ask you to not do so again. My soul is not impoverished, it is full, my cup runneth over. In the face of every pain I have suffered I stand here and tell you 'God is good'.

I still stand strong on what I said. An education is available to anyone with the will to obtain it.

The fact that you feel the need to cast aspersions on another's faith tells me that maybe you are not filled with the Spirit.

Thanks.

I think you confuse Christian compassion with something else. On the one hand, I've been involved in plenty of charitable good works type things. My wife is a dedicated teacher at an inner city charters school and I do plenty to help out there :)

But Christian compassion for your fellow man is one thing. It's virtuous, good, etc.

Using your government to enforce Christian compassion via taxation of your fellow man (who may not be a compassionate Christian) and wealth redistribution (basically at the point of a gun) is quite another thing.

I think it's important to differentiate the two because this conversation really (in my mind) only reaches governmental policy.

Our government is one for people, not one for a particular religion, any religion or some moral persuasion. I think it's civilized, not Christian for society to care for those who truly cannot provide for themselves.

I think it's immoral for society to force its members to give of themselves to support others who simply choose not to work.

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

- Luke 11:9

It seems that even the Christian religion would ask that people put forth a little effort to better themselves whether it be spiritually, I think as Luke is discussing or physiologically.

Also, it goes without saying that people who choose not to work and instead rely on society's good will to feed them are literally stealing food from the mouths of those who are unable to go to work. So yes. Let them starve.

The thing is -- a person who can get it all and lose it can usually scrape their way back up to the top. I'm not advocating that we take away from those who use the system for what it was designed for -- a temporary safety net. I'm saying we cut off those who have made it a way of life.

I don't want to get into the details, but of course, this would involve opportunities for rehabilitation, plenty of warnings, etc. I'm not advocating we simply cut them off, but I am saying that we decide to stop allowing people to victimize society and themselves by allowing such an open ended system.

But first, I'll explain it to you :) Hope I've cleared things up.

So do a lot of my wealthy friends from high school and college. People are capable of making really stupid decisions in life. Those who do must suffer the consequences. At some point, we, as a society must recognize that folks have to be ultimately responsible for themselves (assuming they are physically and mentally capable).

I just attended a graduation ceremony this afternoon at my wife's school. The challenges these kids contend with, being kicked out of their parents' homes, in one case, even being taken in by a teacher, drugs, gangs, fights, reality, etc. is amazing. That these kids could carry a full AP load and actually make it through high school, the vast majority going on to college is a truly amazing thing. Many of these kids rely on Oklahoma City's piss poor bus system to get to and from school every day. I saw one get a full ride to Macalester and another to Clemson straight from the ghetto. These kids took that 'impossible' adversity many in this thread have discussed -- and they kicked its sorry ass :)

-- So it ain't impossible.

Sure, these kids might have stratospheric IQ's, but they did overcome some pretty monumental stuff.

Me too. I agree completely. We need to stop pouring money into dead ends and dead beats and expect something back from them. You want that government paycheck? Terrific. Learn to weld, sew, type. You have 6 months, then the money dries up. If you want to reapply, a social worker will have to reassess your need and whether or not you made a real effort to get a job - what's not working, etc.

We are not subject to the world court :)

Further, the Geneva Convention does not protect non-combatents. Just ask the good folks at Guantanamo.

It's even worse for those people nto to protect their own dignity. If the state could develop a comprehensive rehabilitation program, stop paying people to make babies, give all people in poverty a reasonable means out, then yes, I think we at some point have to be able to say "enough is enough."

Or maybe $21/week'll do?

Do you really think that every human being in this country has the intellectual capability of going to college and succeeding there? Seriously?

There are other types of education besides college..

But you're right. The world needs ditch diggers too.

-- but isn't that one of those jobs Americans won't do?

Throwing statistics out there...

I did a brief search to see what we're dealing with here. There is always a lag in statistical data related to the overall population of the U.S. and many predictions are based on the last census in 2000. With that said:

1) In 2005, there were 37 million people in poverty (12.6 percent of the population). Though I couldn't readily find more current data, I'd venture to say that the percentage hasn't moved much...if anything, it has increased.

2) The current unemployment rate is 5.4 percent.

3) The 2007 poverty guidelines allow for $10,210 for a single person (in the contiguous 48 states).

So, the statistics back what a number of people have said in this thread. Most of the people in poverty are working.

No, I said everyone has the same opportunity to apply to college and apply for grants and scholarships, if they have proven their merits. How ridiculous to twist my words.

What are you saying? That now colleges should not base admissions on intelligence and merit but on need? Proposterous. :rolleyes:

The PP stated that many people , otherwise qualified for admission ,are prohibited from receiving a decent education because they have no $$. That is was unfair because they were otehrwise college-worthy students but were unfairly unable to attend college because of the expense.

