The Poor
I had an absolutely infuriating discussion about the poor in this country...with someone who is of the opinion that:
Anyone who is struggling financially in this country is just plain lazy.
There are more than 50 million people in this country who are considered poor.
Fifty Million!
They're all just plain lazy?
Let's consider what has gone up in cost this country...steadily over the past thirty years:
The price of food.
The price of housing.
College costs.
Medical costs.
Transportation costs.
In some cases, the cost of certain things has increased dramatically.
Want to better yourself and head off to college?
Pay $600 for a book.
Yet...to be fair...let's consider what has remained stagnant:
Wages.
Yet what really got to me as I discussed these items with a guy who is a friend was that I was simply unable to understand how he can:
1). Be against raising wages for a guy who is doing menial labor...
and
2). Be for absurd wages for CEO's, heads of corporations and those in the banking industry.
"They're taking the risks!" He screamed.
Really?
It's more of a risk knowing that you may not make the rent because your check doesn't cover your basic needs.
"Get a better job!" the guy screamed. "I did."
We don't all have the same opportunities, sadly.
And here is what I really believe:
A man's time is worth something.
Even if you believe that they are 'stupid, lazy', 'uneducated' 'non-important' members of society.
There are way too many people falling through the cracks and simply being labeled as a worthless scumbag.
And there will be more because people need to feel included.
Yeah...there are a lot of folks who need to get up and off their asses, but the number of people who are poor is going to continue to grow.
It's basic math.
If you can't bring in enough to cover basic costs...
...there have always been people who have needed our help...our grace.
We used to help them.
"You know what the main problem is?" My friend said. "We have lost our Christian values."
That's what he said!
A guy who spent an hour telling me that 50 million people are worthless...
...is preaching Christian values.
Amazing.
Anyone who is struggling financially in this country is just plain lazy.
There are more than 50 million people in this country who are considered poor.
Fifty Million!
They're all just plain lazy?
Let's consider what has gone up in cost this country...steadily over the past thirty years:
The price of food.
The price of housing.
College costs.
Medical costs.
Transportation costs.
In some cases, the cost of certain things has increased dramatically.
Want to better yourself and head off to college?
Pay $600 for a book.
Yet...to be fair...let's consider what has remained stagnant:
Wages.
Yet what really got to me as I discussed these items with a guy who is a friend was that I was simply unable to understand how he can:
1). Be against raising wages for a guy who is doing menial labor...
and
2). Be for absurd wages for CEO's, heads of corporations and those in the banking industry.
"They're taking the risks!" He screamed.
Really?
It's more of a risk knowing that you may not make the rent because your check doesn't cover your basic needs.
"Get a better job!" the guy screamed. "I did."
We don't all have the same opportunities, sadly.
And here is what I really believe:
A man's time is worth something.
Even if you believe that they are 'stupid, lazy', 'uneducated' 'non-important' members of society.
There are way too many people falling through the cracks and simply being labeled as a worthless scumbag.
And there will be more because people need to feel included.
Yeah...there are a lot of folks who need to get up and off their asses, but the number of people who are poor is going to continue to grow.
It's basic math.
If you can't bring in enough to cover basic costs...
...there have always been people who have needed our help...our grace.
We used to help them.
"You know what the main problem is?" My friend said. "We have lost our Christian values."
That's what he said!
A guy who spent an hour telling me that 50 million people are worthless...
...is preaching Christian values.
Amazing.
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