My Democratic Party...

[Took]

I think "the system" is broken. It was never meant to take the place of personal responsibility, it was meant to help those who truly will never be able to take care of themselves, or to help someone temporarily when, through no fault of their own, they fall on hard times.

Because the government system has grown so large, the waste and fraud is completely unmanageble. But even worse, it encourages millions more to just get what they can out of it. They see their hard earned money being taxed to pay for the bohemouth "system" and the cheaters and the waste, and they think "hey, I might as well get something out of it too". This isn't the same thing as fraud, but it's a mindset that just as destructive to the system.

Obama made a remark in the debate last night that at one point his mom had to rely on food stamps to put food on the table. If so, it wasn't the result of something horribly unforseen and unfortunate happening to her. It was the result of very poor choices she made. And she had a family she could have relied on, instead of the government.

And yet the overwhelming response to poor choices these days is something along the lines of a shrug and "who am I to judge".

Being judgemental is now considered a much worse flaw than being irresponsible and making bad decisions.

I agree that there are deadbeats. I did not say that I did not. I see some of these in my work, too. But be careful of deciding that cutting them off from assistance will cure them. It won't, it will not, and it never has. They will find another "system" to bilk, and we will all still pay in some other way (ever hear how much prisons cost us?). The only hope, IMHO, is education. Only with that, and with some hope at a future, will the deadbeats become the reponsible citizens we'd like them to be.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I agree that there are deadbeats. I did not say that I did not. I see some of these in my work, too. But be careful of deciding that cutting them off from assistance will cure them. It won't, it will not, and it never has. They will find another "system" to bilk, and we will all still pay in some other way (ever hear how much prisons cost us?). The only hope, IMHO, is education. Only with that, and with some hope at a future, will the deadbeats become the reponsible citizens we'd like them to be.

We have families that have relied on the government to take care of them.....for generations. I believe being educated and allowed to care for oneself.....is a right everyone should have. I believe everyone derserves to have pride and dignity. That's something the government can't "give". We can only find that from within.

 

[bsnyder]

I. Only with that, and with some hope at a future, will the deadbeats become the reponsible citizens we'd like them to be.

As long as we, as a society, insist that it is uncompassionate to have standards of behavior, and that judging others is worse than being a deadbeat, we can provide all the education and have all the hope in the world, and still, many will not become responsible citizens.

I would much rather be called judgemental than let it be said that I have no judgement.

I'm appropriating this quote. My kids know that one of my pet peeves is to hear them say "Who am I to judge". Our ability to analysis and form judgements is one of the things that sets us apart, as human beings, from other species.

My kids also know that exercising their judgement isn't a license to be cruel to others, or turn their back on someone in need.

 

[bsnyder]

We have families that have relied on the government to take care of them.....for generations. I believe being educated and allowed to care for oneself.....is a right everyone should have. I believe everyone derserves to have pride and dignity. That's something the government can't "give". We can only find that from within.

We have become a nation of enablers.

 

[Anewman]

We have become a nation of enablers.

And what is more expensive...

Enabling deadbeats that want health care.

Enabling deadbeat business owners that pocket millions after being bailed out by the GOV.

 

[TLSnell1981]

And what is more expensive...

Enabling deadbeats that want health care.

Enabling deadbeat business owners that pocket millions after being bailed out by the GOV.

I am quite familiar with the healthcare model Obama wants to implement. It hasn't worked.....it doesn't work.....it won't work. It's called TennCare.

 

[bsnyder]

And what is more expensive...

Enabling deadbeats that want health care.

Enabling deadbeat business owners that pocket millions after being bailed out by the GOV.

They both involve the concept of moral hazard. And for that reason, I disapprove of both.

 

[DISUNC]

Once these people, the DNC Rules Commitee decided that it was perfectly acceptable to NOT count votes and to switch delagates around on a whim.
That was it! I gave them up, that was the last straw for me.

It is NOT OK for any Political party to discount any American Voters rights EVER NEVER EVER! It is a heinious and unforgivable derilict of duty, and abuse of power.

I can not any longer support them in any way shape or form. This is truly a Socialist agenda.

