Are most people poor because of poor choices they made in life?

I truly believe that. Although not as much so since this economy crashed. It has made many more poor even though they did most things right. But on a whole, I think people are poor because of bad choices they made in life. I also think Democrats make them feel they can not succeed without them. So instead of helping to lift them up, it keeps them down.

 

In a capitalist system, everyone can't be rich.

 

In general? Yes. It would be nice if High School students were required to take courses on finding a good job, handling money, saving for your future and investing wisely.

 

In a capitalist system people have opportunity. It's up to them to take the risk.

 

I think it depends on the system they grow up in. In many, if not most places in the world, it doesn't matter how smart, gifted or motivated you are, you may not have that opportunity. Certainly during the middle ages, the smartest serf was still just a serf.

However in most of the West, poor choices seem to be the determining factor. At least, that's been my personal observation from most of the people I know who are poor. I suppose bad luck could play a part in that, but that's not been my observation.

 

Some are, some aren't...

*shrug*

 

Yup - and the worst choice was to go into debt. Never buy anything on credit. I never have.

 

Credit is evil...

 

In fact the complete opposite is true. You must mean our new system that you clearly so enjoy....socialism/communism take your pick.

 

I buy just about everything on credit, as long as the terms are in my favor. I never pass up an opportunity to use another person's money for free.

 

There are a lot of self-destructive people out there, but there are millions out there who are just too ugly and/or too stupid (or whatever) to be successful. It's a sad fact of life that conservatives just don't want to take into account.

 

You are right on the money with that sentiment. Democrats live off the hoplessness of the poor. Improving the poor's lot in life too much will risk the poor defecting to the party of make your own way in the world.

 

In a socialist system, nobody can be rich!

 

Maybe. Just not in OUR capitalist system.

 

Baloney. You don't think there are multi-billionaires in Europe???

 

Sure they can...

There are plenty of cases worldwide...

 

Most poor people globally are poor because of geography and to who their biological parents are. Their chances of ever climbing out of the poverty treadmill are very remote.

 

"Are most people poor because of poor choices they made in life?"


To a reasonable extent, yes, I believe this is true.

I say reasonable extent, because I'm not sure of the time frame you're referring specifically. Maybe three generations ago, I would not necessarily agree that poverty was solely resulting from bad choices. But certainly in recent years, I would think so.

Also, as you correctly noted Marine1, the recent near depression in the U.S., has attributed to the divide. But, even with this, opportunities are waiting.

 

That's true. But it doesn't mean most people can't get ahead and be middle class. or close to it. I feel I'm rich if I can pay my bills, have food on the table and have a little luxuries like a car, television, washer and dryer, etc. and be able to go places at least once or twice a year.

 

I think it's choices. In the US everyone has the oppertunity to better themselves. It's just a matter of applying themselves and working hard. If you are a slacker you will be poor. If you work hard you will open doors to success.

 

That's true. I was speaking mostly of the US, but it also holds true with other industrial countries. Sorry I wasn't clearer. That definitely isn't true with these poorer countries. They are stuck in an environment they can't change.

 

It's not an all or nothing game.

_

 

For the most part, yes. Its certainly harder to start a the bottom, but too many people scrape their way out. Its the same thing as people who claim they're obese and its not their fault or they're so unlucky because bad things always happen to them. Its not bad luck...its a constant flow of bad decisions that leads to bad events. Exceptions ALWAYS apply, but its not the rule.

Irresponsible people who can't take care of themselves have kids who never learn to take care of themselves. Some break the cycle. Too many don't.
Who's fault is it when inner city kids think education is less important than owning a cool pair of sneakers? Its the parents obviously. Who's fault is it when the parents don't teach their kids ethics and discipline? Bankers? The govt? Who's fault is it when poor people have 3 or 4 kids? Bankers? Rich people? Who's fault is it when you have kids when you're not married? Who's fault is it when I see poor people walking around in nicer clothes than I do? Marketing execs? Who's fault is it when I see a house that looks in terrible shape, with a 40k+ car sitting in the driveway? Or, a $500 car that looks like its going to fall apart with $5k rims on it? Who signed the lease?

How can you sign a mortgage that you can't afford? You simply can NOT blame the bank. The numbers are right there and you sign the thing on EVERY page. If you didn't plan a budget or stupidly assumed, you'd make X amount, X number of years from now, so you'd be OK later on, who's fault is it? Yours or the bank's?

Liberals sadly perpetuate the cycle by being too cowardly and PC to put the blame where it belongs. On the PEOPLE. I want to hear a president tell everyone "YOU ALL HAVE TO BE MORE RESPONSIBLE" and not sugar coat it. Tell them the govt is NOT here to take care of you. We're here to protect you from catastrophe or for the short term. But you can't rely on us your whole lives.

I also equate it to certain races who have a high number of poor, not embracing the correct role models.

 

For the most part, I agree. However, one problem with youth in poverty is somehow they are convinced that hard work will not pay off. I see it in schools all the time. Teachers and counselors try everything they know to help students realize that their choices do make a difference, but it often falls on deaf ears. When a child is surrounded at home by adults who make no effort and have never gone anywhere or done anything, it's hard for them to imagine a different life. When you pile learning difficulties and failure in school on top of it the logical choice, unfortunately, seems to them to join a gang and take what they want. There are always a few who keep their heads down, move on to college or other training, and get out, but the pressure to screw up and stay put is great.

 

That's because we are suffering from the entitlement age within the US. They see that they can comfortably survive by doing nothing. They are raised in that enviroment and it's normal for them. They are given too much so they have no drive to better themselves. Take away half of thier entitlements and it would change. Until then the majority of the poor will stay poor.