If you were born into poverty would you rely PRIMARILY on the government to support you or...?

Question

Or, on yourself to try and make something of your life?

Answer 1

Growing up we had no money and I had holes in my shoes and socks. Hand me downs were common and we were on food stamps. We had them at a time when it wasn't being abused. We lost everything when we were small due to a fire and also lost a brother. It is those times that I have no problem with people needing help, but they need to get on their feet and stop relying on handouts, just like my family did.

So, I have been on the other side and I have no pity for anyone that refuses to do something for themselves. Why? Because we DID IT!! Food stamps to us were very degrading and we did everything we could in so much time to get off of them.

People have a choice, sadly they make the wrong choices and our government continues to let the system be abused.

We need someone strong in office and in Congress that will put their foot down and stop all this nonsense.

Answer 2

If a government is wise, it will ensure that those born into poverty have the opportunity to be educated and become a productive member of the work force. Those born into poverty without the possibility of a decent education or job often turn to crime to make ends meet because it is more lucrative then any legal job you could get with no education and I assert that you would too were you in that position. You seem not to think of yourself as being born into a society from which you have benefited. Are you an alien life form? :)

Answer 3

I was born into poverty. My parents were missionaries who never had a nickel to rub together. Most Christmases and birthdays I got one gift wrapped in recycled paper that had been saved from the years before. One year it was a napkin ring. LOL I still have it and use it, darn it. We lived in some of the most atrocious places - sometimes relying on a car battery to run lights or the radio. I worked for a variety of nefarious businesses while living in Egypt and the Philippines, unbeknownst to my folks, but we needed food on the table. (Dad liked to give to the less fortunate...and would until Mum had it out that I hadn't eaten enough that week and he had to stop.) But my folks pressed me and my siblings to get an education. We all studied extremely hard, despite the moving and living in countries where I didn't even speak the language. I was blessed with a brain in my head, studied very hard, went to college in exchange for military service. Because of that degree, I started a very successful business and am very comfortable. I just accepted a slot into a masters/doctoral program to start Fall 08.

Answer 4

I was born into poverty. My mother and I lived on $200 a month but I went to college and I now own a business. It just takes a little determination and persistence to get ahead in life and it all started right after I got out of the military.

Oh yea, I just bought a house this year.

Answer 5

Its hard to say. I understand the principals of "pulling yourself by your bootstraps" and working for yourself, and "give a man a fish or teach a man to fish" and all that. But that's our view of their world, so to speak. When you're in their world, you realize the differences of the culture. Some of them are so bred to believe this idea of perpetual poverty, or that getting out of the ghettos is a bad idea, hence the "Uncle Tom" or "sellout" label attached to people who make it. If after being introduced to those ideas the more affluent areas have about getting a job and not relying on the government you were dropped into poverty, you might be more likely to get out of it and try to make something of your life. But, those who never have the view of that world, might never be inclined to strive for it.

Answer 6

I was born in poverty and I have managed to be quite successful. I do not want government help. I would appreciate a little less government interference and a bit less government taxation. They made my task unnecessarily more difficult.

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Answer 7

Having been poor as a child,I can answer from experience.With the upbringing I received from my parents,I learned that honesty,integrity,and effort will allow you the OPPORTUNITY to achieve success in life.Nothing is guaranteed;if you choose to not take the risks or apply yourself as needed to achieve the rewards of success,you will probably be able to get by,but not excel.

Answer 8

Well I am relying on my self as we speak unfortunatly my parents were not rich by any means but I was tought a strong work ethic and instilled with a belief that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to

Answer 9

Having worked in the inner city I would say every child I worked with was trying to make something of themselves without having to rely on anyone but themselves. The kids knew that there was life outside of the projects and they wanted it.

Answer 10

I was born and abandoned. Adopted and abandoned. I now live with my sister, (we were split up when I was 3). This experience has taught me that government achieves nothing... ever. I would never rely on the government to support me. I don't want anything from them. I want to be left alone.