to oldlegodad: Read the link. Thanks for the info. AIG should go bankrupt like all other businesses that cannot function properly and let someone else do the job. We have to stop all these bailouts now.
Up here, the RCMP advises not to give money directly to panhandlers but to give it to shelters and goodwill that will give them clothes, food and house them.
That seems fair to me. Some charity is toxic and addictive, but not all.
IrishEddie - I know the AA theory, that you must hit rock bottom. It happened to an uncle of mine, and he’s done great since. Didn’t work for my late father though. Research shows that there are other ways, but some of it has been squelched by AA among others, because it suggests it is possible for some alcoholics to reduce their intake to “social” levels, which is anathema to AA dogma. I can supply references if desired.
By the way, addiction isn’t the same as irresponsibility. Do you smoke? Know anyone who does? Nicotine is more addictive than most of these things, and for those who are vulnerable, it is immensely difficult for them to stop smoking. Some studies indicate sugar is more addictive than heroin. People vary in their sensitivity to addiction. Addiction by definition is being unable to control yourself. Saying that people who are addictive personalities are “irresponsible” is simply silly.
But studies have unquestionably shown that treatment and education (the same things you suggest for avoiding VD and AIDS elsewhere) work better than jail time. Not mushy-headed at all – practical and pragmatic. I believe in what works.
Senor I agree that with min wage you just can’t get ahead. You have to have 10 people in one apartment, all working and kicking in money to get ahead. Good education and the chance for good jobs will be our salvation and health care reform is essential.
Eddie, how about those who have already hit rock bottom? I hit it, but without the help the canadian government gives me, I never would have been able to bounce back and get back on track. I d’ probably be dead.
IrishEddie - I get that, and I fully understand your point on wanting to change. (How many psychologists does it take to change a light bulb? Just one – but the bulb has to want to change!) I teach how to give feedback and development to businesspeople. But if someone can’t even admit they are addicted (one of the classic symptoms, as I suspect you are fully aware), then they’re not going to be able to want to change. My dad described himself once as “not an alcoholic - an alcohol-dependent.” Sigh. He did manage to reduce his intake towards the end of his life, for reasons too complex to go into, and I think it probably gave him a few extra years. I think we’re talking about different aspects.
I respectfully disagree on the “dole” issue. They once checked on the number of “welfare cheats” so beloved of Reaganites, and found less than one percent. Also, the way it is set up discourages people - going from scraping by with welfare to making less from a job. If we implemented work-welfare plans, which have been squelched in the past by Republicans, I think it would work better.
greeneyedtxn about 15 years ago
to oldlegodad: Read the link. Thanks for the info. AIG should go bankrupt like all other businesses that cannot function properly and let someone else do the job. We have to stop all these bailouts now.
CorosiveFrog Premium Member about 15 years ago
^IEOH; They will not try to help themselves? The guy who founded Second Cup was once homeless. He is now a millionnaire.
deadheadzan about 15 years ago
Irish Eddie- why so bitter? Jesus believed in mercy for sinners.
Simon_Jester about 15 years ago
Yeah Irish Eddie…that’s what the Rich man said about Lazarus
And how did that work out for him?
CorosiveFrog Premium Member about 15 years ago
Up here, the RCMP advises not to give money directly to panhandlers but to give it to shelters and goodwill that will give them clothes, food and house them.
That seems fair to me. Some charity is toxic and addictive, but not all.
Motivemagus about 15 years ago
IrishEddie - I know the AA theory, that you must hit rock bottom. It happened to an uncle of mine, and he’s done great since. Didn’t work for my late father though. Research shows that there are other ways, but some of it has been squelched by AA among others, because it suggests it is possible for some alcoholics to reduce their intake to “social” levels, which is anathema to AA dogma. I can supply references if desired. By the way, addiction isn’t the same as irresponsibility. Do you smoke? Know anyone who does? Nicotine is more addictive than most of these things, and for those who are vulnerable, it is immensely difficult for them to stop smoking. Some studies indicate sugar is more addictive than heroin. People vary in their sensitivity to addiction. Addiction by definition is being unable to control yourself. Saying that people who are addictive personalities are “irresponsible” is simply silly. But studies have unquestionably shown that treatment and education (the same things you suggest for avoiding VD and AIDS elsewhere) work better than jail time. Not mushy-headed at all – practical and pragmatic. I believe in what works.
deadheadzan about 15 years ago
Senor I agree that with min wage you just can’t get ahead. You have to have 10 people in one apartment, all working and kicking in money to get ahead. Good education and the chance for good jobs will be our salvation and health care reform is essential.
CorosiveFrog Premium Member about 15 years ago
Eddie, how about those who have already hit rock bottom? I hit it, but without the help the canadian government gives me, I never would have been able to bounce back and get back on track. I d’ probably be dead.
Motivemagus about 15 years ago
IrishEddie - I get that, and I fully understand your point on wanting to change. (How many psychologists does it take to change a light bulb? Just one – but the bulb has to want to change!) I teach how to give feedback and development to businesspeople. But if someone can’t even admit they are addicted (one of the classic symptoms, as I suspect you are fully aware), then they’re not going to be able to want to change. My dad described himself once as “not an alcoholic - an alcohol-dependent.” Sigh. He did manage to reduce his intake towards the end of his life, for reasons too complex to go into, and I think it probably gave him a few extra years. I think we’re talking about different aspects.
I respectfully disagree on the “dole” issue. They once checked on the number of “welfare cheats” so beloved of Reaganites, and found less than one percent. Also, the way it is set up discourages people - going from scraping by with welfare to making less from a job. If we implemented work-welfare plans, which have been squelched in the past by Republicans, I think it would work better.