“To me helping the poor has nothing to do with supporting a welfare state. Sure some people take advantage of free government programs designed to help those in need. And yes it can be said that a form of dependency on these programs has been created. But when you get right down to it there are millions of people living in poverty through no fault of their own. Prideful, hardworking individuals who want to live the American Dream, but can’t on the meager wages they earn. They don’t want government handouts; they just want a more level playing field where they have some of the same opportunities others do. People who were fortunate to grow up with advantages not afforded to everyone. Sadly, I find these are sometimes the people who complain that we live in a welfare state, and seem incapable of understanding how poverty can weaken one’s resolve.”
