The $50 Question

[Guest]

I had not seen this before, abut it is pretty good.

The $50 Lesson

I recently asked my friends’ little girl what she wanted to be when she grows up. She said she wanted to be President of the United States. Both of her parents, liberal Democrats, were standing there. So I asked her, “If you were President, what would be the first thing you would do?” She replied, “I’d give food and houses to all the homeless people.” Her parents beamed.

“Wow…what a worthy goal,” I told her. “But you don’t have to wait until you’re President to do that. You can come over to my house and mow the lawn, pull weeds, and sweep my driveway, and I’ll pay you $50. Then I’ll take you over to the grocery store where the homeless guy hangs out, and you can give him the $50 to use toward food and a new house.”

She thought that over for a few seconds, then she looked me straight in the eye and asked, “Why doesn’t the homeless guy come over and do the work, and you can just pay him the $50?”

I said, “Welcome to the Republican Independent Party.”

Her parents still aren’t speaking to me. Made my day!

[Guest]

I had not seen this before, abut it is pretty good.

Spoken like a Free man! Notice that lack of response to this post? When you speak with honesty and simplicity of message there is NO response from the Liberal side.

[Guest]

Perhaps the homeless guy ran into unforeseen catastrophic problems. Maybe he started out as a hard working, family man. Then he lost his job, couldn't find another, and was without health insurance. Perhaps, then a child become terminally ill. Perhaps he had to sell everything he owned just to go to court to try to get a bone marrow transplant for his child. Perhaps he became further and further behind with his bills and lost his home, which put his family on the street. Perhaps the child died and the wife left him. Perhaps he has lost all faith and hope and his knees are blooded from praying and he's now sick himself. Perhaps the freezing cold of despair has set in.

Perhaps he needs to see the humanity in man again. Perhaps he's too depressed and weak to even go try for that job. Perhaps he needs a helping hand from his fellow man.

Now -- if that little girl will reach out and help this man and not just overeat, overindulge and over-stuff her own pockets with greed .... if she has truly learned from her parents that it's "not all about her"... if she has an awareness of the greater good and has a caring and open heart, she's -- Welcome to the Democratic Party!

"No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help another."

[Guest]

Spoken like a Free man! Notice that lack of response to this post? When you speak with honesty and simplicity of message there is NO response from the Liberal side.

Hey a friend told me:

"If God had intended us to care for the sick and poor
He would have said so."

[Guest]

Perhaps the homeless guy is just lazy and doesn't want to work and lives off government handouts paid for on the backs of the middle class.

Welcome to the Democratic party.

[Guest]

Still no response from the Libs.

[Guest]

Perhaps the homeless guy is just lazy and doesn't want to work and lives off government handouts paid for on the backs of the middle class.

Welcome to the Democratic party.

That could be true DK. As I said before, I'm a realist. There will be a percentage of those people. But, don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Not in this economy. And I do think there's an easy way to tell the two apart.

Cashman... either you have me on your "ignore" list (which is A-OK with me) or you can't find your reading glasses! Hang in here. :a20:

[Guest]

Here's the fundamental questions.

How much of what I earn belongs to another and why?

Where does the government get it's authority to confiscate my money and transfer it to another individual whom I don't even know?

[Guest]

Chelsea - good post. But what happens when that homeless person accept the money and just keeps on accepting it? By no means am I saying that's all that happens. I *firmly* believe in the hand-up as opposed to the hand-out. But if you were to keep giving the $50 over and over again to the same person, "compassion fatigue" sets in.

[Guest]

The libs will tell you that everyone is entitled yet it is the Conservatives who are the ones who contribute to the causes that know how to help those who really need it.

Why is it the Libs want to take other peoples money to give as handouts?

Does it have to do with buying votes?

[Guest]

That could be true DK. As I said before, I'm a realist. There will be a percentage of those people. But, don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Not in this economy. And I do think there's an easy way to tell the two apart.

