Given this agreement that class exists in America, what should be the middle and upper classes' response to the lowest class? In other words: what should middle and upper classes do about the poor in America? Should the middle and upper classes do anything at all for the poor? Does the poor need anything done for them?
In thinking about your response, consider Norway. There, class differences are actively lessened by the state. There is much greater economic equality among its population than compared to people living in the USA.
The folketrygden (people's security) law grants everyone disability, old-age and survivors' benefits, rehabilitation assistance and unemployment payments. Other measures provide free hospitalization, surgery and medicines. Youngsters through the ninth grade receive dental care at their schools at no cost. Every worker is guaranteed at least four weeks of paid vacation
The Norwegian state pays for this through "steeply progressive" taxation.
In 1978, for instance, business earnings were
heavily taxed: 30% by the national government and 20% by municipalities. Explains Erlandsen: "The highest cost my firm has is its tax cost. To reduce our tax burden, we share profits with our employees or reinvest them somehow." One of the most common means of sharing is to give employees valuable but tax-exempt "perks," such as trips to mountain resorts and the use of company-owned cars and houses.
Even the most marginal and stigmatized members of Norway's society are supported by the state. For example:
Just around the corner from Norway’s central bank, for instance, Paul Bruum takes a needle full of amphetamines and jabs it into his muscular arm. His scabs and sores betray many years as a heroin addict. He says that the $1,500 he gets from the government each month is enough to keep him well-fed and supplied with drugs.
Mr. Bruum, 32, says he has never had a job, and he admits he is no position to find one. “I don’t blame anyone,” he said. “The Norwegian government has provided for me the best they can.”
What is the proper response of the middle and upper classes to the poor and marginal members of American society? Should incomes be taxed more progressively so that money is more evenly distributed among members of the American population? Or maybe taxes should be deceased and social programs cut back for the poorer members of American society? Or is there something else?
What do you think?
I believe it is the responsibility of the poor in America to rise above poverty and make a living, though this may be more difficult in some cases than others. Call me ignorant, but any idiot can flip a burger.
ReplyDeleteMiddle and Upper Class citizens do need to respond the those less fortunate and those falling by the way side. This does not mean that they should support their every whim and need. The poor and marginal members of America, are their through either their own means or by bad circumstances. The responsibility of those of the middle and upper class, is to give them opportunities to pull themselves out of the gutters, and labor to be more than someone on the streets. If you give them everything though, they will not learn the lesson that they need to know. That is that they must learn to fend for themselves. We are all individuals, and after a certain amount of years, we are all responsible for our well being. Our mothers have sent us on our ways, and we are no longer children. I believe that if someone is unable to fend for themselves, we should care for them, but for those that can, and do not, for whatever reason, we may help them, but it is ultimately their responsibility to rise above.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, it depends on the circumstances. It's hard to say yes, the middle and upper class need to lend a hand and help but it is also hard for me to say no. In some cases, the people in the lower class got there by poor choices that may just be repeated if given money. (Like a person with a drug addiction that will use the money on drugs instead of food/shelter.) But, I believe some people truly do need help. In the current economic state, a lot of people have lost everything and are seriously trying to get back on their feet financially and may need some financial help doing it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I believe it is harder to find jobs. If someone doesn't have a reliable home/ transportation/great clothes because they're lower class, an employer will most likely not hire them if there are people from the middle/upper class applying also.
Being a member of the middle class I really dont think that the middle class should help the poor. I mean my family donates to a few organizations per year to help those in need but to give on a continual basis is unproductive in my opinion. The reason that Americans are so lazy is because of programs like welfare and such. They are given money for nothing. My family didnt come from money, my parents were poor. However they never accepted a penny, they worked hard for what they have today, they earned it. I think people should get off there asses and provide for their own families if they chose to have them. Its a choice, to either be lazy or to work and succeed. My family made the right choice and made a better life for me than they had. For those who are going threw tough times such as the victims of Hurricane Katrina i dont mind sending money to people who really need it.
ReplyDeleteJessica Dant
The way that the Norwegian government 'takes care' of the not so well-off people of their country, is exactly the way that I think would help out society. I've always said that the rich, aka the 'upper class', should pay more taxes than those not so rich. The money should be distributed evenly amongst the classes. I think cutting taxes and social programs for the poor wouldn't really solve anything. Yeah, cutting back taxes would help the poor in a way with giving them a bit more money, but the social programs are a huge necessity as well as more money in their pockets. I don't think it's fair to be able to take away those types of things instead of just increasing the wealth’s tax.
ReplyDeleteWell what Norway is doing is a little extreme, free dental, guaranteed paid vacations, taxes of 30%. A bit much, but to each their own. In any case, if the taxes are raised it's not going to benefit anyone at all because of the increased prices for goods and services. Now offering lower rates and more job-qualification tiers would help. There are people that don't WANT to have jobs, if they don't want a job, then they do not need the benefits. If they DO want a job, proven and endorsed by a law, then there would be less issues. Now having more job tiers would also help in this idea. See if there was a law to make people get jobs, however meaningless it is, it WILL be a source of income. Lower the taxes and the economy starts a balancing act. I've already thought about the possible lowering in service quality, but with adequate training that won't happen unless the individual is at fault. In which case said individual would be fired and sent back to entry level. The individual can now be punished if he or she is not hired within an acceptable time period. This would exclude anyone retired of course. Naturally there would be a loophole in this system and it would take something about as drastic as anarchy rising in order to implement. But it is doable.
ReplyDeleteSo far there is something done to the poorer population, but it could be better without rising to any extremes such as what Norway has implemented.
I believe that the government should do its part in helping the poor, but responsibility should not fall into the hands of individuals in the middle and upper classes. Yes, I think that some of the taxes should go towards helping those in the lower class, but it is not individual responsibility.
ReplyDeleteThe welfare system design in the United States somewhat works, but think of families who've been on welfare for decades without getting anywhere further in life. I believe that the welfare system is a good temporary service to helping those in need, but to actually help the poor actually better themselves, something else needs to occur.
I believe that the government should help the lower class receive higher education, possibly through free higher education. American society does not allow those without higher education to achieve success as much as those with it, and with the cost of receiving a college education it's difficult for those coming from lower income to receive a college degree. I believe (but am not positive) that one of Obama's promises was free community college. This is a prime example of how government could help those seeking higher education.
