Welfare and Work Ethic
This past Sunday I ran into a friend of mine from my time working for AHCCS, Arizona’s Medicaid program. We pretty quickly ended up in an animated discussion on differences we’ve experiences between the work ethics of those who’ve struggled to work their way up and those just starting out on their careers. Lots of generalizations there but we were sharing war stories and not solving problems. Mid conversation we were interrupted by a man who, angrily, interjected,
“Or there are those that just want to live off the government, be controlled by the government and never do anything in life but put their hand out.”
Interesting comment to add to a conversation on the work ethic of the underprivileged; but ok, in an attempt to be inclusive I responded, “We were just discussing how not having to struggle, having your way paved for you seems to lead to a sense of entitlement in some younger people. What are your thoughts on that?”
<Insert nonsensical mumbling here.>
As he walked away my friend jumped in with a ‘Who does he think he is?’ rant all about making assumptions, ignorance and that ridiculous need to spout of opinions. All of which got me thinking about why I took the polite route when what I should have said was that he was speaking to two people who had directly benefited from government assistance, who pushed to stand up on their own two feet and who work hard every day to make sure that they won’t need to again.
And more importantly that we are the norm and not the exception.
So this one is for you, angry old man, thank you for reminding me that sometimes it’s better to be open than polite. I’ll be ready for you next time!
Esprit De Escalier 
He wouldn’t have stood a chance against you. 🙂