What helps the poor?
Do the rich hold the poor back?
This post is being written because someone objected to the thought that the poor should/could invest in bettering themselves. This is hopefully going to be a simplified overview of the economy and choices that we all make. PLEASE note that because of time and space constraints I will have to make generalizations.
The first thing that I'd like to bring up here is WHY would that make any sense to anyone? The rich have no reason to want to hold the poor back. Why do I say this? The wealthy have money because they fill needs of some sort.
This could be the Walton family that operate WalMart. The patriarch of the family Sam, saw the need to bring better pricing on a variety of goods to the American worker. Like it or hate it WalMart has done that in a major way and made the Walton family (and stockholders) billions of dollars.
This could be the Ford's. Henry saw a way to make cars available to the masses by implementing the assembly line. Again, a huge success.
There are many such families in business, banking, retail, insurance, service businesses, etc. None of these businesses would be successful without consumers (individual or government/corporate). Consumers spend the money that fuel the growth of these large businesses.
Why would a business owner (the rich) want people to have less money? It doesn't make sense. The more dollars that you have available the more money that you can spend in whatever area you choose. If the rich wanted you to have less money they would hurt themselves, not just you. Nobody in their right mind is going to hurt themselves. It's just human nature.
There have been rich and poor since the beginning of time. The Bible speaks of both rich and poor. There will ALWAYS be rich and poor.
Let me start by saying there is really no useable definition of rich or poor. The rich always believe they need a little bit more. The poor believe they will never have enough. Break those two statements down and you'll find that they both say the same thing.
Personal History
I'm going to go off into my personal history here for a bit to detail why I feel the way that I do. I grew up in a working class household. I remember a few vacations by car as a young boy. Many times we camped in a tent where we went because we couldn't afford to rent a hotel room.
I left high school in my junior year to go to work. I wanted things that my family couldn't afford. I have worked some sort of job since I was 13 up until the time I became disabled by a nervous system disease after 46 years of work. After leaving high school my boss told me that, "You just did the stupidest thing that you could have done." That hurt my feelings, but hey I was a teenager and I knew everything. I went to take my GED test in what would have been my senior year of high school, I passed with flying colors without even taking a prep course. Up until the time I quit school I was an A and B student, but I was bored silly.
I got accepted by several colleges, but chose not to go at that time. After all, I had hated school and why would I even consider going back to do more of the same? As time went by I did take courses here and there. I was declared as pre med, but when I figured out what I would owe and what I would lose by not working I decided not to do it. I have 114 college credits right now.
Attitudes Toward the Poor
People today talk about helping the poor, the poor can't afford to invest in bettering themselves, etc. I don't believe that for one second.
I personally get less than $900 per month from disability. The medical costs that I have which aren't covered by insurance run just under $500 per month. That leaves me less than $400 per month to pay for food, utilities, etc. I don't get foodstamps, but I have gotten help from foodbanks at particularly bad times, I think that qualifies me as poor. My kitchen and dining room floors have holes in them and my air conditioning doesn't work. I live in the southern US where summer temps run in the upper 90's and there is humidity to match. I do have a portable air conditioner and fans, so, it's not too bad.
My Health
I have a central nervous system disease that is eating the coating (myelin sheath) off of my nerves. It is very painful and causes difficulty with muscle control. I can only walk about 50' at a time (with a 4 prong cane) before stopping to catch my breath and balance. I have lung and heart problems, diabetes requiring two different types of insulin plus pills, and kidney problems. My fingers jump as I try to type and my strength has gone from being able to bench press over 350 lbs to barely being able to lift a bag of groceries. My grip is non existent. If I buy a Coke while I am out I need to get the clerk or a stranger to open it for me as I physically can't. I have fallen down the seven steps to my front door 6 or seven times over the last several months, but I don't have the thousands of dollars that I have been quoted to build a ramp.
Observations of the Poor
The following are some observations that I have seen personally. Poor people often drink beer or moonshine, smoke cigarettes, and love the lottery (remember these are generalizations, not everyone does all of these things). I know a couple that spends MORE than half of their Social Security on lottery tickets, always has beer in the fridge, and both are heavy smokers.
Suppose that they took just a little bit of that money and bought things cheaply to resell at the flea market. They do this every now and then, but not with regularity. They could better their lives financially, probably smoke and drink less (because they aren't sitting on the couch watching cable tv), and get a little bit of physical activity to help their overall health. They could also smoke a pack of cigarettes (or maybe two) less per week and afford a program like WA, but they won't as they have no desire to improve their lives!
As a former truck driver I had to be drug tested randomly. I would suggest that any of those receiving public assistance be drug tested too. If the people that earn the money to pay taxes have to be drug tested, why shouldn't the recipients of such programs also have to be tested? My thoughts? If you can afford these drugs you don't need public assistance.
