$400.00 per child Tax-relief Checks are in the Mail- Bush screws the working poor!!!! - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

reeds · 07-26-2003, 03:29 PM

how pathetic is this? More than 6.5 million low-income families do not pay enough income tax to qualify for the bigger credit and will not get checks? Those families that earn between $10,500 and $26,000 get screwed. "They come home from work after sunset and leave again after sunrise" "they live in our midst, never complain, and work,work, work" And Republicans show their gratitude with their wholesale abandonment of these working families!!! Mr. Bush, you should be PROUD! All you Republicans that are so freaking concerned about how the Iraqi people have been mistreated for all these years under Sadaam, but SCREW the poor in your own country! What a freaking joke...Republicans have never cared about the poor, just the well to do, snot nosed assfaces in this world...

southern_sweets · 07-26-2003, 03:54 PM

I wonder if Bush will try to take away the Earned Income Credit. It's the last thing left in the tax code that helps the working poor.

BTW, you no longer need to have a child to qualify for the EIC.

I've worked several years for VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and I support the EIC whole heartedly. It gives monetary incentive for people to work for income. Hopefully it helps some gain job skills that lead them out of poverty.

Drbio · 07-26-2003, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Those families that earn between $10,500 and $26,000 get screwed.

More liberal BS. These families do not pay taxes at a level to merit a rebate. The next tax class pays through the nose and is over-taxed. Thanks for trying though. I expected no less than Bush bashing drivel from you.

southern_sweets · 07-26-2003, 06:49 PM

Not necessarily Doc.

For 2002, you had to file a tax return if you made at least the amount stated for the following filing statuses:

Single (including divorced and legally separated) under 65 =$7,700 65 or over =$8,850

Head of household under 65 =$9,900 65 or older =$11,050

Married, with a child, living apart from your spouse during the last 6 months of 2002 Head of household under 65 =$9,900 65 or older =$11,050

Married, joint return under 65 (both spouses) =$13,850 65 or older (one spouse) =$14,750 65 or older (both spouses) =$15,650

Married, separate return any age =$3,000

Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child, under 65 =$10,850 65 or older =$11,750

Another point to consider is that taxes other than income taxes tend to be regressive. The lower your income, the higher the percentage that goes to sales and property taxes.

u2sarajevo · 07-26-2003, 06:59 PM

I will take my 800 dollars and be thankful. And reeds, if you are so concerned about the poor getting screwed, take the money you are pouring into internet access and give to the poor. Then we wouldn't have to hear your liberal crying BS.

And you are the only assface I have met lately...

Drbio · 07-26-2003, 09:01 PM

It has been shown that liberals have used data and numbers which include non-tax-paying families such as illegal aliens and naturalized citizen familes which fail to pay taxes at all in the figures that reeds is incorrectly spewing out as fact. Both the democrats and republicans fortunately agree on this point. Only the unscrupulous and agenda-forcing wannabes are still using these figures.

There was a great discussion on this topic exactly over the last week and a half or so on both the Neil Boortz talk radio show and by Sean Hannady. The thing I liked best was a proposal by a democratic senator (I apologize for forgetting his name) about abolishing taxes altogether and making teh tax system run off sales taxes etc. That way, all persons are equally taxed on goods and services purchased. There are a significant number of people who make incomes in taxable brackets who do not pay income taxes (for many reasons i.e. illegal aliens, non-reported incomes, etc) but yet still realize the benefits of living in this country. Many of them use emergency room hospitals for instance because they don't want to pay and use the laws disallowing hospitals to turn away free loaders to their selfish advantage. Who pays? I do. You do if you pay taxes. It's BS. So, when Bush gives me a tax credit for being a faithful and honest payer of taxes, I don't bitch and whine and use fabricated data to further an agenda. I say thank you, take my rebate and use it to the benefit of my family.

kg_veteran · 07-26-2003, 09:44 PM

I'm taking my rebate. And I could care less what you think.

Drbio · 07-26-2003, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: kg_veteran
I'm taking my rebate. And I could care less what you think.