Rules and Bylaws Committee Members

Co-Chairs - no endorsement
Alexis Herman (co-chair, Washington , D.C. )
James Roosevelt, Jr. (co-chair, Massachusetts )

Members - Clinton supporters (13)
Hartina Flournay (DC)
Donald Fowler (SC)
Harold Ickes, Jr. (DC)
Alice Huffman (CA)
Ben Johnson (DC)
Elaine Kamarck (MA)
Eric Kleinfeld (DC)
Mona Pasquil (CA)
Mame Reiley (VA)
Garry Shay (CA)
Elizabeth Smith (DC)
Michael Steed (MD)
Jaime Gonzalez, Jr. (TX)

Members - Obama supporters (8)
Martha Fuller Clark (NH)
Carol Khare Fowler (SC)
Janice Griffin (MD)
Thomas Hynes (IL)
Allan Katz (FL)
Sharon Stroschein (SD)
Sarah Swisher (IA)
Everett Ward (NC)

Members - no known endorsement (7)
Donna Brazille (DC)
Mark Brewer (MI)
Ralph Dawson (NY)
Yvonne Gates ( NV)
Alice Germond (DC) - DNC Secretary
David McDonald (WA)
Jerome Wiley Segovia (VA)

 

[Planogirl]

There's nothing wrong with using wise judgment. The only danger is going overboard and becoming so judgmental that you might be blind to those who did NOT make bad choices. Not everyone has and not everyone will. Besides what is to become of those who did make bad choices? Should they be on the streets? I never get a good answer to that question.

I see corruption and greed and stupidity everywhere but I also see people who try and who mean well. The latter should be trying to help make things better IMO. To cut and run is tempting but who does it help?

 

[Charade]

Maybe, but Eleanor would be a great President!

Yes he would!!!

Ooops...

 

[Charade]

I think "the system" is broken. It was never meant to take the place of personal responsibility, it was meant to help those who truly will never be able to take care of themselves, or to help someone temporarily when, through no fault of their own, they fall on hard times.

Because the government system has grown so large, the waste and fraud is completely unmanageble. But even worse, it encourages millions more to just get what they can out of it. They see their hard earned money being taxed to pay for the bohemouth "system" and the cheaters and the waste, and they think "hey, I might as well get something out of it too". This isn't the same thing as fraud, but it's a mindset that just as destructive to the system.

Obama made a remark in the debate last night that at one point his mom had to rely on food stamps to put food on the table. If so, it wasn't the result of something horribly unforseen and unfortunate happening to her. It was the result of very poor choices she made. And she had a family she could have relied on, instead of the government.

And yet the overwhelming response to poor choices these days is something along the lines of a shrug and "who am I to judge".

Being judgemental is now considered a much worse flaw than being irresponsible and making bad decisions.

Excellent.

 

[bsnyder]

There's nothing wrong with using wise judgment.

I'm agreeing with you. However, as I have witnessed in RL, and on these boards, and particularly in my children's education, the liberal message for the last few decades has been the complete opposite - that it is decidedly wrong to judge others.

A collective attitude by society DOES make a difference, and can have an marked effect on individuals' attitudes and actions. Look at what has happened to cigarette smoking rates since the 1960's.

 

[RickinNYC]

That was an honest and powerful post by the OP.

I agree 100%. I'm sure many Republicans and Democrats feel the same way about their party, but can't admit it. John F. Kennedy was a great president.

Food for thought, people.

Yup. I used to be a tried and true Republican.

 

[minniecarousel]

Obama made a remark in the debate last night that at one point his mom had to rely on food stamps to put food on the table. If so, it wasn't the result of something horribly unforseen and unfortunate happening to her. It was the result of very poor choices she made. And she had a family she could have relied on, instead of the government.

And you know this for a fact?

 

[bsnyder]

And you know this for a fact?

Could you be more specific?

 

[disneyfan67]

.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Yup. I used to be a tried and true Republican.

Northeast republicans......just aren't quite the same as they are everywhere else. In the south, you'd be a moderate democrat.

**edited to add**No offense meant. We tend to cling to our guns and bibles more.

 

[minniecarousel]

Could you be more specific?

How do you know that Obama's mother made some "very poor choices", resulting in needing food stamps. How do you know that she didn't have "something horribly unforeseen and unfortunate happen to her"? I don't know that much about his upbringing, other than he was raised by a single mother, who was helped by her parents.
So, if you could enlighten me on how she was not deserving of food stamps, please.

 

[joviroxx]

And yet the overwhelming response to poor choices these days is something along the lines of a shrug and "who am I to judge".

Being judgemental is now considered a much worse flaw than being irresponsible and making bad decisions.

As long as we, as a society, insist that it is uncompassionate to have standards of behavior, and that judging others is worse than being a deadbeat, we can provide all the education and have all the hope in the world, and still, many will not become responsible citizens.
.

A collective attitude by society DOES make a difference, and can have an marked effect on individuals' attitudes and actions. Look at what has happened to cigarette smoking rates since the 1960's.

Thank you for those comments. You stated them in a much calmer, less judgemental way than I have ever been able to.

 

[bsnyder]

How do you know that Obama's mother made some "very poor choices", resulting in needing food stamps. How do you know that she didn't have "something horribly unforeseen and unfortunate happen to her"? I don't know that much about his upbringing, other than he was raised by a single mother, who was helped by her parents.
So, if you could enlighten me on how she was not deserving of food stamps, please.

I'd suggest you read his book, "Dreams from My Father".