Bernie Sanders is a bad ass

[Lune]

Originally Posted by maskedmelon [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Those who rise from poverty rise from it whether given aid or not. Those who do not, do not whether given aid or not.

This is just not true, and represents such a fundamental lack of understanding about the forces that go into play regarding social mobility.

Yes, exceptional individuals will often improve their station. However, the presence of opportunities, support, and pathways out of poverty not only make it easier for someone to climb out, but also help negate the deleterious effects poverty has on human capital. If you consider the opportunities I had being born rich, to my nephew who was born to a fat white trash druggie mother (drank alcohol while pregnant) and abusive absentee father, who the fuck do you think is going to grow into a more capable person 9 times out of 10? I had a fucking godlike education, excellent nutrition, an extensive support network, great healthcare, my parents paid for my bachelors. I would have to have been completely retarded not to "succeed". Compare that to if I grew up in poverty, and it would have been much more difficult.

Consider the US military, which is in many ways a welfare program for young males. All the myriad benefits that come from military service, including the GI bill, veterans preference points for countless occupations, professional development, occupational training, VA healthcare, etc etc, end up being a springboard out of poverty for many individuals.

I'm not saying I'm even in support of direct welfare. We shouldn't just cut people a check. But things like affordable healthcare, affordable housing, and affordable tuition are not subsidizing stupidity, they are investing in human capital.