My major problem with the French is their attitude towards us for most of the 20th century and all of the 21st century so far. A great example outside of was is the fact they were the only major country not to go along with the gold standard that saved the world economy. Who the hell does that? They give off the perception that there crap don't stink everytime a situation arrises, but it does just like their cheese. They don't owe me personally for anything Chad, but I won't stand for bashing America at every waking moment. Blind patriotism, maybe, but that is one of the rights I am afforded being a US citizen.
I believe the disefranchisement of the poor has everything to do in lack of faith in the system. Every last politician is a kiss ass. I know there are too many sides pulling at them for decisions, but for Christs sake, there has to be some rich ---daisies--- out there who don't care about patting others on the back and want to do the right thing. That is what I'm waiting for. I don't blame the poor. A punk ass tax cut is not gonna do it for someone barely making it. That's what child tax credits are for.
I feel what is needed is a policy change in the role of government in our society. Everyone knows that the government is needed and not going anywhere soon, but what about a rejuvenation of the New Deal? Why not put the poorest of Americans on a voluntary work plan to clean up our cities and make a change in how the lower class is viewed. We do it for farmers. Why the hell do half the people who get medicaid and welfare get it in the first place? Because there is nothing useful for them to do in society. Go clean a damn street and you can get your vicodin. I believe it would take a policy change to motivate a majority of the population. I don't see any other way to do that unless the government goes bankrupt through natural disaster of some other unforseen malady(pandemic, etc...).
We have not had hard times in a loooooooong time, and it is so very obvious. Yes, there are people who need the government support, but there are sooooo many that made poor decisions through one avenue or another, and somehow they get a fifty year hall pass. MrC, as a Republican, I think that it is crap if you stick up for that portion of the poor and disadvantaged and you should move to Canada with me because your fight is as helpful as the Republicans neglect of them when considering the overall problem of the American society. We can ---smurfette--- back and forth, but I honestly believe a moderate solution to the issue is what will have to happen. This political whining back and forth is useless, although it does waste some time.
America's Poor - You can't live with'em and you can't live without'em(well not legally)