As far as individuals helping the poor, I feel that if an individual wants to help, they should do more than simply donate to the Salvation Army bellringers once a year. I do not feel that giving to charity causes helps the poor as much as we would like to think, rather I feel that someone who wishes to personally help those less fortunate than they are should actually get out and do hands on work. This hands on work could include helping out at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter, doing afterschool work with less fortunate children, or even volunteering at a Catholic charities organization. The feeling of satisfaction is much greater when actually getting one's hands dirty working to help rather than simply donating spare change to a charity organization.
I believe that if the poor wanted to, they could do something about their situation. No, it wouldn't be easy and yes, it would be a long and maybe even lengthy process but it would be a better and much more ideal situation than what they were placed in or put themselves in. Some might be born into poverty but it is up to that person to make a better life for themselves and not live like their parents or the past. It will definitely take work, but the possibilities are out there. I think anybody can make a bright future if the oppurtunity is wanted.
ReplyDeletethe upper and middle class should not have to pay for other people being lazy. i can understand if you are disabled but even a disabled man can be a greeter at wal-mart. i believe that wel-fare services would be great if they we're used responsibly. some people live on wel-fare until they die. people abuse wel-fare in this country and obviously in norway. i would be a pissed off tax payer if i lived in norway. If anything i believe the government should play more of a role in helping these citizens find jobs rather than giving them free money. Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free? that's exactly what most of the people on wel-fare are thinking. Of course, i've been raised not to be a free loader. More importantly than anyone else helping the poor, they need to start helping themselves. you can't help someone who doesn't want to help themself and if you do they will keep expecting the same hand out.
ReplyDeleteI believe that everyone has a opportunity of making themselves better and this is by working hard to achieve and be able to provide for yourself and be more independent and less dependable on people e.g Family and friends. Although the Upper class and Middle class and be making some contributions and helping the needy and not only when disaster strikes! Even though the help is much appreciated. I believe the poor should be helped.
ReplyDeleteIn the case of Norway that the Governments own Duty to do what they are doing and this does not relate in our society. I believe that the poor should be Helped, but they also have to learn to fend for themselves unless they have circumstances that do not allow you to work.To the achieve the life you want for yourself is not going to be easy getting it but determination and willingness can always get you there. and also "NEVER GIVE UP"
I do believe that the poor in America should work and try to support themselves but there are times that they are unable. They sometimes need help to overcome the hardships they face. Sometimes in the lower class education is an issue becuase they cannot afford the college education that some can. In many instances college can be achieved because there are many grants and loans that can help people get an education. I believe that the upper classes should in some instances help the ones below them for the simple fact that they had to start somewhere and im sure in many cases someone had to help them rise above some challenge they faced.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, it's every person's obligation as a human being to help those that are less fortunate than them. I'm sure a lot of poor people in the world are in their situation through some fault of their own, and could easily rise out of the low-income status, but that stigma doesn't apply to every poor person. So, I agree that to a certain extent the poor should try to support themselves, but those that are unable to accomplish this deserve a helping hand, and why shouldn't that be provided by middle to upper class citizens? If you're fortunate enough to have wealth and prestige, than it seems like spreading your wealth around to the truly needy is the right thing to do.
ReplyDeleteErin Shaw
It's not always the most ideal concept, but I feel that the lower classes could work to move up in our world of competition. The government can only do so much to aid those that do not have the finest luxuries. Being supplied free health care would be nice, but do we really learn to appreciate what we have and learn to utilize it properly? Also, as tax cuts always seem to be nice and prove beneficial,funding for other programs and social outlets may be lost as a result. I believe that we should learn to work for what we desire instead of constantly relying on weekly or monthly checks to get us by. In the case of Mr. Brumm, he could easily have used his $1,500 dollar checks to check into a rehab program to help himself for once. This is a just example that shows that if we live off of free handouts, where will we be as a society? Will we be willing to help ourselves? Anything is possible for those who dream and any dream can become a reality for those that wish to rise up and overcome in this society.
ReplyDeleteJosh Oster
This is a hard subject for me to think about because I do not, in any way, shape, or form, believe that we should have the Welfare Program. There are so many people that take advantage of this program and abuse it! However, if middle and upper class people work for their money, then I don't think we should decrease their incomes either. I do think that professional athletes are overpaid and that their incomes should but cut, MAJORLY! Therefore, I think that the government should cut some programs that are being overused and abused and also cut famous peoples salary as well. It is getting ridicilous of the money they spend, when it could be used for useful things.
ReplyDeletePersonally I feel that everyone does deserve a helping hand when things get tough. But at the same time I feel like people need to pull themselves up from their bootstraps and move on with their lives. It's not right when your on Welfare for years and you don't have a physical handicap or your elderly. I know many people who are on welfare and they are just abusing the system and it makes me sick that my tax dollars are going to their verizon cable bill or some other not needed necessity. I don't even have cable because I can't afford it and work five to six days a week. There is something wrong with this whole set up when someone that works less than I do,are perfectly able to work and have an education that is about the same as mine. Why can't these types of people work? It doesn't make any sense to me why I should be busting my butt everyday at work and then go to school full time and have to get taxed more while someone else just sits back and relaxes. I would love to just be able to ride it out and have someone else pay my way for everything and not have to think ever. Who wouldn't love that life? I can understand that the poor need help and I have no probblem helping those people. I've gone to multiple homeless shelters, worked at soup kitchens and donated money to organizations that help the poor. So I am trying to say is that yes I do feel that people deserve a helping hand but I don't feel like the system should be abused as it is now. There needs to be more regulation, more ways to get these people off the streets and more responsiblity for the people receiving welfare.
ReplyDeleteChristina Haag
I believe in what the Norwegians are doing. Like Ernest said in The Iron Heel, a society that has surplus and people in extreme poverty is mismanaged. In Norway, no one lives in extreme poverty: even a man without a job can support himself. Yes, high taxes are a price to pay, and some people (like the heroin addict) will take advantage of the system. It is impossible to find a system that doesn't have flaws. I think those issues are lesser than the problems connected with poverty and homelessness in other countries.
