Getting help to the working poor.

When I was ranting about Ronald Reagan's lack of compassion for the poor, last night, some might have taken that as me not believing in self reliance. That could not be further from the truth. I am a firm believer that nobody owes you anything.

The dilemma is what about people that can't or won't fend for themselves? I understand the frustration with those who continue to squeeze out puppies in order to remain on the welfare roles. They make the the rest of those who genuinely need help, through no fault of their own, look bad.

Not every person receiving some form of government assistance is a lazy, unmotivated person that just sits at home watching soap operas while the rest of us bust our ass to pay their way. Yet existing programs seem to encourage just that.
Hell, even unemployment used to make you document your job search activities to receive benefits, not any more.

Tax payers shouldn't have a problem with helping those people that are at least making an effort to get out and work and provide for themselves, with programs such as food and medical assistance.

I don't know the answer for those who are just chronically unemployed. I hate seeing people standing on street corners, begging for a little spare change. There has to be a way to get these folks some help, possibly finding some task like road cleaning, painting or something else in order to earn this assistance. I've always felt that single moms that are receiving AFDC type assistance should be made to serve in a day care program for other low income working families.

Hopefully, when this health care debate is over, the president can come up with some initiative to fairly help those truly in need.

Adios...