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

southern_sweets · 07-27-2003, 08:26 AM

Doc, if you remember the name of that senator I'd like to know. Going to an all sales tax system is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. And, absolutely puts those at lower incomes and the middle class at a disadvantage. Reality is the lower your income the higher percentage of it goes to payment of goods and services which would be highly taxed under such a system. The upper middle class and wealthy are able to save and invest more of their income, which would be tax free.

BTW, there are states, Oregon is one, that do not have any sales tax.

Rhylan · 07-27-2003, 10:05 AM

The excuse that people use to say that a sales tax is not regressive is that necessity items are not taxed. This is true to some extent, but I don't like it because it gets into the territory of some central authority is deciding what's necessity and what's not. I'd just rather keep on not taxing food, and tax everything else equally. I don't even agree with the idea of luxury taxing cigarettes and booze.

I think there will never be a perfectly fair way to tax a quarter billion people, but I've always been a fan of a sorta flat tax. Not completely flat across the board, but simplified and close. There are so many deductions and credits and loopholes out there.. it's so complicated.. and why? If people deserve to be taxed less, then cut their tax rate, and make it simple.

It's a simple game that politicians play. The game of entitlement. Let's keep taxes higher, and every 2/4/6 years, when I'm out campaigning for reelection, I can push almost-negligible credits, deductions, and exemptions that match the voting blocks I want to sway.

reeds · 07-27-2003, 10:11 AM

"More liberal BS. These families do not pay taxes at a level to merit a rebate" UNREAL- totally sounds like a NON- Caring Republican. SCREW THE POOR..you are unreal. Its all liberal crying BS to you republicans isnt it? When its obvious the Republicans really fuc"ed it up, you have no reply that makes sense but to call it more liberal BS.. What a joke, when trying to help the WHOLE country instead of the rich, its liberal BS..the true BS is the fools calling it Liberal BS..

Oh, and a side note u2sarajevo, you have NEVER met me! Be very thankful for that

MFFL · 07-27-2003, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by: southern_sweets
Going to an all sales tax system is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. And, absolutely puts those at lower incomes and the middle class at a disadvantage. Reality is the lower your income the higher percentage of it goes to payment of goods and services which would be highly taxed under such a system. The upper middle class and wealthy are able to save and invest more of their income, which would be tax free.

A more fair way to do sales tax is to tax each item. Cheaper items are taxed at a lower rate and more expensive items are taxed at a higher rate. Thus the guy who buys the BMW pays a higher tax rate than the guy who buys a pair of shoes at Wal-Mart.

u2sarajevo · 07-27-2003, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by: reeds
"More liberal BS. These families do not pay taxes at a level to merit a rebate" UNREAL- totally sounds like a NON- Caring Republican. SCREW THE POOR..you are unreal. Its all liberal crying BS to you republicans isnt it?

Yes, it is. Has been for years. Same old s___, different day.

Quote:

When its obvious the Republicans really fuc"ed it up, you have no reply that makes sense but to call it more liberal BS.. What a joke, when trying to help the WHOLE country instead of the rich, its liberal BS..the true BS is the fools calling it Liberal BS..

Obvious to whom? A mad at the world liberal? Your blood pressure is probably awfully high, evidenced by the fact you come on here and can only spew hatred of Republican policy.

Quote:

Oh, and a side note u2sarajevo, you have NEVER met me! Be very thankful for that

I assume that was a threat. Wow, I am really scared now. I am very thankful I have never met you, you big man.

Dooby · 07-27-2003, 10:55 AM

Former member of right-wing conspiracy here. A national sales tax is a terrible, I repeat, terrible idea.

The tax would take the form of a value-added tax, such as the tax used by the EU or the national gas tax. Notice people bitch about the price of gas, but noone ever points out that there are 30+ cents of tax there. Adjusted for inflation, gasoline is cheaper than it was in the 20's when Texans were selling it cheaper than it cost to make it. As such, people will bitch about price rather than taxes, so the government will for the most part get a free pass when they raise taxes.

Second, like it was earlier said. It is very regressive. UNLESS, you exempt a number of items, like we do in Texas. And I, for one, don't want to open up that can of worms.

Third, it makes the small business owner the nation's tax collector, which, I for one do not want to do.

u2sarajevo · 07-27-2003, 12:58 PM

There never was a "right wing conspiracy" first off, but I think you said that tongue in cheek. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

And I agree, a national sales tax is a horrible idea.

