I saw a cute catchy graphic on a right wing site that said "I am happy to pay taxes to support the needy - I am not happy to pay taxes to support the lazy." While this may sound like something we can all get behind, it really is a great way of looking at the difference between liberals and conservatives. Right wing conservatives feel empowered to decide for everyone who is needy versus who is lazy. Liberals are willing to accept that those who say they are in need really are needy.  I am sure there are those that abuse the system, but I am also sure the vast majority of those receiving social support would love to move up the socioeconomic pecking order, I am sure the vast majority of those receiving social services would be willing to work incredibly hard to improve their situations. I am sure the vast majority of those on unemployment would love to be back in the work force.

Does anyone really believe that those receiving aid are lazy? Does anyone really believe that the vast majority of single mothers receiving WIC are not trapped and working incredibly long hours just to survive? Does anyone really believe that the vast majority of those needing an extension of unemployment benefits are not out looking for work and desperate to again be gainfully employed.

Perhaps rather than being lazy, the failure of many might come from a lack of education and social support. Maybe instead of cutting spending we increase spending on education, spend more on the welfare of women and children, spend more on providing heath care to all, in order to stop the cycle of dependence on society.

What just makes no sense to me is that we, as a society, are not willing to spend now to educate and elevate rather than spending a whole lot more in the future to permanently provide for those in need who will never be able to permanently change their situation.

Personally, "I am happy to pay more taxes to support the needy and to help all of society, nuf said."