with the sweeping new changes to the welfare programs looming,my story...

[w8liftinglady]

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nationworld/bal-te.nationlede28jun28,0,2152733.story?coll=bal-nationworld-headlines
The Bush administration plans to issue sweeping new rules today that will require states to move much larger numbers of poor people from welfare to work.

I became pregnant in my sophmore year in college.I was both thrilled and terrified,as I really had no usable skills.Thanks to the help I received from the state of Texas and the Federal government,I was able to go to school fulltime,while still being able to support my son and get him decent healthcare.I became a nurse in 1985.Since then,I have saved...hell,I don't know how many hundreds of lives,since I have worked in some of the busiest ICUs in the state.I have also,thank God,kept my humanity,and helped thousands of people cope with the death of someone dear to them.That baby I raised with their help served our country three times in Iraq.I'm no one special,but none of this would have happened if it hadn't been for that help when I was down.Why does our government focus on putting poor people to work in menial jobs,when getting a decent education would serve our nation so much more?I wish they would focus more on job training,college and childcare,so that people COULD escape the vicious cycle of public assistance.I'm not ashamed of my past.It's a part of me that I'm glad I kept.

[madaboutharry]

1. They want an underclass

I really believe this. There are people in this government who truly believe with the deepest conviction that not all are equal and not all should have an equal chance. It serves them and keeps them powerful and wealthy, to have an underclass of workers who are poorly educated, poorly skilled, and can do the menial jobs that there own children will never have to do. It is what Sen. Obama has called "Social Darwinism" and don't believe for a moment that people like George Bush don't believe in it.

[Cleita]

2. I hope when we finally put this administration in jail, we can

end this welfare to work nonsense with something sensible like other progressive countries have.

[w8liftinglady]

3. I agree...

there are so many bright people out there that just need a break!Tuition is sky-high,and the cost of living is just climbing.The system needs fixing.

[Oilwellian]

4. How will states afford the childcare?

Having worked for Head Start when welfare reform swept the country, costs to the state and federal govt went up because mothers needed childcare. I don't see how they can afford the extra costs when you consider the deficit most states and the fed are carrying now.

Congrats on your accomplishments in life. It was the most rewarding part of my job when I saw Head Start give mothers an avenue to place their children in a good environment and at the same time encourage her to take advantage of the services available that could help her become self-sufficient.

[w8liftinglady]

5. I want you to know that it DID make a difference.

My social workers were some of the most supportive people.I wanted to give in many times,but they helped me see the long-time benefits of this.I owe them my life.

[Oilwellian]

7. That's wonderful to hear

I supervised the Family Services component of our local Head Start and we were responsible for working with the parents in particular. In most cases, the parents who worked their way out of poverty did so because of a strong support system. There are services available that help women in poverty...unfortunately there isn't near enough money available to provide those services to all who need them.

In my experience, I found most women with babies to be the most difficult to serve. They had a child old enough for Head Start, but were placed on a waiting list to receive childcare for their babies if they wanted to go back to work or school. I'm sure the lists are even longer now with 4 million more added to the poverty statistics since Bush took office. That's why I'm wondering where the feds and the states will have the extra money to pay for this childcare if they're going to force these mothers back to work.

I suspect it'll be another no child left behind scenario. The idea sounds good to the republican base but when it comes up to forking out the dinero, it's just not gonna happen. It's far cheaper to just pay the mother AFDC benefits and allow her to stay home with the baby.

Again, I'm always inspired when I read about a mother who pulled herself out of poverty. It's one of the hardest things to do when you consider the mentally challenging issues surrounding poverty. Kudos to you and your son for the strength and fortitude it took to overcome these challenges.

[Terran1212]

6. I thought they already did this welfare-to-work crap

Why don't they just do like the Dead Kennedys sang and just kill the poor while they're at it?