Flat tax? Looks good on paper, but then so does communism and socialism. It would never work in real life.

reeds · 07-27-2003, 02:05 PM

Actually it wasnt a threat- but i am glad that you are scared.haha..it would just be easier to win an argument in person...

MFFL- more fair way to do sales tax is to tax each item. Cheaper items are taxed at a lower rate and more expensive items are taxed at a higher rate. Thus the guy who buys the BMW pays a higher tax rate than the guy who buys a pair of shoes at Wal-Mart.

That actually doesnt sound like a bad idea- it is based on what the Democrats have beleived all along.. The rich should pay more taxes, they can afford it!! Simple...

u2sarajevo · 07-27-2003, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: reeds
Actually it wasnt a threat- but i am glad that you are scared.haha..it would just be easier to win an argument in person...

MFFL- more fair way to do sales tax is to tax each item. Cheaper items are taxed at a lower rate and more expensive items are taxed at a higher rate. Thus the guy who buys the BMW pays a higher tax rate than the guy who buys a pair of shoes at Wal-Mart.

That actually doesnt sound like a bad idea- it is based on what the Democrats have beleived all along.. The rich should pay more taxes, they can afford it!! Simple...

I would agree with you somewhat on this reeds.... except I think a national sales tax should be capped..... or have a minimum price tag before it kicks in....

So the person that buys the shoes at walmart may not be taxed after all. Think of it as a luxury tax.

But as dooby said, I don't think I want the IRS becoming the sales employee at your local 7-Eleven.

JoshHoward5 · 07-27-2003, 03:15 PM

I agree with reeds. If there is anyone in this country who should get money in the mail, it is poor people, simple as that.

u2sarajevo · 07-27-2003, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: JoshHoward5
I agree with reeds. If there is anyone in this country who should get money in the mail, it is poor people, simple as that.

Good, then send your paycheck to them. You know they have worked so hard for it. Send it to them. As for me, I work hard too, and deserve what I get as well. And no liberal mumbo jumbo will convince me otherwise.

reeds · 07-27-2003, 03:46 PM

I will be honest, I wont be sending in my checks to the poor- BUT, I will help them however I can. Donate to local food banks, buy school supplies for families in need, anything I can that may help. No matter if you are a Dem or a Rep, little things like that can really help in the life of child or family in need. That is all I will say about that. As long as people show some heart, that is really the main point here. I just feel Bush could have really helped with this tax cut, but it missed too many poor families....

Drbio · 07-27-2003, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: reeds
I will be honest, I wont be sending in my checks to the poor- BUT, I will help them however I can. Donate to local food banks, buy school supplies for families in need, anything I can that may help. No matter if you are a Dem or a Rep, little things like that can really help in the life of child or family in need. That is all I will say about that. As long as people show some heart, that is really the main point here. I just feel Bush could have really helped with this tax cut, but it missed too many poor families....

Now see reeds...had you started out this way instead of busting on Bush you would have been taken seriously. I still think you miss the mark on Bush and the tax cut and haven't considered all of the factors involved in who and why cerain people get the cut, but you nail it on the assistance part.

Chiwas · 07-27-2003, 08:15 PM

Quote:

how pathetic is this? ...do not pay enough income tax... Those families that earn between $10,500 and $26,000 get screwed.

Pathetic is that here $10,500 is more than a new graduated from college earns, if is lucky enough to get a job. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/img] And s/he still has to pay close to 20% for income tax, not to mention the direct 15% tax.

WE are screwed.

scooterj5 · 07-28-2003, 05:49 AM

Quote:

All you Republicans that are so freaking concerned about how the Iraqi people have been mistreated for all these years under Sadaam, but SCREW the poor in your own country! What a freaking joke...Republicans have never cared about the poor, just the well to do, snot nosed assfaces in this world...

US$10,000 - $25,000 is *not* poor at all. This puts you in what percentile of the World? Meanwhile, I would be more conerned with poor Africans who will never see that much money even if they work hard.

madape · 07-28-2003, 08:57 AM

If poor people want money, let them go out and earn it. In Dallas, all you have to do is go down to the corner with the Mexicans and wait for some rich guy with a leaky roof or cracked sidewalk to come by and pick you up. You can earn something like $50 bucks a day! Tax free! And you can take as many days off as you want. If you are really motivated, you can earn that $400 bucks in less than a week... all while providing a valuable service to the community.

