The issues run a lot deeper than you make it seem. It isn't just a matter of break the cycle. There are different feedbacks, different cultures, different expectations, different opportunities, etc. For example, people of lower socioeconomic status tend to me more prone to substance abuse just because of their lower socioeconomic status and what comes with that. It isn't that these people are just "lazy"- perhaps some are, but you can't stereotype and say they all or even a majority are- that is just being unfair and unrealistic.
When you are paid more by the government to NOT work, than you would be to actually work, even the most motivated would hesitate.... it takes a special drive to move past that roadblock.
I don't stereotype. I know several wealthy druggies, and some lower income ones too. Just different drugs. I don't deny the issue is much larger in the lower income group. But as with a great number of things, personal motivation comes into play. Not all substance abusers want to shake it, but a good number can and will, given the motivation. If we keep petting them and telling them it's not their fault, what motivation is there?
They are responsible for who they are, and it takes serious motivation to climb up and out. The government is not providing that. Many other groups try, but there just isn't enough of them.
We've gone a bit OT here.
Nutshell is, until a 'perfect' tax system is found, and IMO the progressive tax isn't it, we are still using a system that penalizes two groups, to the benefit of one.
- it is progressive.
