Anonymous - Message to US Citizens 6/26/16

rgambs · June 2016

myoung321 said:
You're using the most extreme example of African genocides to justify poverty in the richest country on earth?

Like I said, its easy to think everything is gravey when you yourself are comfortable.. next time you travel to a PJ show and can enjoy those benefits of your situation. Remember those working at those places or selling you that lunch.. they are probably making minimum wage and a trip to see a band would be equivalent to us hoping on a private jet headed to our villa in the south of France.. Maybe you could...but that isn;t in my realm of reality... perspective... I was lucky enough to do okay.. sounds like you were too.. many of our fellow Americans did not and will not have that same chance. Hell they don't even want them to have $15 an hour... could you live on that?

What would your life be at $7,25 an hour?

My point is that true poverty is extremely rare, if it exists at all, in America.
Our poorest eat, sleep, and get life saving medical care. I grew up "poor" and know many people below the poverty line and we/they rarely go to bed hungry.

Yes, we need to right the balance and get capital in the hands of the people, but revolution isn't necessary for that to happen.

Thirty Bills Unpaid · June 2016

It's relative, RG.

While I agree with your general premise, telling people who are struggling that it could be worse to 'think of Africans' is insensitive. In this day and age... where and whom you are born to means all.

There's no question a massive redistribution of wealth needs to occur. Capitalism is a nasty thing. It'll never happen until a global apocalypse occurs though. One day, we'll all be in the same boat.

PJPOWER · June 2016

Thirty Bills Unpaid said:
It's relative, RG.

While I agree with your general premise, telling people who are struggling that it could be worse to 'think of Africans' is insensitive. In this day and age... where and whom you are born to means all.

There's no question a massive redistribution of wealth needs to occur. Capitalism is a nasty thing. It'll never happen until a global apocalypse occurs though. One day, we'll all be in the same boat.

All in poverty?

hedonist · June 2016

What happened to reaping what you sow, for better or worse? My husband and I have worked our asses off for what we have (beginning at minimum wage in our teens as most do, and moving past that, as most do), and give as we can - of our own volition. I don't need or want others determining how we should spend, donate, or "redistribute" what we've earned. We can figure that out for ourselves. Hell, we already do.

Thirty Bills Unpaid · June 2016

hedonist said:
What happened to reaping what you sow, for better or worse? My husband and I have worked our asses off for what we have (beginning at minimum wage in our teens as most do, and moving past that, as most do), and give as we can - of our own volition. I don't need or want others determining how we should spend, donate, or "redistribute" what we've earned. We can figure that out for ourselves. Hell, we already do.

I don't think the problem sits with you and your husband, Hedo. The problem lurks in a few select bank accounts where a few people own more than enough to buy a country of they wanted to.

Why have six billion when one billion would suffice?

Thirty Bills Unpaid · June 2016

* And reaping what you sow is overrated given the lack of opportunity so many face. Digging yourself out of the gutter isn't as easy as some movies might suggest.

PJPOWER · June 2016

hedonist said:
What happened to reaping what you sow, for better or worse? My husband and I have worked our asses off for what we have (beginning at minimum wage in our teens as most do, and moving past that, as most do), and give as we can - of our own volition. I don't need or want others determining how we should spend, donate, or "redistribute" what we've earned. We can figure that out for ourselves. Hell, we already do.

I agree and am in the same boat here, but there is a popular idea right now that anyone that "gets ahead" must somehow be there because they were "lucky" or screwing others to get there. The fact is, we live responsibly, are smart with finances, work our asses off, sacrifice pleasure when needed, etc. If we were taking out loans to go to Pearl Jam concerts, buy cars, etc, then we would probably not be in a good place financially. I think a BIG problem in today's society is consumerism and people living way beyond their means. Sure some people are dealt a rough hand, but if you are a methed out "gangsta" with a face tattoo complaining that you cannot get a good paying job or a Cheetos eating lazy ass spending your time playing video games in your parent's basement, then you have earned yourself a financial-"fuck you".
This entitled idea that life is butterflies and roses and everyone should have the same this or that is pretty unrealistic. If you have truly become impoverished because of unfortunate events or illness then I am all about lending a helping hand, but I have little respect or empathy for those that are irresponsible and self-destructive and complain about how life is unfair...rant over.

jwhjr17 · June 2016

Thirty Bills Unpaid said:
It's relative, RG.
There's no question a massive redistribution of wealth needs to occur. Capitalism is a nasty thing. It'll never happen until a global apocalypse occurs though. One day, we'll all be in the same boat.

Surely you're joking?