I retorted that anyone to whom it is a priority can find the sources with which to apply for grants, scholarships and financial aid and college work study. Ergo, if a student has worked hard, made good grades and truly desires a college education, money or lack therof is not going to hold them back.

To suggest that a person who either lacks intelligence or GPA can still get accepted to a University is preposterous. But that is not society closing a door on this person, it is simply a symptom of the person's natural weaknesses. I have dyslexia, so I am not about to tackle a career as a spell-checker. But I have strengths in other areas. See what I mean?

I simply said, and it has been blown WAY out of proportion, that if an otherwise qualified college candidate blames finances on his or her ability to attend said college, well ,that is malarky. :rolleyes:

Of going to college and succeeding there? Well the vast majority, academics are not exactly hard.

Actually, that brings up a good point. Are there truly enough jobs for every adult in this country? Jobs that people can really support themselves on? We're experiencing a serious crisis in Michigan and there are not jobs that people are qualified to do. They aren't there. They don't exist and we don't have a huge immigrant population up here doing jobs that "Americans won't do". The number of foreclosures is unreal. The number of houses for sale right now is astounding.

I read some things on here that just aren't consistent with my experiences and reality. For instance "Sports are free" because I have never found a free sport for my kids to play. AYSO soccer is $155 a season. Parks and Rec baseball is $50 for a 6 week season. Oh yeah, and they need $45 shoes to play, and shin guards, gloves, bats, balls, etc. Find me a free sport and my kids will be signed up. Scouts, an all American healthy kid activity are costing me at least $600 a year between the two kids. And now we've added marching band to the mix.. at $500 a year plus equipment, uniform parts, instruments, etc. I would love to find a free sport, club, ANY activity for my kids.

I work so incredibly hard as a single mom and I have a decent job which I hope and pray is secure. It's very difficult for me to keep my head above water and keep my kids involved in good healthy activities and in a good school district and safe neighborhood.

I keep reading that there is Social Security disability available but there seems to be a lack of realization that if you haven't put anything into the system, you can't get anything back out. Everybody gets those annual statements from Social Security now telling what you'd get if you were disabled, retired at certain ages, etc. If you haven't made much money and put much into the system, you don't get much back.

I looked into apartments when I got divorced so I wouldn't have to put myself on such a tight budget by buying a house. The only 3 bedroom apartments in our current school district were "moderate income only". To get an apartment for $875 a month, I had to make less than $35,000 a year, gross. Supporting two kids on that income with that level rent isn't very realistic.

There are people who are working 2 and 3 minimum wage jobs trying to make ends meet. You think if they had a real opportunity to work only one job at a decent rate, they wouldn't jump on it?

Susan: I have become the queen of maximizing the grocery shopping since my divorce and I spend about half what you do each month! I work the sales for sure, buy generics a lot (because I've found that 90% of the time, they are just as good as the brand name items), store hop to get the best deals. It is definitely more time consuming. However, when I go to the fruit market, I can get 10 times the amount of produce for half the price than if I buy produce at the grocery store. It's an art, but I've become good at it.

Jeni.

If we all got what we truly deserved we would all be in hell. I thank my God every day for His grace and mercy and for the sarifice of Jesus Christ, that we need not pay the sins of for our evil hearts , but rather are forgiven through Him.

And I am still not going to buy the argument that education is out of reach. I know too many people who have done it despite the roadblocks.

Again, and I am so tired of repeating this. I am not advocating the starvation and annihilation of poor people. I am not suggesting cutting off food stamps. :rolleyes: I do not hate poor people, nor do I hold them in contempt. What I do find odious is people who blame others for their problems.

I did not have internet when I applied for my grants and scholarships. I called for forms, filled them out and mailed them in. You can still do that. Lack of internet is not an excuse. Good gravy, people- If you want to help people, you must teach them to be self-sufficient.

You can keep digging for excuses why people won't do for themselves but I'm not buying it. I did it. Every bit of it, With NO, did I say NO, help from anyone. I was smart enough for college, so I was smart enough to go through the drill.

He sends and It came to PASS!!! Not stay, but pass...
 

When I was a child I spoke as a child and I did childish things... But when I became an adult, I had to put childish things away...

If you know anything about me, you can search my posts. If you don't care, then hey, I just offer it up to you. But, you do not know me and your delluded descriptions of me is unfortunate. That's okay, various folks on GC think plenty things about me.

"They talked about Jesus Christ and you saw what they did to Him, they dayum sho are gonna talk about you" --My old pastor.

If you knew your history, it was illegal for my ancestors to obtain an education to read in the United States. How can you cavalierly state that ANYONE can obtain an education knowing this history? Be careful now, you my mother was water cannoned by the city's police department for marching for equality in education during the civil rights movement...