ReplyDeleteLaura Baker
I don't think that the wealthy should be forced to give to the poor. It should be a personal choice. People as a whole will never truly be treated equally no matter how much people try to make it so. Therefore if someone cares enough to do what's right then they should, they just shouldn't be forced. As for the situation in Norway, there's negatives and positives. On a positive note it's nice that everything is provided for you and it seems like you would have much less to worry about in life. However many people would take advantage of this system, which most consider wrong. Though I myself don't blame people because i'd probably take advantage of it as well.
ReplyDeleteI have pondered this situation, and I have to admit I do believe the upper classes should lend a hand to the poor in our country. Although some people take complete advantage of the welfare system, there are those out there who really deserve to have help.Some people just lose their income all the sudden due to no fault of their own and are struggling just to put food on the table. Many of the poor do try to seek employment, but with our economy in the terrible shape that it's in, they are unable to find work. These people do need a "hand up," not a "hand out." There is a huge difference in these terms. The Americans who are living on welfare and not trying to improve themselves are just making it hard on the folks who actually need the service by being lazy and unappreciative.This gives everyone in that situation a bad name. I do not feel the government needs to give these people money for drugs or alcohol, but certainly issuing foodstamps to those who need them is necessary. In this country no one should go hungry. I believe we were put on this earth to encourage and help one another, no matter what our social status. This is how I choose to live. It may be difficult to determine who needs the assistance and who prefers to play the system, but I really feel that is what needs to occur. Laura Remsburg
ReplyDeleteThe subject of helping other classes is a very controversial topic. Not only are there a million different opinions on the subject, but there are also even more different circumstances. It is not right to just answer simply yes or no. Although in my opinion, most cases minus the exceptions, minimal help should be given to the lower class without their certain circumstances or past being taken into consideration. In american the lower classes are not ignored, they just are not offered the same extreme advantages like other countries such as norway. This freedom and “security” comes at a huge price. Unrealistic government tax increases are supporting Mr. Bruum’s heroine addiction for example. In no way is this right, he has no incentive to go get a job which is possible, because why should he the government provides him a life to be a comfortable broke drug dealer. If this type of extreme aide is provided for lower classes in America, who is to say it is right? Public Health care is an example which american has recently passed into congress, it provides health care for basically everyone at the expense of tax payers. I’m not saying it isn’t right, but there are plenty of opportunities in our country to better yourself, and your financial standings. The road to this is hard but it is possible.
ReplyDeleteThe lower class has difficulties finding jobs, and therefore do not have as much money. Whose fault is it? Well, it could be the peoples' faults because of bad choices, but it could have just happened due to bad and unfortunate circumstances. I think to fix this problem the government needs to help these poor people find jobs. Putting higher taxes on people who make more money isn't fair because they could have worked very hard to get to where they are; to take away there money gives them a lot less motivation to work that hard. I mean whats the point, right? On the other hand, we can't just sit around and let the poor suffer. If they are left out of the picture they can also get that mindset that they shouldn;t even try because it won't get them anywhere. I believe that helping them find good jobs would be the best bet to help them. This way, they get a chance to make their lives better without getting a handout. They are in a difficult situation, but they still need to work. It's only fair. Giving them oportunities instead of shutting them out would be a good way to let them into society and change their lives.
ReplyDeleteNorway's approach to classes is more on the extreme side. America should not have to do as they do. The poor should try and make a living to get out of the lower class. The government should aid them more with finding jobs, so the number of people in poverty is lowered a great deal. The upper class shouldn't have to help the poor. Sure there's members of the upper class who will and continue to give as much as they can, but it's not their responsibility to. The poor know what needs to be done to better themselves and they should take actions to do so.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think it is the individual responsibility of the upper and middle classes to take care of the lower class. It is unfair to force people who work for their money to help the people who do not work to support themselves. I understand that there are certain circumstances where people need financial help and I feel that the government can then step in, but only if they see that the person who needs the help is working towards making their own money. If there is too much government interference when it comes to the poor many people become dependent on the government’s help. It makes me sick to see people busting their butts and working hard just to make ends meet and then turn around and see wasted tax money go to someone who sits and does nothing all day but can put food on the table. I am all for helping the poor and needy but when things like welfare are abused day in and day out I am less likely to be in favor of it. I feel that more regulations and more surveillance on those who are on welfare would be beneficial because it would distinguish those who need the help from those who are too lazy to work.
ReplyDeleteIn reading the posts so far, I wonder how a shift from class to nationality matters.
ReplyDeleteIn Norway, regardless of the (good or bad) choices that people make and regardless of the (good or bad) circumstances that befall people, all Norwegiens are provided with a certain basic standard of living.
Do Americans have a responsibility to help fellow Americans, to provide all members of the American nation with a certain minimum standard of living?
Beacause of the classes we are born into, some people have more opportunities than others. America DOES help those of the lower classes by providing things such as public education, health care, and food stamps. These significantly help, but we could do a little more.
ReplyDeleteNorway is not something to necessarily strive for; they provide a bit too much for the lower class. Their system is flawed in the sense that it has no regulation over who gets a standard of living. This government based supply needs to be applied for. All that should be needed to apply is records of income and job applications. With the standard of living application people should be required to complete a drug test.
This application would just be making sure people who request the standard of living truely need it. It would prevent people from deliberately living off of other peoples' tax money, and also from spending it frivolously. The standard of living is intended to even the playing field and provide (more) equal opportunities. As a higher class than poverty, we need to make an effort to assist the lower class so they have the opportunity and the resources to create a better life for themselves.
I think the middle and upper class should view the poor as a fellow human being, which doesn’t often happen. I tend to frequently use the idea of imagining if the roles were switched. What if I was begging for money? Now, I’m not saying that every time someone sees a homeless person they should hand them a dollar, because there are people who would spend that dollar on drugs or alcohol or something of the like. I think the middle and upper class should support agencies who are trying to fix the problems with the poor. Interning at an agency who provides housing to those who are homeless and I have realized that some of these people DO want to succeed, but they can’t get a job without a home address.
