Wonkblog: The rich think the poor have it easy

http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/2038544-155/wonkblog-the-rich-think-the-poor

Sure, the author is obviously biased, most are, but the points presented are quite interesting. A lot of Americans (about half) think the poor have it pretty good, and can get government benefits for little effort. The problem with this view is that a majority of the people who said that were not poor themselves, rather they were financially stable, and more leaning to the right side of the political spectrum.

I think this view that the poor have so good, and are lazy or not willing to work to pay for things, is wrong. There will be people that take advantage of the system for sure, but when people say these things, they're not looking at the circumstances of the problem, and are quite unfair in their assessment of the poor and needy in this country. They need to consider: "Gee, it might actually be hard to be a poor person: it might be extremely hard to get a job in this country, with little schooling, might be hard to have little mouths to feed, and not being able to feed them even while working several minimum wage jobs. It might be hard to pay the rent, provide for a family, and try to save for a better life-- when most of the pay check runs out so quickly." Government aid is something we give so that people have at least a chance to rise. If they don't, people need to take the time and realize a life of poverty is an extremely hard life with many worries, and so many challenges, money at the top of the list. But, the point is they have a chance. Who are we to say the impoverished should have no support? Especially considering when we cut that support, we cut off futures, and take away chances to get out of their situation, chances they need if they are ever going to do so.