You can get by with a little whoring. You can make a half dozen or so good people very happy... and that $400 bucks can be yours in the manner of a few hours.

The point is, that even if you are poor and stupid, you can still get by in this world. Reeds, you are not as worthless a human being as you (or everyone else) thinks. And you don't need the federal government to fund your crack habit anymore. You can earn your precious $400 while actually providing a useful purpose in this world. What a concept! My suggestion to you is to go put on some speedos and a sweater vest and stand on the corner of Cedar-Springs and Lemmon. Within minutes you'll have guys begging to give you generous handfulls of cold hard spending cash. There is a position in American society for everyone. Reeds - your position entails being pinned up against a back-alley garbage dumpster with a d*** in your *ss and $40 sweat-dreanched dollars in your tightened fist.

Usually Lurkin · 07-28-2003, 09:12 AM

wow. with one post madape finds a way to make any reader feel dirty and ashamed.

u2sarajevo · 07-28-2003, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by: Usually Lurkin
wow. with one post madape finds a way to make any reader feel dirty and ashamed.

....and laugh his ace off. That was the funniest thing I've seen all day, ape.

Thanks for the comic relief. I would hate to be a bleeding heart like Reeds and have to defend myself against that kind of absurd reality.

Usually Lurkin · 07-28-2003, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by: u2sarajevoI would hate to be a bleeding heart like Reeds and have to defend myself against that kind of absurd reality.

The thought of someone prostituting themselves in order to feed their family makes me think that maybe we should use the government to steal from the rich to give to the poor.

-I also wonder how madape knows about cedar and lemmon, and how he knows how many customers it would take to save $400.

kg_veteran · 07-28-2003, 10:21 AM

ape - Your knack for the "over the top" and "abrasive" is truly one of a kind. I really didn't need the visual picture of someone volunteering to be anally penetrated for money, but thanks for that rather graphic description.

Chiwas · 07-28-2003, 11:35 AM

Quote:

In Dallas, all you have to do is go down to the corner with the Mexicans and wait for some rich guy with a leaky roof or cracked sidewalk to come by and pick you up.

By coincidence, Sweets and I were talking about this subject the last couple days, in a serious manner, course. Those Mexicans are the lucky ones; many more were killed before getting the corner, or died trapped in closed containers. It's off topic, but I had to mention it.

The point of reeds is valid in your context. Citizens that earn that low can't get a social right, sounds very liberal, but also contradictory and weird when the right and the regulation are under government control.

Usually Lurkin · 07-28-2003, 12:02 PM

[quote]
Originally posted by: Chiwas

Quote:

Those Mexicans are the lucky ones; many more were killed before getting the corner, or died trapped in closed containers. It's off topic, but I had to mention it.

Those who decided to try to stick it out in Mexico are also much luckier than those who didn't make it to the street corner. As are those who were caught trying to sneak in and were sent back.

If the street corner guys are not legally in the US, then there is no way to give them $400. If they gain citizenship, then they can get in the government handout line.

If they want to work hard for their money, save and scrimp, and devote their lives to bettering themselves and future generations of their families, then they can live the american dream.

u2sarajevo · 07-28-2003, 12:08 PM

[quote]
Originally posted by: Usually Lurkin

Quote:

Originally posted by: Chiwas

Quote:

Those Mexicans are the lucky ones; many more were killed before getting the corner, or died trapped in closed containers. It's off topic, but I had to mention it.

Those who decided to try to stick it out in Mexico are also much luckier than those who didn't make it to the street corner. As are those who were caught trying to sneak in and were sent back.

If the street corner guys are not legally in the US, then there is no way to give them $400. If they gain citizenship, then they can get in the government handout line.

If they want to work hard for their money, save and scrimp, and devote their lives to bettering themselves and future generations of their families, then they can live the american dream.

Actually, gaining citizenship is not the only way to get help from the US government. Go to Parkland any day of the week and pregnant mothers of Mexican descent fill the L&D rooms. The majority of which are not legal citizens.