ReplyDeletebeing a part of the middle class, I feel as if we shoudn't help out the poor. I live in baltimore county and I always see "poor" people stading on the corners asking for money aka drug money. if they want money go get a job at mcdonalds it's not that hard. we all have to make a living somehow. call me rude but, thats just my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI believe that we as American's need to take care of ourselves. We help other countries when we have people starving and dying everyday in our own backyards. The upper and middle classes do need to help the lower class, America thrives on the middle and lower classes. I do not believe that we need to raise taxes. Obviously if we have enough money to send overseas to help other countries with the tax rates we are paying now then we have the money to help the lower class wothout raising taxes. If the upper and middle classes do not help the lower class how will that effect us in times a trouble and war? If we were ever to have another World War,(knock on wood that we don't) what would we do without all of the able bodied men and women to fight? If our country isn't strong as a nation with strong people then we as a country are not strong. We look at other countries and see poverty and duress but thinking in terms of Norway, what do you think they see when looking at us? They would see the same thing we see when looking at Africa, or another starving nation. We are a weak nation right now. If everyone in the country had health care and dental care and food how much stronger do you think the USA would be? A LOT STRONGER!
ReplyDeleteI think that upper and middle class should help the poor to some extent. There are some people out there that really need our help they are really trying to make it. Then there are others who don't really even try they just expect everyone else to do things for them so they don't have to do anything at all. So we should help the people that are really trying and need our help.
ReplyDeleteWe all inherently should feel some kind of obligation to help out those that are less fortunate than us beyond the mechanisms that this country have already set up for us. We all pay taxes and those taxes are put towards funding public education and public programs that are geared towards the benefit of those living in poverty. I don't believe I am the only one who thinks these things are having much of a lasting affect. I speak ignorantly on the matter, mind you (I do not have much background info on public programs that benefit the poor), but I don't personally see a big rise in employment or changes in poverty in this country. In fact, with the state of the economy things are worsening. This does not mean, however, that I think we need to raise taxes on the upper or middle class (ESPECIALLY the middle class). I see parallels between the world of the Iron Heel and society as it stands today. The middle class takes on some of the greatest setbacks when the economy changes the way it does. I firmly believe raising taxes on this group of people would probably send more people below the poverty level instead of bringing more people above it.
ReplyDeleteAll of that being said... I don't have a better solution. Should we help out the less fortunate? Of course, I donate on a regular basis and I pay my taxes and I consider myself a good person. I also value hard work and the idea of Norway's heroin addict living off everyone elses dime makes me sick. Same goes for the people that apply for food stamps and welfare that have no intentions of seeking employment because they would lose the help of the government. Why should I have to pay for lazy people? Why should any of us have to pay for those people? Something has to change about the system because we produce leeches while some of us work our butts off and others starve without much chance of moving up in the world. We need to find the right balance... and we obviously have not found it yet. We can't all take the "Bishop Moorhouse" approach to charity... but I don't honestly know how much giving is enough.
are NOT having much of a lasting effect is what I meant to say in regards to public programs on the level of poverty in the country.
ReplyDeleteFor me I feel that this is a really tough decision to make. In some circumstances I truly believe that the poor should be helped but in other circumstances I feel that they should not be helped. There are poor people who are in that situation because of natural disasters or they lost their just and there are other people who are in that situation because of just plain bad decisions. I guess honestly I do feel that the poor should be helped but only to a certain extent because of that point. I do feel that the law that Norway has is a great law. I know that if my family was poor I would generously accept that and I feel that it would help us get on our feel. Although I feel that if the poor are given everything then what’s the point of working? If you know that you can get away with not working and being poor but you still get benefits and unemployment then why try? This is why I feel you should only be given that opportunity for a short amount of time. I feel that if this law was limited to one or two years, I feel that it would be just enough time for you to get a job and start getting your life back on track. When you realize that you are out of help you have no choice but to succeed or you will be back in the “hole” again. So in my opinion, I feel that the upper and middle class should help the poor but only for a short period of time.
ReplyDeleteJenna Benke
This is an extremely touchy and constantly brought up subject and it really is an issue that needs to be addressed. In my opinion, I do not believe that we need to help the "poor/lower" class. By help, I mean give them special treatment such as tax breaks or what not. Especially in cases where the person has made no effort what so ever to get a job or retain a steady, decent paying one. It is not anybodies concern nor is it anyone else's job to help them but their own. I'm not trying to be rude in any way but it is what i truly believe. However, I do believe that everyone should have access to equal rights when it comes to certain things such as health benefits regardless of their age, gender, nationality or class.
ReplyDeleteThe poor/lower classes can work on their own to support themselves. There is nothing wrong with hard work but for those who say "anyone can flip a burger." yeah, they can but getting paied minimum wage is not going ot support your life style. it won't pay all the bills, car payments and mortgage. If the taxes didn't attack and affet the lower classes more than it does the upper we wouldn't have such problems. If people who made six or more figures a year are taxed according to their income instead of on the scale it is now the government would still have its money, maybe more and the lower classes tax rates could be lowered. Everyone has bad moments in life as a united counrty we need to work together to make the best of it.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion the lower class could move up. America doesn't discourage them at all, we always talk about the american dream. So what makes you think that you cant do it. Although its a lot harder and more of a struggle for the lower class to become successful. I cant really judge them because i don't know everyones situation, but they can at least try to be something.
ReplyDeleteWhy should upper and middle classes lend a hand to the poor? It isn't every case where the wealthy have had their money handed to them. For those who work 40+ hours a week and are solely responsible for their wealth should not, in any way shape or form, be required/punished to help the poor. If they choose to give money it should be out of the goodness of their heart and not through taxes squeezing it out of their pocket. People we label as 'poor' are usually more than capable of getting a job "flipping a burger" or washing dishes at a restaurant. One doesn't have to have a college degree to do such things. That is why the poor does not need pity. We all help ourselves in this world, and to expect EVERYONE to give when they can, that is just asking too much, considering not even half of America would do so.
ReplyDeleteIn the same breath I can argue that not in every case are the poor poor because of their choosing. Maybe they don't look poor. Maybe they were in a horrible accident and are disabled from ever working again.. Then that is where the food stamps and Medicaid come in.. Whenever someone truly needs it, it's nice to know the government is there to help, but its being there to help has allowed A LOT of people in the US to take advantage of the system. It isn't cool to have 6 kids (no matter how popular nowadays) and now you can't afford to take care of even 2 or your 6 kids. Those are the people I feel should not receive help from the government or from the more wealthy--unless by their choosing.
As we all know-this is strictly my opinion, and though I did not make myself clear enough I will have to end on a short note since I could probably go on and on in justifying causes and various scenarios. . .