I have known many people that have collected unemployment. Out of all of those people I only know 3 that were actually looking for work to support their families. The others would work "under the table" or "off the books", but weren't going to be giving up their free money until it ran out, extensions and all. Believe me, they could tell you exactly how long they had left to collect. I found them to be pathetic and told them so. I was never raised to have a hand out mentality and wish, even now, that they could somehow cure the health issues that I have and let me return to work. There's something there called pride..... If you truly can't find work have them pick up litter, help the disabled, start a daycare for disadvantaged, etc.
People can also go to their libraries and take part in free programs and borrow books to help increase their worth to employers and/or themselves. It costs nothing, but brings big dividends.
$15 or more minimum wage
That sounds great, but look at history and the places that have done such things. If wages go up prices, out of necessity, MUST go up. That extra money to pay employees isn't coming from the tooth fairy. You and I, the customer, are going to pay that money. Do you really want to go to McDonald's and pay $12 or $13 for your combo meal? Are you willing to give up some of your standard of living, that you studied for, worked for, are taxed on, and might still be paying student loans on to help raise someone up that wouldn't go to school, study on their own, or do just barely more than what is required to keep their jobs? How often have you tried to get help somewhere and either had to wait for a group of employees to stop chatting or, worse yet, for them to hang up their cell phone?
In one of my first jobs my boss told me, "The customer here is profit, YOU are overhead." The customer always comes first. I was also told that the customer is always right. Even if you know they are wrong, make them happy and THEN go in the back room or whatever and mumble to yourself. This has stuck with me for over 50 years.
In one generation we have done a 180 in attitudes toward customer service.
I've been told to look at the poor people standing on exit ramps holding signs, "Will work for food." I just saw recently that the police talked to one such person and asked him if he needed help finding a job. He answered them, No, I make more than $1,000 per day standing there with my little sign. Do you think he's paying taxes on that? Probably not, he's leaving you and I to pay more so that he doesn't. I would suppose that he's also receiving public assistance. Here's a link to another one Panhandler
On the several occassions that I needed to go to the foodbank for food I almost felt embarrassed because of what I drive. You see, my vehicle is a former state vehicle that is over 20 years old. There were people there getting food that were driving brand new vehicles. Some of them outfitted with big stereos, big wheels, special tires, etc. If they could afford those did they REALLY need the foodbank's help? I would suggest that the answer is no.
We have become a nation of entitlements. Everyone thinks that they are entitled to nice things, good vacations, cell phones, cable tv, etc. It's making me sick.
Out of my meager disability I chose to pay for WA. I really can't afford it, but it's the only way that I see myself being able to get my floor fixed and get my air conditioner working. It won't happen overnight, but with work, persistence, and some prayer I certainly hope that it will happen.
Before I conclude I'd like to say that I am NOT looking for sympathy, charity, or anything else. The only thing that I would appreciate is your kind words/thoughts, prayers, or any knowledge that you might be able to share with me.
The only part of my training that I have found that I am truly afraid of is social media. I've always been somewhat, maybe even mostly, an introvert. I seem to be slowly coming out of that because of my membership in this community, but it's still an uphill battle for me. I grew up in an age before touch tone phones, color tv, computers, cell phones, internet, self driving cars (still amazed by those) and certainly before social media. Our social media was saying hello to your neighbor while sitting on your front porch or walking down the street (while your house was unlocked).
I know that we're supposed to avoid religion on WA, but I'd just like to say that I am truly praying for our world leaders to wake up and see where we actually are. I also pray daily that everyone here at WA moves themselves toward whatever success means for them.
This has been a long post and if you read it all you truly have my admiration. Especially since my medication was recently doubled and I'm not sure that all of this makes sense or is in a logical order.
Best wishes to you in this journey that we call life.
Bryan
Recent Comments
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At the risk of arousing the ire of some here at WA let me offer this observation.
Do you really think this is the forum for writing this type of blog? Personally I do not.
While I wish the best of health, I really don't think this is place to publish your medical history. Nor is this the place to publish your personal financial status. We all have issues and problems we struggle with, we all don't post them on a WA-wide blog.
For me, I am unfollowing you and this is something I have never done before.
Kind of agree.
There are sometimes posts where I can't understand why they are being posted here.
We are here to learn and share our experiences in online marketing.
Nothing else.
This post was put up because of another person's answer to a different post. I didn't want to hijack that post, so I posted here. There are many posts on WA that I don't agree with, but it is their post. If I don't like it I just don't comment. I wish you good luck.
WA's blogs are for expressing your personal interest, not just WA. As far as my medical, that's not even one quarter of it. Again, I just posted to let the other person (who posted the original comment in a different post about the poor) that I knew what I was speaking about since they said "If I were poor or disabled" (or like words).
