all poor people are simply irresponsible?

Question

why do conservatives use such blatant blanket statements to attack social programs?

second poster, i never said "all conservatives"

Answer 1

Many of them are. There is no excuse for anyone not to succeed in this country. There are nearly limitless opportunities for anyone willing to do the work necessary.........

Answer 2

I don't think they are saying ALL poor people are irresponsible, but that a lot of them are. Irresponsible, in that they aren't taking advantage of the services and opportunities presented to them (student loans, career training, birth control, homeless shelters, etc.). Then there are a few in the system who like to abuse it (staying on disability long after they are healthy, mothers not disclosing the identities of fathers so they won't be responsible for child support). Financial conservatives wonder why our tax money is being handed over to such people with so few conditions and no reliable follow-up by social workers. We see the day-to-day stuff like neighbors bringing in kegs on the weekend for parties knowing full well that their rent is being paid by taxpayers. Anecdotal experiences like that build resentment and a general distaste for public programs. It makes us wonder why we even bothered to go to school and work at all.

Answer 3

Never heard a statement like this but maybe something Rush would say (I used to listen to him when I kind of believed that crap). But if it's a true statement, it's kind of like these ultra con belief like a christian ideas, JUDGEMENTAL AND EGOTISTICAL!! Such a stupid statement, what if you don't make a certain amount of money your irresponsible? That person should be knocked out! By the way, most militar live below the poverty line, hmmm, are they irresponsible?

Answer 4

There are times when it looks that way.

Let's forget the welfare folks. They're either in a temporary state or addicted to the state handouts.

Let's look at the 'working poor'. No one was ever supposed to stay in a minimum wage job in America. If you couldn't get yourself out then you worked two jobs and did your best to make sure the next generation had a better life than you did - or at least a better shot.

This is what it really means to be a 'nation of immigrants'.

By the third or fourth generation, when people are starting to make enough dough to become Republicans (usually through being termed 'rich', being taxed at the 30% rate, etc) they've lost contact with that first generation.

Sad thing is it's the liberals who perpetuate the poverty cycle. Yeah, the Great Society and nationalization of welfare. That sure did wonders for the black family didn't it.

Answer 5

Well I have never had 2 halfpennies to rub together for most of my life , so I would class myself as poor, yet I now have a little money tucked away for rainy days. I have raised 2 sons singlehandedly since heir father chuffed off. Both of my sons are now responsible adults with families of their own. They have never been in trouble either at school, or in their work environment, and have never been questioned or arrested by the police. They are a good example of people who have clawed their way up out of poverty without any help from any social programmes. I would really like to meet these conservatives and challenge their reasoning!

Answer 6

It's not just conservatives. I've heard many liberals assert the same thing. It's just as inane and vapid no matter who says it.I've been poor,---dirt poor. It takes 3 times longer to accomplish a goal. The constant scrounging and trying to make ends meet does something nasty to your spirit. And then you have to put up with this discrimination that people like the ones who believe you are lazy, irresponsible trash promote. They use money as insulation but it won't keep them warm forever. It's cowardly, at best, to attack poor people.

Answer 7

The same reason liberals use blanket statements to attack conservatives.
I am a conservative, have made some bad financial decisions, am currently qualified for poor designation and am working hard to change it.
"I will never sign on to the liberal embrace of socialism."
I will earn mine and I still help others who are not able. "A lazy slob will starve to death watching me eat."

Answer 8

George Bush wasn't irresponsible with the $100 thousand "lent" to him by his dad's buddies so he could buy into a share of the Texas Rangers (which he then sold for a cool $10 million). Donald Trump wasn't irresponsible with the $40 million his dad left him...what a hard working guy to have so little and yet succeed in the financial world.

Answer 9

It is very easy to say Black or White and end of the story when an individual has never been expose to all the grey shades that exist in life. There is some level of irresponsibility due to different factors: Environment, opportunities etc.....

Answer 10

What social programs are you volunteering in? Before you attack the "conservatives" check your own house first.

Answer 11

Of course all poor people aren't irresponsible. Most poor people work 40 hours every week.

I believe several posters said "Let them eat cake". If the economy takes a slide it will be fun watching them eat humble pie.