This question cannot be answered with a yes or no. The fact is there are some people out there that are poor because they are not trying hard enough and there are other people out there that are working their ass off and trying to get more money, but its just not working for them. I am fine with the fact that people who are considered "poor" get help from the government, because they should get some help. I am not alright with people taking money from the government and just sitting in an appartment somewhere eating PB&j waiting for their next check to come in.
ReplyDeleteI feel as though the government should look deeper into the cases of people living in poverty that get government help. I think some people really do need help if they are already in the lower class, but some people do not try as hard as others. I believe some people take advantage of the help that is offered when it's supposed to help their family; they go out and buy items they don't need with a food stamp card and I don't think they should be able to do that.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, i disagree with taxes being raised. This doesn’t only drag some middle class in to the low class but bring hatred upon government not giving citizens the opportunity to get vacations from their employment for example. Only due to an increase of taxes. People work hard to get their vacation, and they expect to get the most out of it. Increasing the tax just hurts the economy in my ways. All the government can do to help the poor is providing jobs. Low class people should know how to make wise decisions with what they get from the government. An example will be, instead of spending that money on drugs like Paul does, you could do something better with your life like gaining an education. Lets look at all the nations suffering in the world with poverty. None of them are even provided unemployment benefits like the U.S does to its citizen.
ReplyDeleteMost people have cravings to be rich but few don't have what it takes. Giving up on your life doesn't make you a better but a coward. The main reason people fear paying taxes or helping the unemployed is because they tend to waist their money on useless things. Few of them might use it for drug dealing resulting in being poorer than they were. If we want to live the American dream, we have to want the desire to be successful. Sitting in front of TV for days doesn't make your life better. It is just an insult you giving to your nation. It is also the government's responsibilities in seeing how the money offered to the low class is spent or we tax payers are simply paying taxes for no reason. Those using their unemployment money for bad decisions are just hurting the poor class by not simply not improving it states. America tries too pulling people out of poverty, but few succeed. We all need as a nation to step up and be someone different if we want to leave the American dream. We cannot keep being selfish for no reason. The only way I truly believe someone can get out of poverty will be getting an education. It is the only way to success plus without it’s concept you are nothing in this world. Middle and Upper class should also cooperate providing the funds to educate the low class. Especially that, few of them got homes or shelters.
I feel that the government should look more in depth with trying to help the poor, yes I must admit our government has provided the poor with a variety of choices, such as education, health care and food stamps; but I feel they can improve. As I'm from Northern Virginia, right outside of D.C. I can agree with the statement above about poor people on the side of the corner asking for money. I have given people money many times before, but I often question where it is going and wonder if it's the right thing to do.
ReplyDeletePersonally, from my opinion on the "American Dream" I feel that we will never achieve it as individuals. We may excel into what we hope for in our life, but in the end a majority of us, won't be happy. For example, after I graduate from Shepherd I plan on being a teacher (elementary), many people have told me that being a teacher can't offer you a lot and has no value. I've heard every excuse in the book as to why I should change my field. To me, teaching is something that I've always wanted to do, it's my passion and I find joy in it. I have accepted the fact that I won't be making a lot of money, but one thing I know is that at the end of the day I will be making a difference in my own life and my students. I'd rather do something I love, than do something that makes me miserable even if that means not reaching the "American Dream"
It seems that some people find it easy to say that poor people are poor because they are lazy, but that necessarily doesn't make it true. I suppose it may help with any feelings of guilt you may have while you succeed when you see people around you struggling and failing. Don't worry it's not your problem.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of people out there working their tails off for minimum wage. It doesn't matter if they work overtime or even have a second job. They are still barely able to pay rent and utilities hoping that if they can save up some money, then maybe they can afford even a vehicle to open their options up a bit. Sure foodstamps may put food on the table, but they can't buy diapers or even get you to the grocery store. If you haven't been poor, then you don't understand.
If the middle and upper classes are in a position where they can help I think it would be wonderful if they would. They don't have to buy drugs for the local junkies, but what about funding schools in low income areas for example?
Dulaney said...
ReplyDeleteBeing an united states citizen we all are in a way born into our classes. I am a part of the working class, but i feel that if the poor needed help i would assist them in any way i could. I may not be able to throw alot of cash there way but id help the best i could so yes i think that the upper class should have a heart and maybe assist the poor wether in the states or out of the states. We have all seen the pictures and poor in the united states is rich somewhere else so why not maybe lending a helping hand to fellow citizens or people in other countries
I think that the upper and middle classes shoud help the lower class by not outsourcing a great deal of the jobs to other countries. When they do this it makes it more difficult for the lower class to rise above poverty.
ReplyDeleteThis is another complicated topic. I believe that there should be help for the poor, but I also believe it should be conditional. There are many poor who are trying to help themselves working several jobs, attending night classes, doing the best they can and we should be helping them. On the other hand, there are others who abuse the welfare system, having children just to increase their government check, refusing to get a job because unemployment is good enough, and we should NOT have to support them. Many programs for the welfare are also unfair because it allows "the less fortunate" to achieve the same goals as a middle class person with less than half the effort. Take scholarships offered only to the poor of a certain race and requiring only 2.0 GPA to pay for 4 years of college. I understand providing oppurtunity but why can't they be required to achieve a 3.0 like general scholarships open to anyone? There should be a push to ensure that no one honestly trying is struggling to make ends meet. Then it should be based on each individuals abilities and effort. Taxation is going to be a part of it and that should be based on wealth by which I don't just mean how much someone makes but rather the standard of living they've attained (as the actual value of a paycheck depends on the cost of living). Other things that should be done include internalizing economics- move jobs in not out, tax products/goods that are imported higher to force companies to look inward, reorganzing welfare- dropping programs that cater to "free-loader" types, add programs that help to find jobs and give education to everyone especially the lower class. Leveling the playing field should increase oppurtunity, provide a conditional (you actually have to get off your ass and try) base line qualilty of life, and allow for competition such that the harder you work the more you get.
ReplyDeleteits a hard line to draw, to pick where the more well off should help and where they should not. As some of the other students have been saying, the poor in the United States are not necessarily limited. They have the same rights to an elementary through high school education, and often in the US many of the rich have worked to have the income they do, and have worked their way up in the business they are in. There is financial aid for those that cannot afford further schooling. There are many opportunities for them, but often they can make more money begging on the street. And to be honest I think its bullshit that the money I work hard to earn goes towards the people that choose to not do anything with their lives, because begging gets them more money.
