I listen to presidential speeches with an ear to the parts about personal finance. In President Obama’s second inaugural, he made a few interesting points.
The first reference came when he said, “For we, the people, understand that our country cannot succeed when a shrinking few do very well and a growing many barely make it.”
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We, those just above water, lose money with every tax increase, but watch our friends on welfare not obligated to find work. They receive all their benefits tax and often cost free. My husband and I would be about $15k richer a year if we got free healthcare and $1500 in fuel assistance would be nice. Free school breakfast and lunches would free up $30 a week. $1k a month in rent subsidy is another $12k a year. Add in about $300 a month in food stamps. That elevates most of the poor above me, so don't talk about people not knowing about income equality without realizing that those in the middle are faling underneath those on the bottom. Do the math. We are talking about $30k in benefits that the poor are gtting tax free...and don't even get me started about free afterschool programs, headstart and free summer camp...things my family can neitherqualify for nor afford. Stop with the 'it's only one cup a coffee a week"...I make coffee in my kitchen...I can't afford a daily Dunkin Donuts coffee, but my friend on welfare can...
Then, Chrissie, if it's that attractive, why not "join the rest" and go on welfare? I know I wouldn't want to. I've seen what conditions people are forced to live in and what a struggle it is every day. I don't see it as everyday is a Sunday picnic, and that welfare recipients are living it up at the expense of the rest of us who supposedly "play by the rules". For many, many of the people on welfare, they're doing the best they can.