Poverty

**Edbear** · 12th July 2006, 20:06

Originally Posted by scumdog

But maybe I'm a tad cynical.

Now whatever would bring that on....?

**yungatart** · 12th July 2006, 20:17

Originally Posted by NhuanH

By the way, the plight of "middle" NZ needs to be raised here. There are families with parents working, dual income, that are struggling just above the poverty line.

Does that re-pitch your quick-to-conclude view of poverty?

In a word, no! Mstrs is self employed, I work as a teacher aide at a high school. We have brought up 6 kids,1 left at home now, paid child support, received child support sporadically from the other parent, and stuggled heaps of times. 1 of our kids had huge medical expenses not covered by benefits or ACC, they all played sport and had other extra curricular activities. We manged! Our bills were always paid, there was food on the table and all the kids had decent warm clothing and shoes to wear. The clothes weren't up to the minute latest fashion stuff, it was either home made or second hand, the food wasn't restaurant style but there was plenty of it and our fun times were free, picnics bush walks, bike rides(pushies) or walks to the library etc. We had priorities, it was always needs vs wants, and there was no money for luxuries - read lotto, booze, takeaways etc
Poverty is a choice - and not one that I would ever make!
PS Prior to meeting Mstrs I was a solo mother on DPB with 3 kids, same lifestyle as above.. I paid the horrendous monetary debt that my ex- husband left me with in a little over 12 months on a benefit, was it easy? No way! Was it worth it to be able to hold my head up, maintain my dignity and show my kids a work ethic - hell yes!

**Indiana_Jones** · 12th July 2006, 20:21

Originally Posted by Grahameeboy

Valid point Mr Jones but I also know parents who do not do that.....

It's Dr. Jones........well in dream land

In real life I'm a cadet lol

-Indy

**Indiana_Jones** · 12th July 2006, 20:23

Originally Posted by chanceyy

no problem honey ... just gotta go to the local to see the kids in the car while the olds are inside drinking, gambling, etc .. always on benefit day

She's onto it

-Indy

**Hitcher** · 12th July 2006, 21:04

Originally Posted by Quasievil

If you dont work, you dont vote in my opinion

No representation without taxation. That would create an interesting social dynamic...

And don't forget to add big dogs to the list of Sky TV, 42" plasma, Pajero, cigarettes, beer, casinos and McDonald's. Big dogs fed on tinned dog food or prime meat from the butcher's.

**jrandom** · 12th July 2006, 21:10

This is all very silly. Lank, fat, greasy-haired brown, white and purple people will always be among us. What do all you whingers expect to do about it? Turn on the showers and fire the ovens?

Just shut up, pay your very reasonable tax bills, and get on with enjoying life. Jesus H. Christ. It doesn't get a whole lot better than this.

**oldrider** · 12th July 2006, 21:10

Anything that is "free" means that someone else is paying for it! (There is no such thing as a free lunch)

Beneficiaries are not low paid, they do not work, they are actually beggars. (One of my children is a beneficiary)

There will always be a percentage of any community that will fit into that category and most people accept that as a necessary burden.

The trouble is the Government steals (Taxes) our money and gives it to those that will vote for "them".

Governments create as many false beggars as they can to create dependency upon themselves and ensure continuance in office.

Expecting governments to get rid of beneficiaries is like expecting rabbit boards to get rid of rabbits, the reason for their existence.

That will never happen as long as the government can make us pay for it and support them in doing it! (suckers aren't we)

How would it be if you were able to keep your own (Tax) money and give it to someone of "your" choice, how many beneficiaries would there be then?

I feel like a beneficiary but I have been paying the premiums for that privilege for the past 45yrs, I expect to be paid back now, just like any insurance premium, my pension policy has reached maturity.

I am still being taxed by the thieves to pay for those who will not work and if I take up a job myself I am denying someone of working age an opportunity.

It's like a dog chasing it's tail around isn't it.

Cheers John.

**Hitcher** · 12th July 2006, 21:25

Originally Posted by Fish

It doesn't get a whole lot better than this.

Good lord, it's the Rt Hon Helen Clark incarnate!

**Str8 Jacket** · 12th July 2006, 21:27

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Good lord, it's the Rt Hon Helen Clark incarnate!

Do you mean the Right Horrible?...

**jrandom** · 12th July 2006, 21:27

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Good lord, it's the Rt Hon Helen Clark incarnate!

Ignore me; I'm stoned.

**Biff** · 12th July 2006, 21:29

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Good lord, it's the Rt Hon Helen Clark incarnate!

I thought 'it' was a vertebrate?

**jrandom** · 12th July 2006, 21:30

Originally Posted by Str8 Jacket

Do you mean the Right Horrible?...

No, he doesn't.

And your sig is misspelled.

**Hitcher** · 12th July 2006, 21:30

Originally Posted by Fish

Ignore me; I'm stoned.

With comments like the above, you bloody well ought to be.

**jrandom** · 12th July 2006, 21:34

Originally Posted by Hitcher

With comments like the above, you bloody well ought to be.

Well, I am. Or, at least, I will be. This temporal dilation business is confusing. But don't try and tell me that this is not the best of all possible worlds.

Deary me, I think I need to change my undies.