ReplyDeleteThis is a difficult topic to talk about because there are so many different situations and conditions. It does not seem totally absurd to tax the upper class more and the lower class less. This will distribute the wealth some but not to the extent that the lower class is given all that they need. They will still have to work hard to make ends meet. I do not belive a government like Norway's is completely corrupt, considering their distribution of wealth, but people who do not work have a comfortable living. I feel that this would be detrimental for a country like the U.S. with a much lager population. Poor that deserve help should be able to recive it, not just anyone. It would be practically imposible, but to evaluate a poor individuals circumstance and provide help based on that analysis would be productive.
ReplyDeleteI think the lower class that continually ask for help and abuses the system shouldn't get help from the upper class because they won't work and just expect to be handed things. Now the other part of the lower class that does work and can keep a steady job but still can't support their families, I think that the upper and middle class should help them because they deserve it because they try.
ReplyDeleteThis is a hard topic for me to comment on. I think it is unfair to consider everyone in the "lower class" under the same circumstances. However, I do think it is okay for the upper classes to help out the poorer, less well-off people, but there is always a chance of people taking advantage of that help. Our government has provided United States citizens with a lot of options, some people just don't know how to use those options or some could even care less about helping themselves.
ReplyDeleteI think what the Norwegian government provides for its citizens is absolutely unbelievable, but they are heavily taxed. People in the United States are already complaining about taxes, so even if our government considered this way of life in the future, would the switch over even be possible? Do we want that much more government involvement?
I don't think that everything should be just handed to the poor, a lot of people abuse what they can get. But I think it's important to provide opportunities for them to rise up themselves. Of course, I'm not opposed to lending a helping hand. I think help should be provided for anyone who is willing to put forth the effort to work their way up in the world.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I want to say something about giving help mostly to people who try. The problem is, it becomes difficult to determine the difference between those who can't help themselves, and those who won't.
I do believe that you should work for what you have. But those people who can get welfare for everything is just not right if they can work. Like me as a mother of 2 and with just my husband working I went to apply for food stamps to help out my family while I was in school and they told me we make $6.00 to much. But if I had one more child I could get $400.00 a month. Like the government wants more children in the world. But there is the people who are rich or in the upper class and think they are so much better than the average workers. The way I look at that is they put their pants on one leg at a time just like me. The only difference is they have more money. Having more money is not always great. Because I think money can't buy happiness, frinds, or love or others.
ReplyDeleteI believe it is mainly the resposibility of the lower class to spport themselves, and change their status. Although i also feel that the middle and upper class should help out a little bit. Spread the wealth. Not to the extent of supporting a drug addict with enough to shoot up and eat, but enough to give them a jump start.
ReplyDeleteIt is not the responsibility of uppper and middle class to support the lower class. In many situations it is the choices that people make that put them in the lower class in the first place. Many people in the lower class are there because we support them. I have seen this first hand. Most of the people in the lower class had parents that were there and their parents were in the lowest class. Many learn real quick, "hey if I have a baby when I'm 14 the government will take care of me." Then they find out that they will get more money if they have more kids. Of course, many believe that these people only get food stamps, but the so called food stamps are given in the form of a credit card. They ask for cash back when buying food and go buy their beer and drugs. Then the child of the original 14 year old mother has a kid when their in middle school, and the cycle begins again. That is what is refered to as generational welfare. So really were not all that different from Norway afterall! By the way, broken programs like this is our number one cost in the US, not wars. So when you pay your taxes think about the person your buying beer and drugs for. It is not the responsibility of others to pay for another's laziness or mistakes.
ReplyDeleteI believe that social Darwinism should come in play. If we keep handing out to the poor with welfare and food stamps then they will never want to work. It weakens our society. If one part of society weakens then everyone has to work harder.
ReplyDelete--Sabina Nicewarner Section 03
I believe the Norwegian government has a good idea, but it almost sounds too good to be true. I don't know much about Norway, but I know a little bit about Canadian healthcare from Canadians themselves. I'm not sure just how similar these two countries are when it comes to healthcare, but I've heard Canadians themselves say that the free healthcare is truly awful. People have to wait months and months just for simple surgeries. Then again, it's free. But, I'd rather work hard for a living and get care from quality doctors than wait for free ones who may not do so great. I really don't think it is the job of the middle and upper classes to give to the poor. Of course, as some people have said already, there are some exceptions. I can understand helping out disaster-struck areas, people with disabilities, but a lot of the time they're getting help from the government. Of course, that help is not always very helpful or even on time. Then that would be an exception. But I really don't believe in giving money to poor people who are too lazy to get jobs, or to people who will use the money to buy things that will make their life even worse. I wouldn't mind buying some food for someone who is really in need, but then again, they may be one of those lazy people I talked about earlier. I still think that if they tried hard enough, they could be successful.
ReplyDeleteIn America there are so many opportunities to make money whether it be small or large amounts. The poor people ought to help themselves considering most of them i see begging for money are right next to a burger king or mc donald's which i find ironic. Also, with our rip off welfare and food stamps programs that people generously help themselves to, should help them out and keep themselves on their feet and get a job. The only people that should be helped are people that actually give effort into finding a job or living on their own two feet instead of mooching off of the government and peoples' paychecks that work for a living. Also, in Norway where they support people with drug habbits and spend the money given to them on drugs and they give them a place to sleep in beyond rediculous. If i were on the verge on being homeless i would work five jobs at fast food (which i previously worked fast food for four years so i understand )to help support myself than go on government programs. There is always a way to help yourself without taking the easy way out. A side note: i work at a grocery store and i have seen people buy junk food and party favors on food stamps and someone bought $300 worth of king crab!!!! Outrageous. If you want to see how disfunctional government programs are, work at a grocery store.
ReplyDeleteI think that is a very difficult question to answer. I think yourself always comes first no matter what, you can't belittle yourself just to make others happy. However if you have extra why shouldn't you use it to help others? As Americans we can never settle, we always need the best of best things, but if you can have that why shouldn't you? You have obviously earned it. But at the same time do you really need the best of the best when others are struggling? So, I have to say I have no idea what the right thing to do is.