And who is stuck with the bill? You guessed it. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

Chiwas · 07-28-2003, 12:23 PM

[quote]
Originally posted by: Usually Lurkin

Quote:

Originally posted by: Chiwas

Quote:

Those Mexicans are the lucky ones; many more were killed before getting the corner, or died trapped in closed containers. It's off topic, but I had to mention it.

Those who decided to try to stick it out in Mexico are also much luckier than those who didn't make it to the street corner. As are those who were caught trying to sneak in and were sent back.

If the street corner guys are not legally in the US, then there is no way to give them $400. If they gain citizenship, then they can get in the government handout line.

If they want to work hard for their money, save and scrimp, and devote their lives to bettering themselves and future generations of their families, then they can live the american dream.

Yeah, you're right in some points. First of all, Mexico should be responsible for creating better conditions for these people here in their country. But it hasn't happened and these people prefer to take the risk, because many of them -and their families- are starving.

About the 400's, when these illegals get a corner - a niche in your economy-, you hire them, pay them low and save money. But these people still earn way more than here. Some of them can get the legal residence, which is better yet. Even some of the illegals have some rights from the US government for their children, which is good.

But they are the lucky ones. The few.

(Hope we don't be spoiling the reeds thread.)

Chiwas · 07-28-2003, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Actually, gaining citizenship is not the only way to get help from the US government. Go to Parkland any day of the week and pregnant mothers of Mexican descent fill the L&D rooms. The majority of which are not legal citizens.

And who is stuck with the bill? You guessed it.

It's a reality. However, you can't stop it, at least in the way both governments have faced the problem during decades.

The bill isn't payed by the taxpayers, cause the economy (and the citizens) save paying less for the same services made by the not legal inmigrants. The bill is payed by the unemployed Americans who could make the same work (wich by the way, aren't many who want).

But your governement knows very well how to make that Mexico pays the final bill. It deserves another thread.

Usually Lurkin · 07-28-2003, 12:54 PM

Quote:

But it hasn't happened and these people prefer to take the risk, because many of them -and their families- are starving.

yep. It's a risk that is a rock and a hard place (do you still have the cliche thread somewhere? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]). And I feel for anyone stuck in it. But if that's the risk they choose to take (risk their lives to not have to wade through citizenship issues), then that's the risk they are willing to take.

Quote:

. . .you hire them, pay them low and save money. But these people still earn way more than here.

nope. I can't afford to hire them. I just get stuck paying for the infrastructure they use to get the work, and the rich guy uses to provide the work. The workers get to make more money because they don't have to pay for those roads they use, the sewage, the medical bills, the police protection, whatever.

Quote:

The bill is payed by the unemployed Americans who could make the same work (wich by the way, aren't many who want).

The medical bill (just like any other bill that might go unpaid) is paid by all those people who end up paying higher prices when they don't skip out on their own bill, whether that bill is paid through insurance or taxes.

And those people who end up paying more than their share for the roads, the sewers, the immigration control, the medical procedures, the police, etcetera etcetera, deserve to get a little back whenever they can.

Chiwas · 07-28-2003, 01:10 PM

Yes, UL, I get your point. You're pointing micro economy, the economy of the individuals, which all added up make the macro economy. And are right, yes.

My point (about the money) is that in the macro economy you -the US- have to be winning (earning), otherwise it would have a big wall of concrete along the border (figurative or literally).

Although, you had to be very poor to not be allowed to use their services. I think they work mainly in middle-class houses or buildings. (The vast majority -and poorer- work in your farms, which most of you don't see, but we are talking now about the ones who paint, repair roofs, cut the grass, install carpets...)

Usually Lurkin · 07-28-2003, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Yes, UL, I get your point. You're pointing micro economy, the economy of the individuals, which all added up make the macro economy. And are right, yes.

hey wow. maybe I did get something out of that half-a-semester as an economics major. (and you explained something just now way better than any of my three economics professors ever did.)

Quote:

Although, you had to be very poor to not be allowed to use their services.

Interesting. We might be able to draw a line between upper and lower middle class based on whether or not you can afford to pay someone to cut your lawn (or reroof your house). Neither of those 'classes' would be considered very poor.

