Lawmakers Find $21 a Week Doesn't Buy a Lot of Groceries

[JWithers]

Originally Posted by preciousjeni

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?

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.

[preciousjeni]

Originally Posted by JWithers

It is insulting to say that because I don't come from that background I can't understand.

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.

[JWithers]

Originally Posted by preciousjeni

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.

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'. 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.