09-27-2017, 03:05 AM
(09-26-2017, 11:25 PM)Classic-Xer Wrote:(09-24-2017, 08:01 AM)pbrower2a Wrote: I am PB.I haven't ruled out (you haven't convinced me that you're not ) that you're crazy, stupid (after all, stupid is what stupid does) or deluded at this point.
You have formed opinions of me. You could not fail to do so. Asperger's syndrome without diagnosis has practically made a stereotype out of me. I have had to cope despite having abilities that should have allowed me to thrive.
The paradox is that this nearly-merciless society (and it is that) at the least recognizes handicaps as things to deal with instead of as excuses for shutting people out of life. America accommodates deafness, blindness, and wheelchair use well enough because those are obvious. Mental illness? Most of it is connected to drug abuse and alcoholism, so it is suspect. Asperger's? At least I am not crazy, stupid, deluded, or evil.
The problem being, too many of the red and blue have similar doubts.
In welfare, there are victims and cheaters. You’d like to think most would agree that both exist. The proper thing to do is help the victims and frustrate the cheaters. Alas, once you buy deeply into one of the two world views, you tend to see either victims or cheaters.
In Pbrower’s case, I’m seeing a victim, but there are more than enough cheaters.
On one side, there are those those who see lots of cheaters, few victims, who might be seen as cynical economically centered misers. Then are those who see lots of victims, no cheaters, who can be seen as economically ignorant bleeding hearts who should know better. It isn’t hard to find imbalance.
Then there are those who want to help those who need help, but spend their money wisely. I'd prefer to be in that camp.
Do we want to force fit an individual into an ideal example of what is wrong with America? I’m dubious that we want to juggle a guy’s reputation for a political ends. Yet, that is where we are.
That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.