Quote:
Originally Posted by
CunningSmeagol 
I've worked full time making good money for almost 4 years since finishing college. The amount I've paid into the 'system' is more than many people pay in their entire lifetimes. I'm just trying to get a fraction of that back as I invest in the next stage of my life, a stage during which I'll be paying even more into the welfare state. Who's the bigger leech, me or the perennial food stamp recipients who can never seem to Get. a. job?
As similar as my knee-jerk reaction is to the people crying "leech!," I must admit,
on principle alone, he does have a valid point. But on the other hand....
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ama I think its pretty unconscionable to use the hand wearing a $5k+ watch to pull food stamps out of your pocket.
If he still has a $5k watch to sell, yes, this is pretty disgraceful, especially when there are others who don't have any "luxury" items to sell for food. To the OP: Everybody should be willing to sacrifice to get what they want. If a you want to go back to school, you should be willing to give up all but the basic necessities in order to fund it. Do you still have possessions (like a $5k watch, for example) you can sell to raise money? Could you downgrade your living space to save money on rent? Could you, say, take public transport instead of driving to save insurance and gas money? Could you eat less expensive food items? Could you cut out "entertainment"-type expenses like movie or sporting event tickets, travel, et cetera? If you answered "yes" to any of these things, then I think you should put aside your argument about "equal treatment" and so forth, and try harder to support yourself because, in light of all the other people who have it worse than yourself, it's the right thing to do. If, however, you already have reduced your possessions and expenditures to their bare minimum, then perhaps a government assistance program would be a valid option.
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