But the point is, those street-corner workers are taking without giving (from and to the government). I'm all for them getting out there and getting some work done. I'm all for them making as much money as they can, and sending money back to mexico to be spent there. I would just like for them to contribute whatever they can to the tax situation here. They are taking from this government (the US citizenry) but not giving back.

Chiwas · 07-28-2003, 02:18 PM

Quote:

But the point is, those street-corner workers are taking without giving (from and to the government). I'm all for them getting out there and getting some work done. I'm all for them making as much money as they can, and sending money back to mexico to be spent there. I would just like for them to contribute whatever they can to the tax situation here. They are taking from this government (the US citizenry) but not giving back.

They give back in the very same place, faster than regular citizens, when you pay them $6-8 an hour instead of $14 or more.

reeds · 07-28-2003, 07:24 PM

Very Classy post MADAPE- I would be proud.. Of course I am being sarcastic, but I actually believe you probably are proud considering the source. I mean...ummm...forget it, i wont stoop to your petty remarks on a message board of all things....

mattyd · 07-28-2003, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: Chiwas

Quote:

how pathetic is this? ...do not pay enough income tax... Those families that earn between $10,500 and $26,000 get screwed.

Pathetic is that here $10,500 is more than a new graduated from college earns, if is lucky enough to get a job. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/img] And s/he still has to pay close to 20% for income tax, not to mention the direct 15% tax.

WE are screwed.

College grads are getting screwed here too. As a recent college grad I feel compeled to point out that a lot of us are having to work 2 or more jobs to pay off student loans. And by the way, the Bush White House wants to end the practice of allowing students to consolidate their loans after graduation.

An extreme example, but it is true - a friend of mine just graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in engineering. He was a good student - had a GPA over 3.25. He cannot find a job that pays enough for him to afford to move out of his parents house in Carrolton.

A lot of us that have just graduated have had to go to graduate school because we couldn't find jobs and we can't afford to pay back our student loans. Blame Sept. 11 for the bad economy, blame George W. Whatever the case may be, things are bad right now, and everyone needs a little kick back this year (well, except the much talked about wealthiest 10%!).

sturm und drang · 07-28-2003, 08:43 PM

I love the old "everyone can get out and work" argument. We're just a jovial bunch of Horatio Alger-lovin' fools, aren't we?

It's easy for us to sit up in our proverbial ivory towers and proclaim what the poor should and shouldn't be doing. "I've worked hard my whole life," the argument goes, "why shouldn't everyone else? If I can do it, so can they." But I, for one, am willing to admit that everything has been stacked in my favor since birth. I am willing to admit that-- despite my life-long hard work, assiduous study and diligence-- I am a child of privilege. Are you?

a.) I'm white
b.) I have a mother and father
c.) I was read to when I was little
d.) I was encouraged to learn
e.) I was sent to private school
f.) I was able to attend college
g.) I was fed, sheltered and loved

As someone who volunteered for a year at Sequoyah Elementary, DISD-- actually located in some tough projects off Inwood-- I can attest first-hand to the fact that so many children in the US aren't given SHIT. For them, there is no birthright of love, family, education or food. These kids have nothing: no one to take care of them, no one to teach them, encourage them. No one to emulate. They've got crap schools with overworked teachers, classes with almost 40 students, no computers, no sports, no music, no art-- and no expectations. Sure, it's easy to pat myself on the back for what I've achieved or what I've become, but that would be a joke. I have been gifted and extremely lucky just by merit of who I was born to and the panoply of opportunities that entailed.

I believe it is the purpose of the government to attempt to rectify these wrongs. If this means that I pay more taxes so that lower-income schools have comprehensive after-school programs, then I support it. If that means that I work from January through June for the government so the poor can live in subsidized or free housing, then I support it. How can you not be aware of what you've been given? How can you not attempt to equalize the inherent inequalities? How can you not attempt to even the playing field?

You are sorely, sorely ignorant if you think that hard work and a desire to succeed is all it takes to make it off the streets.

Side note: I really can't decide which I love more: the inherent elitism and callousness of the above argument, or the totally gratuitous homophobia which was used to support it. Such a toss up.