Cashman... either you have me on your "ignore" list (which is A-OK with me) or you can't find your reading glasses! Hang in here. :a20:

The point was made that the person on the street should have gone to the house and earned the money, rather that have it handed to him (or her). That implied that an offer of work was made to the person for employment.

If the persons options are to work for the $50 or sit in the street and receive the handout, I'm afraid that most people in today's "give me" society, nurtured from decades of the "entitlement" mentality would say "why should I work when some fool will hand it to me". It's no secret that if one has a choice of working a 40 hr week for no more than unemployment compensation will pay, people will opt for unemployment every time. The same is true with welfare or SSI payments.

[Guest]

The point was made that the person on the street should have gone to the house and earned the money, rather that have it handed to him (or her). That implied that an offer of work was made to the person for employment.

If the persons options are to work for the $50 or sit in the street and receive the handout, I'm afraid that most people in today's "give me" society, nurtured from decades of the "entitlement" mentality would say "why should I work when some fool will hand it to me". It's no secret that if one has a choice of working a 40 hr week for no more than unemployment compensation will pay, people will opt for unemployment every time. The same is true with welfare or SSI payments.

Oh I do GET the point of the story. But, it is a story half told. What are the circumstances that lead this man to become homeless???

Also, I respectfully disagree with this last statement. My heart breaks when I see the countless homeless families with children. There should not be one, not even ONE homeless person in a country as great as ours. I believe the majority of homeless do want a better life and a warm bed to sleep in and DO NOT want to sleep under a bridge or in a box, scrounging in garbage for food, with the women being continually raped, even little girls. NO! I'm afraid I just don't have the pessimistic view of the homeless that you do.

Is there of a percentage of people that just want handouts??? Of course! Should they get a hand up or hand out??? NO! But, as I stated previously... I know these people can be weeded out, just like they weed out people with false disability claims. Oh, and some of those people are Republicans too!

There, but for the grace of God, go you. Always remember that.

[Guest]

Oh I do GET the point of the story. But, it is a story half told. What are the circumstances that lead this man to become homeless???

Also, I respectfully disagree with this last statement. My heart breaks when I see the countless homeless families with children. There should not be one, not even ONE homeless person in a country as great as ours. I believe the majority of homeless do want a better life and a warm bed to sleep in and DO NOT want to sleep under a bridge or in a box, scrounging in garbage for food, with the women being continually raped, even little girls. NO! I'm afraid I just don't have the pessimistic view of the homeless that you do.

Is there of a percentage of people that just want handouts??? Of course! Should they get a hand up or hand out??? NO! But, as I stated previously... I know these people can be weeded out, just like they weed out people with false disability claims. Oh, and some of those people are Republicans too!

There, but for the grace of God, go you. Always remember that.


Please explain your intent with this remark,.,,,

"Oh, and some of those people are Republicans too!"

[Guest]

There is a nice level of discussion with this tread. I would just say not to deconstruct this story. It is what it is. I think it is an metaphor on the difference between collectivism and individualism. There is nothing intrinically wrong with either. I clearly fall on the side of individualism, as I think it is more effective, muchless moral. I, like others, have a real problem with the forced redistribution of wealth.

[Guest]

Does it have to do with buying votes?

Famous saying: "When you rob Peter to pay Paul, you can be assured of Paul's vote."

[Guest]

Famous saying: "When you rob Peter to pay Paul, you can be assured of Paul's vote."

You have capsulized the exact reason I left one party and joined another !!!! No other reason.....I do not and never will vote or think along party lines, but it just made me feel better NOT to be associated with that kind of stuff which is real world !

[Guest]

Perhaps the homeless guy is just lazy and doesn't want to work and lives off government handouts paid for on the backs of the middle class.

Welcome to the Democratic party.

Well said. :clap2:

[Guest]

Oh I do GET the point of the story. But, it is a story half told. What are the circumstances that lead this man to become homeless???

