Why am I talking about Welfare Recipients?

I rarely speak up on matters of politics, the state of the economy, or the stereotypes of welfare recipients. It’s not that I don’t care about the issues – it’s that I don’t care enough to argue about them.

I made an exception today – when a conversation on a post in Facebook caught my eye. One of my friends who is usually completely zenful posted a series of what I perceived to be defensive comments and the rarity of the incident drew me in.[divider]

Backstory: He originally shared a wonderful quote on HIS wall, which sparked a chaotic frenzy of heated exchanges:

I have the audacity to believe that people everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for the minds and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits. – Martin Luther King, Jr.”

Stereotyping Welfare Recipients

Knowing Mr. Zen, he shared this quote because he holds a big vision for a different kind of world for everyone.

Which is NOT how some of his friends view the situation. All of a sudden the discussion jumped to the idiotic lazy freeloaders in our country and how unfair it is for half the population to work so the other half can have a free pass. One guy ranted about the sixth generation welfare recipients who are the scourge of the country.

Defending Welfare Recipients

Perhaps it was the current cosmic alignment, or maybe even PMS, but I felt fiesty enough to respond:

“If we do have six generation welfare recipients, perhaps we ought to look at our system instead of kicking those who are down. It’s much easier to point fingers and berate others… calling them Freeloaders – but, consider this – the welfare system isn’t set up to help rehabilitate them. The next generation grows up believing they won’t go to college, make decent money, or get out of poverty. They learn to accept it as the way life is… they aren’t even aware that you go to work and a portion of your taxes begrudgingly benefit them.

How did you develop your opinion on welfare recipients? Experience? Facts? Hearsay?

If the program were re-vamped to assist them on their way to a better life – maybe even stagger the benefits as they start to become self-sufficient, we might see measurable progress. Yet, once they make even a dollar over the poverty limit, they are cut off cold turkey. What is their motivation at that point? If they stick to a low paying job, if they are employed at all, they will receive benefits from the state. The jobs they are qualified for, overwhelmingly do not provide benefits.

The quote on the OP, I believe, addresses the fact that everyone should have the right to food, education, and a certain quality of life. This dream of his – it is so far out of reach for the segment of the population you are picking on… but can you imagine how many of them might embrace the opportunity to improve their lifestyle if given the chance? That’s worth working toward…

Sir, it seems that you are seeking a fight… go ahead and defend your position… but, we’re all really on the same page. How we get there is debatable, apparently. Because so many are involved with creating the program, with differing viewpoints (as evidenced in this thread), the program is NOT without weakness and error. I am pointing out the system may INTEND to rehabilitate, but is failing at this juncture.

Yes, many will flourish as those you’ve mentioned – consider it a hand up. But, I was referring to your comment about the six generations and helping you to understand them so you may have some compassion.”[divider_top]

Refusing to Fight for the Sake of Arguing

This FB guy did not want to meet on any common ground – he just wanted to be perpetuate his perspective of hate and judgment. He flat out challenged Mr. Zen to a fight – and I was proud of Mr. Zen for stepping up to accept, saying:

I would fight for the right for every human being to have fair portions of food, shelter, safety, dignity, and education.”

I realize everyone is entitled to their own opinions, their own experience – to make their own choices. For me, I choose to surround myself with those who can envision a world like MLK, Jr. and Mr. Zen.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on empathy and compassion for those on welfare recipients.

With mucho a latte of love and respect,

Your Transformation Tour Guide Understanding welfare recipients. 

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