[justjim]

I grew up poor but really didn't know it. I'm betting there are others who grew up much the same. After my Dad's mine closed it took the whole family working to keep the wolf away from the door.

We had a large garden we planted each year and mom canned. Mom also took in washing and ironing. Dad worked everyday but his pay was 40.00 a week. I remember thoses times and my brother and I mowed yards, carried coal and picked berries to earn money. We never got public aid because Dad and Mom were too proud. We never went out to eat but there was always enough to eat at home. Beans and more beans potatoes.

Hard work never hurt anyone. When you work to meet your needs , you quickly learn the value,of money and education. Somehow the current generation has gotten the idea that they don't need to work in order to meet their household needs. Many depend on the government to meet their basic needs while they eat, smoke, drink and make merry.

All of the various poverty programs have done much to keep people in poverty instead of out of poverty. Yes, I'm for helping people who help themselves.