This isn't an IF for many of us. Many are too embarrassed to comment, but I believe that it needs to be brought out into the open to try to find a solution. For example many people think that Medicare covers all of your drug costs. I can assure you that it doesn't even come close.
Hear hear Bryan and congratulations on a wonderful, thought provoking post. I too come from a poor background, we couldn't afford to have electricity connected to the house for a year, my mother was a solo mum and teacher, our nan lived with us so she coud work. She struggled but we were never short of love and basic needs. I have worked all my life and although I have never had to struggle I do know I worry about paying bills sometimes. I'm now at an age where I am tired of the daily grind and wanting to wind down and relax more and work from home.
Congratulations yours has to be one of the best posts I have read, it is honest, thoughtful, provoking and hopefully will make a lot of people look at others differently and also look at themselves.
Regards Mary
Thanks Mary! I only have one request, don't brag on me too much or my head will swell. lol
I always try to provoke people into thinking. It's unfortunately becoming a lost art/ability.
There were times when I felt sorry for myself after all of this happened to me, but invariably, I would see someone in worse shape than myself. I might only be able to walk 50', but then I'd see a man with no legs.....
No matter how bad off we are, there are always those who are worse off.
I wish you the best in your online journey.
Thank you Bryan and you are the last person who's head would swell, you're not that kind. I look forward to reading more of your posts. :)
I am truly touched by your post-Bryan, it brings to mind things that I have witnessed in my lifetime and I feel that no human being should ever have to go through. All my best to you and all of the good people that are struggling to make ends meet.....BeBlessed!
Thanks so much for your kind words. They mean a lot to me (and to other's I'm sure).
What I want mostly is for those people that see themselves in this article to know that there is a way out. Take that first step, be the change that you want for your family.
Best wishes to all.
Bryan
I am on your side, Bryan. I could write just as long a story about my encounters with penury. We cannot take it for granted. But neither can we take for granted those who would rather take -scam - and not give.
WA attests to the good we find in humanity and I believe we are here to enhance that and make this a better world for all of us.
Peace and Prosperity.
Mojalefa.
Bryan. Thanks for this great post. I, too, had to quit working for health reasons waaay before I expected to, and find it difficult to manage on just my Social Security income. I can relate to your putting things off that need to be done, but the money just isn't there.
I agree with you that it seems that poor people in the US don't really have much motivation to change their lives because there are too many incentives (handouts) not to. I can't really speak to other countries and cultures because I haven't experienced them.
Best wishes in your journey toward success and increased self esteem as you grow your business.
Carol
Hey Carol! Our Social Insecurity system is a joke. Billionaires can get it, but the people that need it the most get a pittance. People on regular insurance can use discount coupons, but people on Medicare can't. Medicare can't negotiate drug prices even though more prescription drugs are purchased through Medicare than any other program. Someone needs to look at who's pocket is being lined. It doesn't make a lick of sense. If a business ran like that they'd be bankrupt.
Generally speaking, help by offering to give a reasonable opportunity to the poor giving them "Hope" to improve the quality of their lives financially.
The only hold back if any is that we don't help them enough. Helping them for a day is nice but to help them build a future is what we might do a better job of.
I do believe that each of us is unique in our abilities and or skills so things will always be the way they are..... as seen from the beginning of time.
In some areas of the world poverty is just the way it is. There is no way out unless we all work together to "HELP".....
In today's world there are many opportunities for ALL to work toward getting out of poverty. It might not be convenient, but it is there. There are many places that offer free education. You might have to go to a village center or a library, but there is free training.
The founders of WA have provided a way for people to learn and start for absolutely zero money. Again, you may have to go find somewhere with a computer, but it is there.
If not being poor there is always a way to slowly dig out from those invisible chains. Someone in a remote area can buy or grow food to resell to people in the city with more money.
It's never easy, but it is possible. The desire needs to overcome the obstacles. I could just sit back and drink beer and watch tv on disability. Personally I'd rather get where I can tell them, "I don't need your disability anymore." That is why I am here.
Like the old sayiing goes"If you give a man a fish -he can eat for day but if you teach a man to fish he can eat for a lifetime" Teaching others to help themselves is invaluable
By the way.....I believe from our heart we could all do more to help the really poor. How many homes and cars and other luxuries do we really need before sharing with others in need?
Very insightful. I lived in China for a couple years. The people there could get by on pennies. Their wage is so low; but because of that, those basic needs of life are also very inexpensive (really cheap). Someone can live comfortably on just a wee bit. So it isn't how much money we have but what percentage we retain based on the local economics, right?
Yes, it's actually what we do that makes the difference. You can choose to stay broke or you can choose to be the change that you are looking for.
