A new poll finds most U.S. adults think personal choices are a major driver of poverty and homelessness, while fewer blame a lack of government support.
I know the bootstrap people. I’ve been around them my whole life. What you’re saying wouldn’t even register with them.
Domestic abuse? You should have made a better choice in partner or chosen to leave sooner.
LBGTQ? Well, honestly, there are a lot of people who believe that’s a choice in and of itself, but even more believe that kids can/should just keep it to themselves and “act normal” while under their parents’ roof.
Military vets? They believe that the military trains you for civilian jobs and gives you lots of additional opportunities, including putting you ahead of others when it comes to employment, so if you chose to be lazy afterwards or chose to become a drug user, that’s your choice.
Mental illness? They honestly believe in the “cheer up” mentality, i.e. if you’re depressed just cheer up. So, that’s all a choice as well. If you’re an addict, just stop using drugs. If you’re schizophrenic, just take the medicines you’re supposed to. Etc.
Elderly? Why didn’t they save when they were younger? Why don’t they go get a job as a Walmart greeter? Why live some place so expensive? Literally, those are the types of questions you’ll get, but I will say honestly, this is the group that tends to get the most sympathy from the personal responsibility crowd.
Of course, you and I know these issues don’t boil down to a simple choice, but what I’m pointing out is that others don’t see it that way.
I know the bootstrap people. I’ve been around them my whole life. What you’re saying wouldn’t even register with them.
Domestic abuse? You should have made a better choice in partner or chosen to leave sooner. LBGTQ? Well, honestly, there are a lot of people who believe that’s a choice in and of itself, but even more believe that kids can/should just keep it to themselves and “act normal” while under their parents’ roof. Military vets? They believe that the military trains you for civilian jobs and gives you lots of additional opportunities, including putting you ahead of others when it comes to employment, so if you chose to be lazy afterwards or chose to become a drug user, that’s your choice. Mental illness? They honestly believe in the “cheer up” mentality, i.e. if you’re depressed just cheer up. So, that’s all a choice as well. If you’re an addict, just stop using drugs. If you’re schizophrenic, just take the medicines you’re supposed to. Etc. Elderly? Why didn’t they save when they were younger? Why don’t they go get a job as a Walmart greeter? Why live some place so expensive? Literally, those are the types of questions you’ll get, but I will say honestly, this is the group that tends to get the most sympathy from the personal responsibility crowd.
Of course, you and I know these issues don’t boil down to a simple choice, but what I’m pointing out is that others don’t see it that way.