Also, I respectfully disagree with this last statement. My heart breaks when I see the countless homeless families with children. There should not be one, not even ONE homeless person in a country as great as ours. I believe the majority of homeless do want a better life and a warm bed to sleep in and DO NOT want to sleep under a bridge or in a box, scrounging in garbage for food, with the women being continually raped, even little girls. NO! I'm afraid I just don't have the pessimistic view of the homeless that you do.

Is there of a percentage of people that just want handouts??? Of course! Should they get a hand up or hand out??? NO! But, as I stated previously... I know these people can be weeded out, just like they weed out people with false disability claims. Oh, and some of those people are Republicans too!

There, but for the grace of God, go you. Always remember that.

I'm not pessimistic of the homeless, just a realist amongst fool heart ed do gooders. Maybe in your world people do not put themselves into the position that homeless people find themselves in, but in mine there are reasons that they are there. Drugs and alcohol addiction are the most prevalent reasons for homelessness. Then there are the bad decision makers, who drop out of school or marry bums or turn on families that have tried but failed in the past to help them. Their friends and families have abandoned them, why? Because they are wonderful people? Most are homeless because of their own mistakes or demons of mind and body.

And by the grace of God go I? My life has nothing to do with Gods grace. God has let me make my own way in life and the life I've chosen didn't leave me homeless. Buy the way, when my youngest son and my youngest brother were living in their cars, it was of their own making. Thankfully my son has changed his ways, but my brother died an alcoholic after a too short and wasted life. He had family and friends that tried to help him, but if you don't try to help yourself your life is your own CHOICE.

[Guest]

Hey a friend told me:

"If God had intended us to care for the sick and poor
He would have said so."

He not only sent His Son to show us how to do that, he also instructed us.

Matthew 25:40
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

[Guest]

I'm not pessimistic of the homeless, just a realist amongst fool heart ed do gooders. Maybe in your world people do not put themselves into the position that homeless people find themselves in, but in mine there are reasons that they are there. Drugs and alcohol addiction are the most prevalent reasons for homelessness. Then there are the bad decision makers, who drop out of school or marry bums or turn on families that have tried but failed in the past to help them. Their friends and families have abandoned them, why? Because they are wonderful people? Most are homeless because of their own mistakes or demons of mind and body.

And by the grace of God go I? My life has nothing to do with Gods grace. God has let me make my own way in life and the life I've chosen didn't leave me homeless. Buy the way, when my youngest son and my youngest brother were living in their cars, it was of their own making. Thankfully my son has changed his ways, but my brother died an alcoholic after a too short and wasted life. He had family and friends that tried to help him, but if you don't try to help yourself your life is your own CHOICE.

Well we completely differ in this. I count my blessings everyday. Yes, my husband and I worked hard all of our lives. We are very secure. But, I don't think that gives me the right to turn a blind eye to another human being in need. Maybe, instead of patting yourself on the back, you should put your hands together in prayer. I won't get into religion, but it is my unwavering belief that I have been blessed with the health, opportunities and good upbringing to be in the position I am today... with the grace of God.

I'm happy your son has found his way and I'm sorry for your brother. Please believe that. I have a cousin much like your brother, so I know, no matter how much someone tries, sometimes, it's just not enough. Again, that is why I, personally, count my blessings. Many turns in the road are quick and unexpected. Some cannot handle them, and some have no one on this planet that cares enough to help them. I would never presume to lump all homeless people into a group of alcoholics and drug addicts. It's just not true. Many are war veterans that deserved better. My own Godfather is still dealing with the aftermath of his injuries in Vietnam. He is not homeless, but there were times in his youth that he was a hair away. Many have lost their jobs and can't find one, losing their homes and being dumped like trash on the street.

I don't mean to rant, but ever since I was a little girl, since I first realized that some people had nowhere to call home, this has been a cause of mine. It breaks my heart. And I can't believe, that in this country, we still have even one homeless person. :ohdear:

[Guest]

Well we completely differ in this. I count my blessings everyday. Yes, my husband and I worked hard all of our lives. We are very secure. But, I don't think that gives me the right to turn a blind eye to another human being in need. Maybe, instead of patting yourself on the back, you should put your hands together in prayer. I won't get into religion, but it is my unwavering belief that I have been blessed with the health, opportunities and good upbringing to be in the position I am today... with the grace of God.