ReplyDeleteEmily Van Gilder
I know that some people cannot rise above poverty level because of disabilities. We have to at some degree help those who can't help themselves. My sister, who has Down syndrome. Would not be able to live by herself. Ever. She gets money from a disability check fro mthe state and we buy her things she needs. Without the government and other help. She'd live with us for the rest of her life. So not everyone can control their own future.
ReplyDelete100.04
There are always questions about the government like what they can do for us and what they are doing for us. Sometimes i think Americans have forgotten to stop and ask themselves: what i can do for myself? It's true that there are people out there that are more in need than others. However, There are people who don't really need it and yet those people get more benefits than the ones who really needed them. I work at one of the major grocery store and I see this everyday at work. Like one of the blogger above I have witnessed people with food stamps bought king crab. I have also seen people using their food stamps to buy CIGARETTES. Yes, cigarettes...apparently food stamps have a food part and a cash part. Food part is strickly for grocery (Ah-hem not king crabs). The cash part can pay for anything and available for cash back. I wonder sometimes if I am paying taxes to feed peoples' addictions. I acknowledge some people in the program are not like that but I have to agree with many of the bloggers that the middle and upper class should help but it is individual's resposibility to rise above and better themselves. I think so far our governmental programs are fine and there are many other organizations out there to help the poor. There's non-profit organizations, church organizations, Children Miracle Network, government run clinics, food stamps, the WIC program, workers compensation, salvation army, clothing vouchers...the list goes on.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, having the upper and middle class help the poor really depends on the situation. There are some people that do not bother to get jobs or try to better themselves when they know that the state/government or someone will provide them with the means of getting food and a place to stay. Those are the people who I feel do not deserved to get help from the upper or middle class, or even the government. I feel that those people that actually try and better themselves and their their families deserve to get help so that they can progress and get themselves back on track.I can also think that the government and the upper and lower class citizens should help those people with disabilities and those that have been involved in disasters and have lost everything. When it comes to taxes I think that everyone should get taxes the same. It doess't really seem fair to tax the upper class more then the lower classes just because they earn more money. Also, I don't believe that the social programs should be cut back. Those programs are very important to have for those of the lower classes.
ReplyDeleteKristen Geppert PSCI 100.03
There will always be people who abuse the system as proven in Norway. Programs are already set up to give money to those who are disabled. Some of those people are perfectly capable of working and just choose not to. They do not have to work because of their income for being "disabled", but this is similar to the guy in Norway. There will always be people who refuse to work simply because the government supplies them with their income regardless. There are also hard working Americans who struggle to make a living. There are big flaws with the current system, but I dont see the system in Norway as perfect either. The government should give some money to the poor, but they should be required to have a job or atleast currently searching for a job in order to receive money. It would be almost impossible to find the perfect way to do this though. There will always be people trying to find holes in the system and take advantage of it. The hard working poor people in this nation do deserve to be rewarded for working many hours for minimum wage (or less) just to put food on the table for their own family. Why would it be so hard for a multi-millionaire to give up a few extra thousand dollars in taxes to benifit families who are going hungry?
ReplyDeleteI feel that the upper and middle class should help the lower class if they honestly need it. most of the middle class work hard for there money and when they see someone mooching off the system it ticks them off. Yes i agree that some people cant get a job because of a disability or something like that but many people who are on wellfare can get a job they just choose not to and i do not think that is right at all. the moeny they are mooching should go to someone who actually needs it instead of people who dont.
ReplyDeleteI think that the upper and middle class should help the poor if they need it. Do I think they should be taxed higher than others? Maybe the upper class should get a bit of a higher tax. Though, I'm kind of on the fence about it. While I think it's unfair to tax a group of people more than others, they can afford it. Sometimes the middle class are barely hanging onto their middle class status. I also agree that some people can't get jobs because of a disablility. But, there are some people using welfare because they don't want to work. I don't believe that welfare and other programs should be cut, maybe monitored more so that people abusing them can no longer take the money away from those who need it. I think that those programs are too important for the people that need them to be taken away.
ReplyDeleteUpper classes in America should do some aiding to lower class. There are little things upper classes can do that help out the lower class such as can food drives, donating clothes, and offer any other supplies that can be useful. Sometimes I think our government will get wrapped up in worldwide issues rather than dealing with the issues we have here in the states. We have homeless people here, we have starving children but sometimes we go overseas where “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours”.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the middle and upper classes should help the poor, but not as much as some may think. The middle and upper classes should just be used as a walking stick for the lower class to get up to the top. I believe that anyone from the lower class could get a job if they wanted, with the exception with those with a disability. If they wanted to go back to school I think that they could be given some money to help, but they would need to work to pay of a lot of the schooling. As for taxing I don't think much should change, but the upper class could be taxed some more. I think the welfare and other programs are great, but I think that those who receive the aid should volunteer if they can't find a job to show they deserve it.
ReplyDeleteWe give Billions in aid money. We give money through are pay checks. We give donation money. Are taxes go to programs to help with poverty. Theirs only so much you can do. Not everyone can get help its a fact of life. We as US citizens give a lot more than anyone gives credit. However, poverty is always goon to be around. The rule is if someone is successful, someone else is not. You can try your best to help, but you cant save everyone.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to the lower class, I don't think that the upper classes should be heavily taxed just so that the lower classes can have an annual income from the government. This is not fair to the upper classes because many of the people in those classes have worked extra hard to get where they are right now. I do believe that the upper classes should be taxed more than the lower class depending on their annual income. They have a lot more money to spare. I also believe that their should be more scholarship and loan opportunities for the lower class when it comes to paying for college. This will give an opportunity for some hard working lower class youngsters to climb to some of the higher classes in the United States.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteShould the upper and middle classes do something about the poor? I don't really know where I stand on this actually. In my mind, I've tried comparing "giving to the poor" to donating to charities. When people give money to cancer research organizations, they don't know how that money is going to be used. It might be used towards buying materials, paying accountants, or "finding a cure" that ends up not actually being a cure. Nonetheless, when we make a financial donation, we generally feel good about it.
ReplyDeleteIn my experience, donating time is far more satisfying than donating money. For example, instead of giving money towards Obama's campaign, I volunteered at his inauguration. So instead of blindly giving my money out and having no idea where it will go, I gave my time and know that I made a direct impact.
