Social Peace

[Sjakihata]

To answer the original Question:

I agree with most statements here on "The American Dream".

Franconious, you asked whether it was possible for someone living in a ghetto to break out. It happens, but the environment of the ghetto itself tends to keep many down. It is not the government, or society. It is the nature and nurture of being raised in a violent place lacking in social values, morals, and ethics. If you are taught to steal, then you shall steal.

But as for breaking out of poverty... I myself have dived in the trashcan looking for cans to recycle, because I had no money. I worked two very low paying jobs and had no car. I walked a very long way to my first job in the morning and took the bus back home, where I would catch a nap before walking to my second job at night. It was terrible. And it was also my fault. I dropped out of High School and had no skilled experience. I was directed otherwise, but I was fiercely independant.

But I broke out of that entirely on my own. I own a single family home in Southern California, vacation regularly, have a four year college education, little debt, and retain every chance to continue the positive momentum. I never blamed anyone but myself.

The poor are poor because of one or many of the following:

a. They have no social or moral values.
b. They have no natural ability or intelligence.
c. They lack vision and motivation.
d. They are unwilling to sacrifice now for greater gains later.
e. They made selfish decisions.


I do not pity the poor. I have been poor. They have an equal chance.

As for those with "old" money: Their family has worked very hard to secure the future of their children. And this trend has continued, so the family inherits and retains great wealth. We should all follow their example.

My children deserve a better future than the eight children of "Tyquandra" the crack whore. Why? Because I care enough to secure their future and wait until I am ready before having children. Unlike the crack whore.

This is the most selfish post I've seen in a long while. First, it's easy for you to come down hard on the poor, isnt it? Especially since you claim to have been there? Well, guess what, you wasnt even close to being poor. You had 2 jobs for crying out loud. The poor have no homes or jobs, thats being poor. And about the crack whore, well, why does her children not deserve a bright and hopeful future? Is it the childrens fault they are born into poverty, misery and addiction? Hell no. Where's the state to take care of them? And yes, this is exactly, in a civilized country, where the state should step in and pamper the children of a fx. crackwhore.

According to you, apparently (that's how I read it) they should just be stuck and live hopeless life -while your middle class kids can at least retain some hope, why is this fair?

Social peace my arse. I'll be the first to join the ranks if the US ever rebels against persons such as yourself.

[Divinus Arma]

This is the most selfish post I've seen in a long while. First, it's easy for you to come down hard on the poor, isnt it? Especially since you claim to have been there? Well, guess what, you wasnt even close to being poor. You had 2 jobs for crying out loud. The poor have no homes or jobs, thats being poor. And about the crack whore, well, why does her children not deserve a bright and hopeful future? Is it the childrens fault they are born into poverty, misery and addiction? Hell no. Where's the state to take care of them? And yes, this is exactly, in a civilized country, where the state should step in and pamper the children of a fx. crackwhore.

According to you, apparently (that's how I read it) they should just be stuck and live hopeless life -while your middle class kids can at least retain some hope, why is this fair?

Social peace my arse. I'll be the first to join the ranks if the US ever rebels against persons such as yourself.

Hmmm. Do I detect a little anger? Well, I'll not be angry in reply, since you have little knowledge of who I am, what I have been through, or what background I have. I might just have a little crack whore in me too, sonny Jim. Sure, I'm middle class now. But I have not always been so. It was through my own effort, and the mercy of God, that I am where I am.

So, do not jump to conclusions, fellow patron. If you want to blame somebody, you may blame yourself.

Should we pamper crack whore children? No. But we do provide an escape for them when they are ready to take it. It's called education. And each of us has an equal shot at getting one. Maybe not Ivy league, but an education either way. There are many kids who listen to the guiding and responsible hand of teachers and other alternative guiding hands (other than "tyquandra"). These children, raised in poverty, must only believe in the dream that these leaders try to share. Priests, ministers, educators, social workers, guidance counselors. If the young are prepared to accept responsibility for themselves, then they have a great future.

As for the very young, our authorities do what they can to remove these children from their dangerous environments. Those generous enough to be foster parents and adoptees may give these children the chance they deserve. It is not state given money that will save these kids, it is the loving hand of human compassion.

And my two jobs paid squat. I barely had enough to eat and I lived in an income restricted apartment complex filled with illegal immigrants and recovering crack addicts. If you made above a certain level, you could not live there. I am not asking anyone to feel sorry for me, and I have no reason to elaborate on how crappy my life actually got.

And why is it your poor people can't find work? Not enough jobs at fast food restaraunts? Or how about picking strawberries? Cleaning houses? Janitorial services? Lawn mowing and weed pulling? Oh thats right. These are the jobs that "no American wants". Because there is more dignity in taking welfare then cleaning toilets or picking lettuce.

My friend, you make little sense. But I hope I at least clarified my position.

[Papewaio]

No simple reality. If you look after your children they will be better off then relying on social welfare.

Even with access to free health and schooling, children will do better with involvement of their parents.

Relying on others to raise your children so you can pursue a life of self pleasure is the selfish option.