PJfanwillneverleave1 · June 2016

PJPOWER said:

show previous quotes
hedonist said:
What happened to reaping what you sow, for better or worse? My husband and I have worked our asses off for what we have (beginning at minimum wage in our teens as most do, and moving past that, as most do), and give as we can - of our own volition. I don't need or want others determining how we should spend, donate, or "redistribute" what we've earned. We can figure that out for ourselves. Hell, we already do.
I agree and am in the same boat here, but there is a popular idea right now that anyone that "gets ahead" must somehow be there because they were "lucky" or screwing others to get there. The fact is, we live responsibly, are smart with finances, work our asses off, sacrifice pleasure when needed, etc. If we were taking out loans to go to Pearl Jam concerts, buy cars, etc, then we would probably not be in a good place financially. I think a BIG problem in today's society is consumerism and people living way beyond their means. Sure some people are dealt a rough hand, but if you are a methed out "gangsta" with a face tattoo complaining that you cannot get a good paying job or a Cheetos eating lazy ass spending your time playing video games in your parent's basement, then you have earned yourself a financial-"fuck you".
This entitled idea that life is butterflies and roses and everyone should have the same this or that is pretty unrealistic. If you have truly become impoverished because of unfortunate events or illness then I am all about lending a helping hand, but I have little respect or empathy for those that are irresponsible and self-destructive and complain about how life is unfair...rant over.

That's a good rant.
Don't forget to add potheads who barely live paycheque to paycheque but always have money for weed.

Go Beavers · June 2016

PJPOWER said:

show previous quotes
hedonist said:
What happened to reaping what you sow, for better or worse? My husband and I have worked our asses off for what we have (beginning at minimum wage in our teens as most do, and moving past that, as most do), and give as we can - of our own volition. I don't need or want others determining how we should spend, donate, or "redistribute" what we've earned. We can figure that out for ourselves. Hell, we already do.
I agree and am in the same boat here, but there is a popular idea right now that anyone that "gets ahead" must somehow be there because they were "lucky" or screwing others to get there. The fact is, we live responsibly, are smart with finances, work our asses off, sacrifice pleasure when needed, etc. If we were taking out loans to go to Pearl Jam concerts, buy cars, etc, then we would probably not be in a good place financially. I think a BIG problem in today's society is consumerism and people living way beyond their means. Sure some people are dealt a rough hand, but if you are a methed out "gangsta" with a face tattoo complaining that you cannot get a good paying job or a Cheetos eating lazy ass spending your time playing video games in your parent's basement, then you have earned yourself a financial-"fuck you".
This entitled idea that life is butterflies and roses and everyone should have the same this or that is pretty unrealistic. If you have truly become impoverished because of unfortunate events or illness then I am all about lending a helping hand, but I have little respect or empathy for those that are irresponsible and self-destructive and complain about how life is unfair...rant over.

So you start your rant saying that you don't like to be stereotyped, and then you finish it by stereotyping others?

PJPOWER · June 2016

Go Beavers said:

show previous quotes
PJPOWER said:

hedonist said:
What happened to reaping what you sow, for better or worse? My husband and I have worked our asses off for what we have (beginning at minimum wage in our teens as most do, and moving past that, as most do), and give as we can - of our own volition. I don't need or want others determining how we should spend, donate, or "redistribute" what we've earned. We can figure that out for ourselves. Hell, we already do.
I agree and am in the same boat here, but there is a popular idea right now that anyone that "gets ahead" must somehow be there because they were "lucky" or screwing others to get there. The fact is, we live responsibly, are smart with finances, work our asses off, sacrifice pleasure when needed, etc. If we were taking out loans to go to Pearl Jam concerts, buy cars, etc, then we would probably not be in a good place financially. I think a BIG problem in today's society is consumerism and people living way beyond their means. Sure some people are dealt a rough hand, but if you are a methed out "gangsta" with a face tattoo complaining that you cannot get a good paying job or a Cheetos eating lazy ass spending your time playing video games in your parent's basement, then you have earned yourself a financial-"fuck you".
This entitled idea that life is butterflies and roses and everyone should have the same this or that is pretty unrealistic. If you have truly become impoverished because of unfortunate events or illness then I am all about lending a helping hand, but I have little respect or empathy for those that are irresponsible and self-destructive and complain about how life is unfair...rant over.
So you start your rant saying that you don't like to be stereotyped, and then you finish it by stereotyping others?

I don't really care if I'm stereotyped, I just stated that it's a popular idea

PJPOWER · June 2016

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

show previous quotes
PJPOWER said:

hedonist said:
What happened to reaping what you sow, for better or worse? My husband and I have worked our asses off for what we have (beginning at minimum wage in our teens as most do, and moving past that, as most do), and give as we can - of our own volition. I don't need or want others determining how we should spend, donate, or "redistribute" what we've earned. We can figure that out for ourselves. Hell, we already do.
I agree and am in the same boat here, but there is a popular idea right now that anyone that "gets ahead" must somehow be there because they were "lucky" or screwing others to get there. The fact is, we live responsibly, are smart with finances, work our asses off, sacrifice pleasure when needed, etc. If we were taking out loans to go to Pearl Jam concerts, buy cars, etc, then we would probably not be in a good place financially. I think a BIG problem in today's society is consumerism and people living way beyond their means. Sure some people are dealt a rough hand, but if you are a methed out "gangsta" with a face tattoo complaining that you cannot get a good paying job or a Cheetos eating lazy ass spending your time playing video games in your parent's basement, then you have earned yourself a financial-"fuck you".
This entitled idea that life is butterflies and roses and everyone should have the same this or that is pretty unrealistic. If you have truly become impoverished because of unfortunate events or illness then I am all about lending a helping hand, but I have little respect or empathy for those that are irresponsible and self-destructive and complain about how life is unfair...rant over.
That's a good rant.
Don't forget to add potheads who barely live paycheque to paycheque but always have money for weed.

