[PapaBear3625]

I do not believe that poverty causes crime, at least after certain basic needs for food and shelter are met, as they have been in the United States for many decades. Poor people do not need to steal to eat in the United States. In the United States, poor people are fat. In fact, it is exactly the opposite: Crime causes poverty.

You got it. In the United States, unless you are mentally disabled or have severe physical handicaps, the only thing stopping you from being self-supporting is your own attitude. And by "mentally disabled" I do NOT mean "having an inclination to become addicted to drugs or alcohol".

A girl in poverty can become self sufficient by simply (1) staying in school, paying attention, and learning to read, write, and do arithmetic, (2) not having kids until you are married to a stable man who has a stable job, and (3) finding a stable man and being a good wife to him.

A boy in poverty can become self sufficient by (1) learning to read, write, and do arithmetic, 92) not committing any crimes, and 93) being willing to work.

It's not that hard.

[marktwain]

A boy in poverty can become self sufficient by (1) learning to read, write, and do arithmetic, 92) not committing any crimes, and 93) being willing to work.

That would include being willing to relocate to where a job is.

[Vanders9]

That may have been true in the past, but with unemployment reaching 10%+, being a good boy, being literate, trying hard and being prepared to swallow your pride and accepting low grade work as a first rung up may not be enough these days. The US is no longer the "land of opportunity". Ask all those mexicans skedadling back south.

And its going to get worse. Especially if Obama gets reelected.

[PeterPrinciple]

It’s not that hard.

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We all manage the past. The govt is involved in EVERYTHING now days. It is HARD.