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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I am 10:56 poster.  Thanks for the prompt to read it after all.  I am a liberal, but happen to see the poor whites I know as using the government aid as their support, so [b]I am not sure if the government is helping or hurting by having a host of programs that provide money,  food and rent help every month.[/b]  As long as they don't want any more in life, my family seems to be fine not applying themselves, not yearning to move forward, and watching TV all day long, living from aid check to aid check.

Oh, and this is a good time to add that those who voted, voted for Trump.[/quote]

I'm the PP who responded and think this is quandry that the book presents.  You're left with a feeling that there's nothing anyone can do to help people who won't help themselves.

I'm also a liberal and think the book underscores a misunderstanding about conservative vs. liberal values.  He seems to be saying that government programs do more harm than good because they reinforce lazy reliance on the state.  My own feeling is that government has a responsibility to ensure the basics are provided, but it's an individual's responsibility to use every measure at their disposal to take care of themselves and their families.

i don't know what will stop the cycle of dysfunction he describes, though.  [/quote]

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