Lol, most "potheads" I know are actually quite responsible comparatively

hedonist · June 2016

Thirty, you make a good point...but what about making your own opportunity?

Or learning from bad decisions, or just digging yourself out of a hole? No matter if borne of circumstances or choices?

I have. Many I know have.

(if hope can grow from dirt like me, it can be done

)

And yeah, PJPOWER - maybe the comment you responded to was a passive-aggressive dig - sometimes tough to tell in this medium, but as someone who has been partaking of the green for more than 40 years, and living a pretty fucking nice life - well-earned too! - I'd give a big YUP to what you said.

RoleModelsinBlood31 · June 2016

It's all relative and built on expectations. In this country we have people living in "poverty" with a large screen tv, an Xbox, a car, and food. Hard to use the same term that people living on dirt floors use. Poverty is hardly that in the USA. Lower your expectations and you'll be fine.

PJ_Soul · June 2016

myoung321 said:
"We" aren't,, but many in this country are... and many are 1 paycheck away from being homeless or hungry. We have more wealth ever known by man, yet 65% of American homes make less than 60k a year with both parents working. Still really no affordable healthcare, education budgets being cut all over the country in the richest country on earth?? why ?

I agree. The fight continues. There is nothing democratic about what's going on for a lot of workers. Anti-unionism is working ONLY for corporations and the ultra rich, but somehow they have managed to convince the masses that a fight for workers isn't necessary anymore or that they can somehow make it work through elections. It's one of the biggest scams in the history of the world.

Degeneratefk · June 2016

3 groups I found one should not fuck with: the mob, hells angels, and anonymous.

Thirty Bills Unpaid · June 2016

jwhjr17 said:

show previous quotes
Thirty Bills Unpaid said:
It's relative, RG.
There's no question a massive redistribution of wealth needs to occur. Capitalism is a nasty thing. It'll never happen until a global apocalypse occurs though. One day, we'll all be in the same boat.
Surely you're joking?

No I'm not.

One generation will experience a global crisis and be in the same boat.

jwhjr17 · June 2016

Redistributing all of the wealth will solve it eh? I better go stock up on tinfoil to make sure I have a steady supply of hats.

RoleModelsinBlood31 · June 2016

PJPOWER said:

show previous quotes
hedonist said:
What happened to reaping what you sow, for better or worse? My husband and I have worked our asses off for what we have (beginning at minimum wage in our teens as most do, and moving past that, as most do), and give as we can - of our own volition. I don't need or want others determining how we should spend, donate, or "redistribute" what we've earned. We can figure that out for ourselves. Hell, we already do.
I agree and am in the same boat here, but there is a popular idea right now that anyone that "gets ahead" must somehow be there because they were "lucky" or screwing others to get there. The fact is, we live responsibly, are smart with finances, work our asses off, sacrifice pleasure when needed, etc. If we were taking out loans to go to Pearl Jam concerts, buy cars, etc, then we would probably not be in a good place financially. I think a BIG problem in today's society is consumerism and people living way beyond their means. Sure some people are dealt a rough hand, but if you are a methed out "gangsta" with a face tattoo complaining that you cannot get a good paying job or a Cheetos eating lazy ass spending your time playing video games in your parent's basement, then you have earned yourself a financial-"fuck you".
This entitled idea that life is butterflies and roses and everyone should have the same this or that is pretty unrealistic. If you have truly become impoverished because of unfortunate events or illness then I am all about lending a helping hand, but I have little respect or empathy for those that are irresponsible and self-destructive and complain about how life is unfair...rant over.

Hell yeah, great rant. I'm tired of the "if you have money you're evil" bs.

mrussel1 · June 2016

Thirty Bills Unpaid said:
It's relative, RG.

While I agree with your general premise, telling people who are struggling that it could be worse to 'think of Africans' is insensitive. In this day and age... where and whom you are born to means all.

There's no question a massive redistribution of wealth needs to occur. Capitalism is a nasty thing. It'll never happen until a global apocalypse occurs though. One day, we'll all be in the same boat.

Capitalism may be a nasty thing, but it's the least nasty of the economic systems. The relative health and prosperity of the majority of US citizens proves that, IMO. Unfortunately capitalism by its very nature creates winners and losers. That's why I consider myself a capitalist but one that believes in a social safety net, to catch the losers.

BTW, someone pointed out above that more Americans are below the poverty line than ever. That is true. But it's a function of population growth. You can see here that the % has been relatively consistent for 60 +years. And the ability to afford college has nothing to do with poverty. The cost curve for college is so out of whack that it's sickening. Students are receiving a club Med type education but are walking out of school 150k in debt for it.

Anonymous - Message to US Citizens 6/26/16

Comments

Welcome!

Quick Links

Categories