I think the same concept can be applied to helping the "poor". Give them a sandwich or a winter coat. I've seen people give homeless people in DC food before and then have it chucked at the back of their head, but I still think they did the right thing. The person throwing the food is in a state of mind where they think money is going to solve all of their problems when it really won't. Telling a heroin addict where to find free counseling is better than giving them money to score another hit, or at least that's how it is in my mind.
Kyra Wood (Section 03)
I do not know what it is like to be poor, I may know what it is like to do without some material goods, like the latest iPhone, or a state-of-the-art laptop, or something like that, but I have never been without food or shelter or any other necessities and for that I am thankful. But my parents have also worked very hard to provide all these necessities for my brothers and me. I know under some circumstances people may not be able to work and earn a living for their family and for that reason I think the government should provide financial assistance to them, but I think the government needs a better screening process to make sure these people are truly unable to support themselves. I do not mind helping out the poor but I would like to know that they are doing everything they can to help themselves first.
ReplyDeleteCatherine Pevahouse 100.03
I do believe in our taxation system, and agree that the upper-class should be taxed slightly greater than the lower class. I disagree, however, with the thought of someone else's earned dollars being basically handed over to someone less fortunate than them, but unwilling to take a step out and work. Coming from an area where there was a fair share of all three of the social classes, nothing upset me more than seeing the kid, whose mother is being supported by the government, wearing the most expensive shirt on the market. I do believe everyone deserves the best, but the thought of my mother having potentially "bought" that shirt for him just gets me going.
ReplyDeleteI believe that government and state help should be a crutch to get families back on their feet, but never the two legs they stand on. Our government has made it too easy for the lower class to reap in more benefits, and that is where it becomes unfair for the upper and middle classes.
I agree with Tim when he states that the government should have more OPPURTUNITIES for the lower class citiznes to 'move up', but I don't think it should just be handed to them.
M.Lewis - Section 05
I believe that there is need to give charity to people that have fallen on hard times but it is very obvious that many who use government programs stay on them because it is easier that getting a job. Why work when the tax payers will pay you to live, a very liberal agenda.
ReplyDeleteWe need to stop increasing the taxes on upper and middle class. No one ever got a job from a poor person. Government is encreasing its spending greater than any other administration of the past. It needs to be regulated and lower the taxes on business and the missle class.
It is proven over and over again that if you give someone an inch they eventually will take a mile. Not all but many. We need to increase jobs by lower taxes and regulating government spending. More money in our pockets will be more spending and a rising economy. History has proven it time and time again.
I think that the wealthy and working class should retain all the assets they obtain through their hard work. Income taxes should with out a doubt, be based on income, but I don't agree with progressively taxing the working and capital classes to take away their money that they earned. Whether it's unfair or not, you get out of life what you put into it.
ReplyDeleteA perfect example is how Mr. Bruum lives his life not working, and not contributing to society. But without fail, the Norwegian government makes sure he is well fed and can supply himself with drugs. In America, liberal politicians are pushing for tax cuts for the poor and higher tax rates for the wealthy. Working class citizens are losing their hard earned money to help support life-styles such as the one Mr. Bruum leads.
I believe the proper response of the middle and upper classes to the poor and marginal members of American society are to keep tax rates proportional to the income of the family.
I think this is a very difficult topic to talk about because, everyone seems to think that the extreme choices are the answers; one extreme for example being the government like the Norwegian one, where everyone gets an income, and the middle and upper classes are taxed heavily to support that. I feel like this might not be the answer, on one hand, the middle class that is being taxed to pay for the poorer people, just might have worked very hard for their money, or in other words, are people in the poor class who have worked up the middle class, and therefore don’t want to give their hard-earned money out as freebies to people who haven’t truly worked hard a day in their life. Now that seems kind of harsh to say, and of course there are exceptions, such as the disabled and elderly. But those who truly could work hard need to take an initiative to be more motivated. Procrastination or just plain laziness seems to be the theme in our society today, and that is a major problem that needs to be changed many Americans lives today.
ReplyDeleteThe response to the poor and marginal members of society in America is very respectful. People that are richer respect the poorer people for doing the jobs that the rich find beneath them. Even though the richer find these jobs unappealing, they still feel respect for the lower classes that work hard and do jobs that are necessary for society. I believe that income taxes should not be progressive because in America most people work hard for their riches and everyone has an equal opportunity to prosper. I believe taxes should not be decreased because it helps out the poorer and less fortunate people in America and the rich who have an abundance of money should feel like it is their job to help out the poorer people. I believe that America should stop spending unnecessary money on the war and bankrupt companies that only profit off of America and do not try to make America a better place for everyone.
ReplyDeleteI think this can be a really sour subject for a lot of people. Personally I don't believe that taxes should be raised to help out the poorer people. I'm a strong believer in the equal opportunity here in this country. I know there are some extreme incidents where people are really just unable to get jobs. It is tough now-a-days because to earn the money you have to spend it. To get the good jobs you have to have a college degree simple as that. There are still a lot of jobs though that you just need a high school diploma for. A lot of the poorer people have chosen a poorer lifestyle. There is nothing wrong with that. There are other people that just can't get themselves out of the hole they are in and it's sad. I don't believe though that they don't have the opportunity to make life better for themselves. It may be tough now but if people really wanted to make life better for themselves they'd find a way. The upper class has to work in some shape or form to have what they have. They should not be punished for being accomplished. This country would be a lot better off if we made more job opportunities and got those people working instead of handing them money.
ReplyDeleteSamanthia McQuade 100.03
I don't think that the upper or middle classes have any obligation to step up and help the poor. This is a country where anyone can make a solid living. You just have to posses a strong work ethic. People are poor for a reason. Either they had too many kids that they can't support, or they piss all their money away through drugs and alcohol. I guess that is kind of harsh to say, but it's true. If you go out everyday, and work you ass off, it doesn't matter if you never went to college. You may not get rich, but you will make enough money to live comfortably, and support a family.
ReplyDeleteAs for the way Norway handles their business. That sounds like a great way to do things on paper, but a system like that would never work in the United States. Our population is way to big to control that kind of economy, and generally people are either greedy or lazy. The ones that work hard wont want to share their money, and the people that don't do any work will just kick back and take their check for not doing anything.
My last post was deleted unfortunately, It essentially said that the Rich are not Responsible for the poor the poor are responsible for themselves. Just because someone has the ability or power to do something (money) the do not have to go out and do something.
ReplyDelete