Andre Bauer and his "Don't Feed the Poor Kids" Comment

I had to write a response to this comment:

Mr. Bauer,

The problem of poverty is apparently much more varied than some people can understand. The issues enveloping poverty must be treated before removing the so-called crutch. I'll leave you with a bit of advice to counter that of your grandmothers.



If you have stray animals overwhelming your doorstep and you feed them, they will indeed come back. You can take the food away, and they will forage elsewhere, and many will perish. It's completely fair to say that the burden of feeding them all is too heavy a burden to bare; however, smart people will find a solution to the problem by asking why there are so many "stray" animals, and the smart one will find a humane way to begin resolving the situation while finding a way to care for the immediate needs.

I find it repulsive that this sort of political talk separates the parties ideologically. Why breed such anger? Yes, it is agreeable that we all cannot keep "feeding" the poor through all the various programs available: rental assistance, reduced or free lunches, TANF, food stamps, Etc; however, removing the bandage is not yet the solution.

If you truly believe that many poor people are lazy, How many jobs did you hold while taking full time classes in college? How did you pay for your dorm, or your clothes, or your car? In high school, did you have to beg family members for rides to the local library so you could use the computer or typewriter to complete research assignments? How did you manage living in a forsaken community shunned by the regional area, bereft of employment opportunities, ample transit, and educational facilities? If you had help from your parents, you're no more of a hard worker then those who live in situations I've just described. You are more fortunate then they, and you might consider thanking your family for giving you the "assistance" that so many stray animals and children do not have.

I concede, Mr. Bauer, that there is an inkling of a point to your sentiment; however, please, as a member of a political system, you have the responsibility to broaden your intellectual understanding of humanity.