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In reply to the discussion: My family and I are in Holland on a visit [View all]SunSeeker
(51,550 posts)50. America's unique view of poverty as a moral failing goes back to the pilgrims.
Since the days of the pioneers, we have worshiped individual achievement over community service. Anyone who has not achieved financial success or is mired in poverty is seen as lacking moral character. This is further compounded by the virulent racism in this country that results in people of color disproportionately making up the ranks of the poor. Hence, America sees the poor as people who brought their poverty on themselves and deserve their fate. America has always shamed and punished the poor, like all the calls for drug testing of food stamp recipients.
In a nutshell, America hates the poor.
It took me a while to accept this odious fact, but it is the only thing that explains our national priorities.
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I know how that feels. I had faith in my people to do the right thing, too.
Silver Gaia
Mar 2017
#15
You damage you thesis by referring to the "Russian and Putin communists." Putin and
KingCharlemagne
Mar 2017
#20
Sigh They do NOT act like former communists (or current communists). The
KingCharlemagne
Mar 2017
#33
Sure seems like Cold War 2.0 to me; Russians and Putin hacking everything
democratisphere
Mar 2017
#37
This Cold War v 2.0 to which you allude is happening between capitalist-imperialist
KingCharlemagne
Mar 2017
#38
Not to rain on your parade, but the Dutch have much to answer for for their
KingCharlemagne
Mar 2017
#21
Yeah, I get your point (I think). Here's a thought experiment for you: how much
KingCharlemagne
Mar 2017
#30
I'll leave you to your weekend with a quote from the great French writer Honore
KingCharlemagne
Mar 2017
#36
The US era of global leadership has certainly been hurt by GW and now Trump
Martin Eden
Mar 2017
#16
Without a doubt, Europe has lost confidence in the US as "leader" of the Free World
Martin Eden
Mar 2017
#42
I've been quite disappointed in the US in my later years. I had thought the US would be much
RKP5637
Mar 2017
#29
The Dutch avoided a far rightie recently but Id be interested to know if they think it will continue
lunasun
Mar 2017
#28
...Why do the so-called patriots insist that America is an 'every man and woman for themselves'
PatrickforO
Mar 2017
#46
You should have asked the Dutch family how many political parties there are in Holland
DFW
Mar 2017
#48
America's unique view of poverty as a moral failing goes back to the pilgrims.
SunSeeker
Mar 2017
#50
I have 2 cousins who live in Holland. They said they will never come back to America
SummerSnow
Mar 2017
#51