Letters on So-Called Poverty

The Los Angeles Times ran a story on "poverty" levels for the union as a whole, and in California. They printed some of the responding letters.

Lucia Dzwonczyk of San Pedro wrote:

Poverty in the United States hits a 50-year high, children are homeless, our educational system is deteriorating and our healthcare is expensive. All this has become possible because power and greed are now the norm.

The problem here may indeed power and greed - that desire for power and greed that has gotten the federal government to wage a failed "war on poverty" and meddle in education.

Would it be too much to ask for a CEO to take home a little less pay so he would not have to lay off workers?

I believe that some CEOs may be paid too much, but that is a matter for the owners of the company to decide. Businesses should not, generally, keep jobs for the sake of keeping jobs. Absent a contract, nobody owes anyone a job.

Would it be too much to ask wealthy individuals and corporations to pay more in taxes?

The "wealthy" already pay most of the tax burden. How about asking more people to pay, given that those people are being served?

Would it be asking too much to help those who have suffered natural disasters?

We do.

Would it be too much for Congress to use a little common sense?

There's more common send in the House of Representatives now than there has been in a long time.

Would it be too much to create jobs now?

A job is created by demand. Someone can provide a good or service more efficiently than someone can do it themselves. That is what makes a job.

A country that does not care for its citizens, especially its children, cannot survive.

Is there a country with more charities than ours?

Annie Caroline Schuler of West Hollywood has too much sense to be living in West Hollywood:

If you now find yourself poor, before you blame the government, ask yourself these questions:

Did I have children that I cannot afford without taxpayer-financed handouts? Did I buy a house for which I knew I could not pay? Did I max out my credit cards, then sign up for more? Instead of buying a modest vehicle that will meet my needs, did I treat myself to a top-of-the-line one? Does my family own all of the "must have" electronic gadgets? Do I feel entitled to all of these things and demand that those doing better contribute their "fair share"?

Very good questions.

We who have been responsible can no longer be punished by being forced to pay for the safety net for those who choose to be irresponsible. What happens when the government gravy train of entitlements gets derailed because there's nobody left who can pay for it?

Perfect.

Craig P. Fagan of San Diego pointed out one of the obvious things a about California:

More than 16% of people in California live below the poverty line. Unemployment is near 13%. Democrats have dominated the Legislature for more than a decade, and California continues to reelect them.

Which is one reason why we need to split California.

How can anyone be considered poor when they are fat, have a wardrobe, have code-strong housing, utilities, have Internet and pay television, medical care, transportation, parks, libraries, and education?