Yes, there are anecdotal exceptions to everyone who has had a poor life and obtained at "Harvard" education. I know that. But the vast majority of poor people who live in this country as being the first world country far exceed the nice cute anecdotal exceptions.

In fact, you have judged me with your anger. That is fine and you can persecute me too. I have held hands with the Devil had has all my numbers, but through my worst circles of Hell, it was God that delivered me and strengthened me in my most forsaken of hours. The last Being ever to give me a fighting chance. And there was a reason for that, which I am sharing with as many others as I can...

All people have suffered, this is true. But, children should not be made to bear that which is beyond their own control. And because we live in the United States and abide by a Consitution and a Bill of Rights, if we as citizens promote this stuff, then we should be about making that change. And when funding has been cut for programs to assist people, we cannot complain that there is an increase in criminality or health disparities, which in my experience usually ensues.

Should we all not be about trying to make it better than belittling those who have less than us? Is that in anyway judging you of your relationship with God? No. I think I am only trying to send you a powerful message because of my "gifts" given to me. Now, you can either heed that message or you can leave that message. Ultimately, you have free will and can make your own choice. And I am sorry your pain has caused you much distress. But, to let you know, you are somebody in God's eyes. You are worth all that before Him and He knows this. And I also do know that He is asking you to look beyond the surface and what you see. I don't know why I know this about you, but I know you are capable of many great things, wherever you are... :)

Stay blessed...

In order for me to stay at home with my kids, we cut costs HUGELY. I cut our grocery bill by a third. I work PT at my daughters preschool to pay for tuition and other expenses. And we still manage to put some in savings each month.

I would love your tips on saving at the grocery store!

I am not talking about past history. Can you truly tell me of a prospective student water cannoned for attempting to go to University in the last 20 years? B/c your mom was treated cruelly, does that mean that young people today are not awarded financial aid based on color? If that is the case I stand corrected. I thought aid was awarded on the applicant, and did not realize there was a bias against black students.

I am talking about now, today, and I am also done talking to you. Your arguments are insulting and ridiculous.


I have no anger towards you, I have, however repeatedly asked you not to judge me or my faith. And still you have ignored my request.

Ignore.

Didn't you say in another post that you asked your guidance counselors at high school? Sounds like getting help from someone else to me...

Free help. Available to any public HS student. I never asked someone to pay for me or do my work for me. I asked what I needed to do and I did it. Again, an example of getting your info and taking charge.

But probably I am priviledged. :rolleyes: I will bet the GC only gave me the addresses b/c I was white. You are right. I am so priviledged and elitist. I am sure if another student had gone and asked "hey, I haven't got money for school, what do I do? ", and they weren't me, they would have told them "gee, I can't help you" :rolleyes: What an idiotic thing to say.

What the christ? dial down the anger issues before you blow a fuse. Jesus...

By the way, it's privileged.

Not angry. Just tired of repeating myself to a bunch of zealots who read only what they want. Y'all need to get a life. I'm out. Morons. :rolleyes:

Says the person who's spent her day making 'not' angry posts in this thread. Mmmmhmmm.

Thanks
 

See, that is why I truly respect your opinion, because of your level-headedness and even temper. :)

So, I see your above points and a few I am compelled to comment:

To much is given, much is expected.. And greater the responsibility... It is our duty and obligation to serve those who others may deem less deserving.

So a crackhead mother robbing people at gun point and chooses to smoke crack rather than rehab and get a job and an education, folks would find it easy to cast her aside... But the minute she changes, the very second she says no more, even if it is 70 X 70, even as a civilized society, we cannot refuse her. And believe me there are 1000s like her in every city.

Yes, you are right to wean folks off the welfare rolls. But, I don't think we can begin to fathom the public health costs it takes when we do that. We already have a crazy Health disparity in several states and it all aligns with poverty moreso than ethnicity.

And we are not talking about people with all their marbles in place. Many of them are have clinically psychological problems beyond depression or bipolar. A lot of young men have schizophrenia. And a lot of young women are suffering from psychosis. Psychotropic drugs cost money, then you cannot treat with a drug without lifestyle modification and how do you make someone like that make better choices with financial decisions?

I don't know, but you know what the duty is from the State. Could you please elaborate?


And now we have turned this debate is a suitable discussion without all that personal emotions.

INTERNET FLOUNCE!

They always come back!

Please see me...
 

Young lady, I am asking you kindly to privately message me due to a communication error.

Please do it, because you will bury yourself with your words and there is no sense in that.

What I am saying to you personally, is you actually do have something valid to say however you are crowding with misconceptions about a great many things.

I am nearing 40 years old. Do you think I would want to speak to you after my Hell in a Doctorate program in Molecular Genetics? I am grown enough to ask for help and have the desire to learn from you. Besides, believe me, I do have PLENTY OF OTHER things I could be doing.

But, if you choose to HATE ME... Fine.

I still mean what I say.