It has nothing whatsoever to do with "feeling good about ourselves", its simply a realization by some people with a shred of commom sense that we can't keep shitting all over the people who are not as fortunate as we are. These aren't necessarily people who are living on the gov't dole. They are WORKING. Everything that these people have to buy to exist has gone up, but their wage has not. Hence, the problem. It doesn't take a genius to figure it out.
BULLSHIT Every time I run across that sentiment it's coming from a leftist loser looking for a moral sounding rationalization for limiting freedom. Next you will be quoting the bible as an excuse.
I guess in your view we should let the handicapped, the old, the infirmed, the mentally disabled, the physically disabled, and others do what you obviously did and "pick themselves up by their own bootstraps." You really don't know how lucky you are. Clearly you weren't born with any handicap other than being (a) stupid; and (b) coldhearted. At least those can be remedied, somewhat.
WOW!! You're so smart! You know everything about me, just like that. Amazing. And thank you for proving my point. We have become a society of morons. Just for the record...I am not a leftist. I probably make you look like a "New Dealer". Look it up...under "N" in the history section. I am not a loser as compared to any number of criteria. But then you probably already know that....perceptive one that you are. I am a free market Capitalist, that is secure enough to stretch the thought process somewhat. Try it sometime.
A rather ignorant statement, obviously Income taxes, perhaps, but what about OTHER taxes? Do any workers NOT pay payroll taxes such as Social Securty/Medicare? What about local taxes? State taxes don't count? As Chris Rock once said, you don't pay tax. They TAKE tax out of your paycheck, even if you make min wage. Heck, I remember earning $3.35 an hour as a fifteen-year old dishwasher having to pay something called "Occupational Privilege Tax" in Pennsylvania. The poor certainly pay taxes.
Who do you know that is earning minimum wage? Even temporary labor jobs pay more than minimum wage, heck the fast food places around my house pay their people $10 an hour. I respect the fact that you want to help the poor, If you really wanted to do something to help the poor, if you were really passionate about it, you wouldn't be standing on the sidelines cheering for legislation that won't get the job done. You'd be in the game making decisions and taking meaningful actions. Seriously, do you really think that $320 a month will solve the problems for these people? If you want to help them, teach them how to move up, how to earn more, become more productive, and add value.
uh huh the truth slips out, you really mean the stupid ,lazy and unmotivated people are the ones you 'think' "The government has an obligation to protect". Knock yourself out: all those that FEEL the way you do are free to give all you have for the cause. Just don't make the mistake in thinking I am obligated also because of how YOU feel.
One of the great things Britain did in 1832 was passing the Reform Bill, which did a lot to alleviate the negative effects of capitalism while preserving many of the good effects and did much to establish the middle class(es) and ultimately break the back of the parasitic aristocracy. Unfortunately, in this country the Republicans, by supporting the total appeal of the estate tax, apparently want to establish an aristocracy here. Unfortunately, part 2, the British did get a little carried away after WW2 when they established socialism. For moderates such as me, economic history and present reality can be rather depressing.
Workers pay in half of their social security and medicare, who covers the rest? Their employer. The benefit they will recieve is far greater than the amount they pay in. As for the rest of the taxes, they pay them on their cigarettes and alcohol. It's doubtful they pay state income taxes, local taxes, property taxes, etc. Come on...do a little homework supporting your talking points before posting them.
Please provide evidence that the the millions of poor in this nation are largely "stupid, lazy, and unmotivated." I mean, you keep asserting it. Clearly you must have proof that it is true. Or are you uncritically repeating what someone else told you?