Will the candidates in this election take us closer to or further from this advice..?
"I am for doing good to the poor, but I differ in opinion of the means. I think the best way of doing good to the poor, is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it. In my youth I traveled much, and I observed in different countries, that the more public provisions were made for the poor, the less they provided for themselves, and of course became poorer. And, on the contrary, the less was done for them, the more they did for themselves, and became richer."
Benjamin Franklin, On the Price of Corn and Management of the Poor, November 1766
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chelle_spence - December 11th, 2009
best answer, Jimdand…..tell them like it is!
maraj11 - December 11th, 2009
I like your answer. You went a little past where I was intending the question to go , but that's OK. Your right on many points, what I was getting at is the overall destructive nature of our pseudo-nanny state. Some seem to be for more of that treatment and others for the same amount or slightly less. None seem to be willing to scrap it all. Thanks.
markimbriaco - December 11th, 2009
I think you nailed where we are heading, it's a shame. Thanks.
chelle_spence - December 11th, 2009
A nice and altruistic comment, regarding social advancements.
Historically, it is the Democrats who have proffered social advancements.
Republicans are disinclined to do so. Their agenda(s) seem to revolve around big business(es) and their financial gains — not the "little people" (Leona Helmsley).
Swinkels - December 11th, 2009
I agree Jimdand. I truly believe that welfare and other programs are a necessity, however I believe that massive reform needs to take place on all levels. They were intended as a helping hand in times of need, not as a lifestyle choice.
chelle_spence - December 11th, 2009
Yes, he was full of great insight. Thanks.
maraj11 - December 11th, 2009
Except, at a different time and culture as the way we know it, today.
I HOPE we all respect CONTEMPORARY values and "changes" which have molded our concept of just "what" is a "better life" for us all.
Swinkels - December 11th, 2009
That is an interesting idea, and I think I like it. If you surround yourself with success you're more likely to succeed.
Shared_Hosting - December 12th, 2009
Exactly. I like the idea of helping those in need but helping them to help themselves. This is probably the best actionable approach I've heard of so far. I found a write up of the neighborhood here in West Seattle I was talking about.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2003271360_peirce24.html
chelle_spence - December 12th, 2009
A rather nice and, at once, humanitarian concept. Thank you.
The question begs, however, whether or not it is Obama who will further this admirable agenda, under his watch.
maraj11 - December 12th, 2009
Thanks.
xxLittleBeckyxx - December 12th, 2009
paid political workers…
chelle_spence - December 12th, 2009
Not sure of the preceptive of your comment, but I think we AGREE.
Forget Obama and his political rhetoric b.s. He would offer ANYTHING just to get into the White House.
Others DON'T THINK SO? The ONLY person(s) you're fooling are yourselves.
xxLittleBeckyxx - December 12th, 2009
A nice comment — but WHOM are you referring to?