commentaries

I am in favor of government bail-outs. While all bail-outs have the potential to improve the economy, some are A+ grade, and some are downright risky. The highest grade of bail-out is welfare since 100% of the money is recirculated, none of it is wasted. Two thirds of our economy is consumer spending, until this changes, welfare is the investment of choice. The lowest grade of bail-outs, fail to recirculate money. This money is described as being "on the sidelines", not spent, not creating jobs, not invested in the stock market (which is recirculation, by the way). If we just prioritized our bail-outs, or penalized "sideline" money, we would all be better off.

"...poverty isn't just about individual choices." I simply do not believe this is true for 90+% of people in poverty. Choices were made. To have children out side of a committed relationship, to not finish high school, to not get a job, to not perform to minimum standards once hired, to not prioritize spending on essentials, to not cook at home etc. etc.... Would it not be a better argument to say some are pre-dispositioned to make poor choices?

" Would it not be a better argument to say some are pre-dispositioned to make poor choices?"..........Actually, no. A better argument is that you were obviously reared in a family with such prejudices and negative view of the poor. I only hope that you don't consider yourself a Christian with such completely uncharitable biases. Just walk a day in their shoes.......

I was born and raised in poverty. This opinion was formed in adulthood after seeing countless friends, co-workers, aquaintences and family members hard up for money. In nearly every case the poor choices were obvious. I am not saying the 16 year old unwed mother should be punished, or that we should not care for the innocent child. I am saying do not try to tell me her situation was not the result of choices she made.

Judge not, lest ye be judged. That's basic to true Christianity. Yet how many conservatives can't deal with others that way?

Makes me think of my cousin and his wife. Their daughter was born Dec. 6 1984 and by Christmas had been hospitalized 4 times. She eventually needed a liver transplant, heart surgery and two further kidney transplants in the next 5 years. And his co-workers were jealous because A. he worked overtime at the automotive plant to be able to afford his and his wife's expenses when she was hospitalized out of state and B. he, his wife and daughter received a Make-A-Wish trip as well as help from charities with bills at home. Probably also the views of a bunch of prescients who were sure they'd made "bad decisions." Merry Christmas.

Let's be realistic the Tribune and it's writers write this stuff just to get people riled up. The viewpoint of this acedemic and Ms.Sturdevant is clearly on one far side of the issue. If one does not agree then you must be un-Christian or uncompassionate to the plight of others. If you agree then on the other extremne you are agreeing that for ALL people who have financial issues it is caused by something beyond their control. The answers lie somewhere in between!

"Judge not, lest ye be judged. That's basic to true Christianity. Yet how many conservatives can't deal with others that way?" posted by hoocoodanode----I would consider my self a conservative and I INVITE you to judge me. Why? Because I could care less what you think.

I grew up lower middle class, my parents split when I was 18 and was on my own right away. I decided not to go to college and took a position at a dead end job because the money was good at the time and I was just to plain lazy to attend classes. I got engaged, had it broken off, and fell into booze. 18 months and a DWI later, I wised up and went to college. Now I have a great job and am happier than ever.

Don9539 said "I am saying do not try to tell me her situation was not the result of choices she made." He could not be more right. I made those foolish choices in my life...and I had to work hard to pay to get out of them. Its not someone elses fault....IT WAS MINE!

So before you liberals preach "Walk in their shoes...", most of us have. Its just we looked in the mirror and said "I am the problem" and worked hard to fix it.

@ actualreader---Your cousin and his wife are the PRIME examples of who SHOULD be able to access charitable donations. It is a medical issue through no fault of their own. I really hope that they are ok now.

Interesting that a story about kindness and giving would produce so many vicious and cruel comments aimed at the members of a political party.