Alex, I will preface this with that I really respect many of the posts you write, and while I absolutely believe kids are completely innocent in this whole thing and have spent many hours volunteering with under priveleged kids - I completely disagree with you what you wrote. We can agree to disagree, but I wanted to express my view just the same.
I beleive it's called wealth envy and what's sad is that there was a time in this country where people didn't 'expect' things. They worked hard and knew that life wasn't fair, but figured if they tried their hardest things might work out for the best. It was called the American Dream - work hard and you can expect to earn the fruits of your labor. People were humble and proud of what they did, now the entitlement generation believes everything should be handed to them. And if things don't go well, they sue someone or blame rich people.
Now, it's not, work hard and enjoy what you produce. Now, it's this mythical dehumanized top 1% of people that is to blame for everyone's problems. It's their fault, not yours. It wasn't your fault that you quit high school and got your girlfriend pregnant at 17. It's not your fault that you really, really wanted a new kitchen with stainless steel appliances, when you haven't even saved for your kid's college education, but it's those fat cats on Wall Street who caused this whole mess. They are the reason you're losing your house. Those rich guys up in New York and out on the West Coast in San Francisco who only got those high paying jobs because of their daddy's connections.
No, Alex I really feel for the innocent kids that are caught up in all of this, but I have no sympathy for people that tried to live a lifestyle they couldn't afford. I'm sorry, but I'm just not going to take stupidity as an excuse. Not when we live in a country where a person can do anything they want if they want it bad enough. In a 3rd world country, it is much, much, much harder to rise out of poverty, but in America I'm not going to forgive stupidity, laziness, greed, or envy. They don't get a pass anymore. They have in the past few decades and I'm not going to do it. And I'm not going to be a hippocrit about it, as I take responsibility for EVERY decision I make in my life. It's not someone elses fault if I lose my job and have been so content that I never made my self better over the course of 5 years of employment. Sometimes you get a tough break in life, it happens to EVERYONE, but it is what you make of these tough breaks that defines your character. If you get angry at people and things you can't control, then what have you accomplished? How is their suffering going to make your situation any better? Just get over it. You'll be a much happier person when you only worry about what you can control - and that is YOU!!
So, just forget about this mythical 'top 1%', and just worry about yourself. Worry about how you are going to make life better for you and your family. Work hard and save your money in case something terrible happens. Always prepare for the worst financially, but hope for the best. Take responsibility for your own choices. If that were to hapen, it might mark America's next great renaissance, but we'll see.
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Remember: taxpayers are footing the bill. It's coming out of the pockets of the regular folk who are about to lose their jobs and health insurance and homes.
Actually, if politicians have their way, it's the top 1% and all the MBA-types that will be footing the bill. Only the top 50% of people in this country pay any taxes anyway. It's going to be those same kids that suffer.