Response to Gabrielle

 In many circumstances the people of these communities have not done anything wrong or made wrong choices to end up where their lives have taken them. Some may have had bad luck or horrific things happen to them in their past relationships or health, which resulted in their current state of dismay. Quote #4 sympathizes and asks WHY Mrs. Washington is in this situation. As a result, there should not always be a stigma which assumes that someone who is on welfare messed up their life carelessly. Unfortunately, there are sometimes where there is no clear explanation or reason how someone got to such a low point in their life.

This is a quote from Gabrielle's blog on:

“Amazing Grace: The Lives Of Children And The Conscience Of A Nation” By Jonathan Kozol


This particular quote from Gabrielle resonated with me because many "mainstream" people believe that people choose to live on welfare.  I was in a position once in my life when I needed state medical.  I was a single mother of three working a full time job and going to school.  I did not make enough money to cover health insurance.  I applied for state medical and remained on this throughout my schooling.  Once I graduated and became a registered nurse, I was able to come off welfare and get on the company health insurance.  
Gabrielle is correct in stating there remains a stigma that people on welfare have somehow "messed up" their life.  This is not always true.  People find themselves in situations where they need welfare.  There is also a stigma that people on welfare choose to remain on welfare.  I have had many conversations with people who have said, "well, they just keep popping out kids to remain on welfare.  And here I am working and having taxes taken out to pay for those on welfare."  This idea is very common within the working class society as I have heard this idea more than once.  The truth is, some people do abuse the system.  But there are others who need it to survive.  Welfare is there to help those who need it.  The question remains, do people on welfare have the ability to come off of welfare?   My situation necessitated welfare.  However, I worked hard to transition off of state medical.  Does everyone possess the ability to go to school, get a better job, improve their current financial situation?  I do not know the answer to this.  But I do believe everyone should have the opportunity to improve their lives.  
As a home health nurse, I visited people from every demographic and culture.  I have seen the most wealthy people in their homes and I have visited homeless people.  Gabrielle states that there is no clear explanation for how someone gets to such a point in their life that they end up on welfare.  Seeing patients for more than 10 years I can say that not all of those on welfare are miserable; not all of those who struggle financially seem destitute.  The people described in Mott Haven are extreme.  I have seen some of the most wealthy people living a miserable and lonely life.  I have seen the poorest people helping each other and while they may not have money are content with the family and friends in their life.  It is all about perspective.  You have no idea what has happened in a person's life and to cast judgement is wrong.  Welfare and those living on state assistance are often associated with a negative connotation.  I believe this is wrong and more programs should be developed to assist those on welfare to find better jobs and improved access to schooling.  

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