I'm happy your son has found his way and I'm sorry for your brother. Please believe that. I have a cousin much like your brother, so I know, no matter how much someone tries, sometimes, it's just not enough. Again, that is why I, personally, count my blessings. Many turns in the road are quick and unexpected. Some cannot handle them, and some have no one on this planet that cares enough to help them. I would never presume to lump all homeless people into a group of alcoholics and drug addicts. It's just not true. Many are war veterans that deserved better. My own Godfather is still dealing with the aftermath of his injuries in Vietnam. He is not homeless, but there were times in his youth that he was a hair away. Many have lost their jobs and can't find one, losing their homes and being dumped like trash on the street.

I don't mean to rant, but ever since I was a little girl, since I first realized that some people had nowhere to call home, this has been a cause of mine. It breaks my heart. And I can't believe, that in this country, we still have even one homeless person. :ohdear:

OK I agree to disagree. You open up YOUR house and YOUR wallet, because you believe so strongly about you feelings and you stay out of MY wallet because of MY beliefs. But, that's never the way with liberals. They want to pick everyone's pocket to fund THEIR beliefs. I'll CHOOSE who and what I want to support.

[Guest]

I am with gnu on this one. Chelsea, that is the whole point of the story, IMHO. Let’s say that you and I agree that we are blessed and feel the need to help out those less fortunate. What we disagree on is how to do it. You want to forcibly appropriate money from the citizenry through taxation and redistribute it to the needy. I have a very real problem with that. I want to voluntarily give money to agencies that would help the poor. This does not even consider the efficacy of the cost of the redistribution vs. the cost of private philanthropy. When the government gets involved, it gets real expensive.
I respect and understand your position, I just cannot share it.

[Guest]

I'll chime in with my personal experiences in the Boston area from the 1980s when "compassion fatigue" started to set in.

I lived (as I still do) in New Hampshire and commuted (as I no longer do) to Boston for work. I saw (and dodged) the homeless every day. The majority of them, but by no means all, fell into the following categories.

- Drunks
- Drug addicts
- Mentally imparied

Let me talk about the last item there for a bit. The mentally impaired. These are the people I saw barely existing on the street. Defecating in the subway - on the stairs at Kenmore station to be precise. Trying to smoke on a subway train. Screaming at demons only they could see.

This was a big issue amongst homeless advocated in the Boston area. They kept screaming about how the cuts from the Reagan administration had put these people out on the street.

Except that they were lying.

The state hospitals were closed by governor Michael Dukakis years before Reagan was elected President. But it was so convenient to blame Reagan (instead of the guy who was still in office who'd closed the hospitals in the first place) that they just kept singing that song.

Giving them the benefit of the doubt, maybe they were misinformed.

There really weren't all that many (as a percentage of the whole) homeless who were "down on their luck. I grant you, those are the ones I want to help out. Those are the ones that I've brought food to in the past.

They started a program in Boston where you could buy these orange coupons which could be redeemed for meals at dozens of places around the city. they thought it was a great way for people to give handouts and know that their money was going for something good, as opposed to booze and cigarettes.

It was loudly played up in the local news - great fanfare when it started. But the program didn't last. I forget how long it last but it didn't even make it a couple of years. The street people didn't want the coupons. They, by and large, wanted cash. Personally I think that the people who were truly in a bad situation out of their control were too ashamed to take that kind of help. We'd see ads on TV about a mother and two kids living in a station wagon - but it turned out there just weren't that many of them in Boston.

The real tragedy, as I saw it, were the homeless vets. at the time, it was inconceivable to me that there could be such a thing. after all, the service trained you, gave you a trade (or so the ads said) and you had skill along with lifelong benefits. That's when the stories of returning vets with mental problems crept out. It's sinful that we put these people in that position - who signed up to possibly give their life for their country - and this is what they got...

Again, the questions have far more complex answers than we would like....