Friday, January 19, 2007

To Clarify...

So both Tim and Ashley had really good points in their comments on yesterday's post. And I should make it clear that I was not proud of what went through my head and onto my blog when I saw the woman using WIC for the milk, but that's the way I think sometimes. And to make it clear again, I totally think we should help support the poor, I am definitely a social liberal, but my point is that I think people should think about their financial resources when they choose their family size. And I wish that our goverment would be more proactive about educating people about birth control to allow people of all income levels to control their family size. BUT Tim brings up an excellent point about people needing assistance sometimes. What if I got pregnant again and whammo Tim lost his job? I know we'd both be grateful to have that help. Thanks for helping me see things from the other angle, guys, sometimes my selfishness makes me ill.

2 comments:

mamashine said...

It's not like they give you a whole lot of money, and the stuff you can buy with WIC really is necessary stuff. Although I had always heard that you didn't qualify for it if there was a man in the house (WOMEN INFANTS and CHILDREN) so that confused me a bit.

Marsha said...

Julie, I know how you feel. When I worked for the pre-natal program at a local hospital, I became somewhat bitter about social welfare - and I am as liberal as they come - I think. Anyway, Very young, pregant, unwed women would come to my office seeking free services and free car seats etc. And all I could think when I watched them get out their brand new medicaid cards was that my paycheck was docked money I could not really spare so that this girl could have a baby and get a free car seat. I actually had to leave the job because I did not like the bitter person I had become.

Now I am back to being able to say that the baby didn't choose its circumstances and deserves to be strapped in safely no matter what.

What still makes me bitter is the tax burden on the middle class. The big squeeze from below and above. We sustain them both and it seems no one is looking out for us.

But I have to remember to keep from blaming those below. The culture has left some of them little choice and few examples of how to be different. I feel lucky I don't need WIC to feed my kid. I'm glad it is there for those who truly need it. And those who abuse the system, well I hope they get what they deserve. Whatever that is.