Hi Bryan,
Most people that are really poor, it is more of a mindset that keeps them that way. All of us need opportunity to make our situation better. I like the things that people like Magic Johnson, Mark Cuban, David T. Rosen, and LeBron James are doing. They are giving many people that opportunity and are helping to change the lack/poverty mindset.
That change is happening in many communities and goes way beyond culture. WA is helping all of us, guess what? It's a mindset of success that we are all cultivating, every religion, culture, race, all of us have opportunity here, it's a beautiful thing. So the world could learn a lot just by visiting this site. Thank you for your post Bryan, it has sparked a great conversation.
Cheers,
DREW,
Drew, The need for conversation and change is great. It isn't only based here in the US, but many other countries/cultures as well.
There is plenty of opportunity in many places, what is lacking id the individual initiative or the lack of knowledge of the available resources. Even those that can't afford the premium membership here at WA have the opportunity to get started.
That is one of the things that makes this place almost magical.
Best wishes to everyone trying to change their circumstances.
You could take all the money on the world, distribute it evenly, wait awhile, and you will find that it will go back to the way it was.
Just personal opinion but there is a reason why there are wealthy people and those that are not.
We consider ourselves blessed and can claim no credit. We were just blessed with more skills to be able to achieve whatever we want.
Can anyone change their situation if they want to? Sure!
Good job Bryan!
Howard, that was very well put. The drive to change must come from within.
I've seen a couple of young people on WA lately that are trying to break that cycle of poverty. My hat is off to them and I will give people like that whatever bit of support or encouragement that I my be able to offer.
Bryan
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Greetings Beloved,
Your post title caught my attention. I admire your honesty and forthrightness. I agree with some of what you have shared and don’t agree with some. I respect all of your opinions and expressions. Whether or not I agree with all of it. I pray for all of our continued success in all we aspire to.
I’m sure @Bryan8 doesn’t need me to ‘defend’ him (and pardon me if I’m overstepping) but to folks like @Steven-A and @MoritzS; I ask you to consider the fact that there are thousands (10s of thousands, 100s of thousands, millions?) of folks here in WA, and (by design) growing daily (actually, growing by the second). I, personally, think it’s extreme to ‘unfollow’ someone because they posted something YOU don’t feel is APPROPRIATE, particularly if something else you liked is what prompted you to follow them in the first place. I also think it’s kind of narcissistic and self-righteous for you to feel a need to tell him you are unfollowing AND explain your reasoning. The fact that the post is here would indicate that he does think this is the forum for it. The fact that you disagree simply means you have a difference of opinion (on this particular issue). While there is a ‘general’ reason we all share (i.e. generating revenue online), every single person on WA has their own individual reasons for being here. If you feel so strongly about it that you felt the ‘need’ to unfollow, why not just unfollow? And if this is the first time you’ve felt so strongly about a post that you need to unfollow, does that mean that you have liked and/or agreed with EVERYTHING else you’ve read here? I find that amazing. That you can be so broad minded that you like and agree with everything you read until you get to a post where somebody shares a little bit more of themselves than you’re comfortable with. And yet something as mundane as that is what triggers such an extreme reaction. Ijs
Thanks for the comments. I don't expect anyone to agree with everything that I say. I try to give food for thought.
As I said to the two people below this came about as an extension of a comment that someone else made on a different post. As far as not following me, that's his decision. It doesn't take money out of my pocket, and I find no prestige in having 2 followers or 2 million. It makes no difference to me either way.
I'm not going to sugar coat anything for anyone. Many people feel uncomfortable here when I, for example, tell someone how to cancel their membership. I tell them because that's the question that they asked. I've seen 4 or 5 people explain the benefits of staying instead of leaving. The truth is some people need to leave for reasons only they will understand. It makes no sense financially for me to remain a member here based on my income, but I will remain here because I don't have any other way out of my current financial predicament. I didn't ask for my health to be taken away, I can either deal with it like I am or sit back and say woe is me. I don't like the victim mentality, so here I am.
If my details make you uncomfortable either don't read them or look in the mirror because that is where the problem most likely lies. You are probably uncomfortable knowing that there really are poor and unhealthy people out here. I really hope that they take the time today to thank God that there, but for the grace of God go I.
I know that we aren't supposed to speak of religion here, but the fact of the matter is that in a single second any one of us could find themselves in much the same position that I am in.
Best wishes to everyone here at WA. I truly hope that you can reach your definition of success and if there's anything that I can do to help you get there please feel free to pm me. I'm here for you even if others turn their back.
Bryan
Great post-wish I could follow Bryan but my follows are limited and all used until I go premium which I intend on doing but am having problems finding how to do the year long option which is what I want to do-any help with this would be greatly appreciated
Click on your picture at top left, then account settings, scroll down to subscription settings, click there, then membership, then right side change to yearly billing.
I hope this helps!