Reply #47: Well. You have more company than you may think.

[pa28]

I won't reply to original post because of DU rules so I'm replying to yours because I thought it was well done.

In the Seattle area I see a surprising number of people living out of cars and vans. The worst part is the number of them who have children.

While "personal responsibility" is sometimes forgotten in pursuit of a lifestyle I often see that phrase used (by conservatives especially) as a convenient way to excuse their basic obligations as citizens. To see homeless children is a traumatic experience for anybody and I think the "personal responsibility" line may be just a crutch for those without the capacity to be troubled by such unpleasantness.

The really extraordinary thing about this is the number of people out there who are a paycheck or two from living on the street yet voted for Bush. Hard lessons are on the way for many and I think the phrase "personal responsibility" may take on a whole new meaning for many who think they have world by tail because they own a cheap rental house or have a job that pays $25 dollars an hour.