LOOK AT THESE PICTURES AND DISCOVER WHERE YOU STAND----POLITICALLY

Getting these pictures and story is like finding the continental divide between Republicans and Democrats-----Conservatives and Liberals.

In a medium sized town, I saw this sight---quickly took a picture and hurried to catch them.

I introduced myself---made the right comments---asked for the story.

She dragged her passenger to a talking place and they told me.

Then continued their treck.

I will summarize the story---then I want to ask you a question.  

They are brother and sister (names and town withheld) and they live in the nearby woods in a tent---for 2 weeks of the month.  For two weeks they stay in a motel: cost: $500.  He injured his ankle some days ago and she padded the cart with cardboard for these outings.  They are on their way to churches to ask for assistance.  Now here's the shocker:  He gets SSI disability income of $900 a month. (mental) She gets $200 in food stamps.  Both smoke (roll your own) cigaretts: total cost: $100 a month.  Their money never lasts the month and so they go begging.

Now dear reader: How would you have society respond to these (literal) basket cases?  I'll tell you in a day or two what I think.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES:  Theirs is not a dreadful situation.  They will not starve and they sleep in reasonable comfort even when they camp.  Most importantly THEY HAVE EACH OTHER!!  Have formed a symbiotic relationship---she needs his money and he needs her company and leadership.  ALSO: THEY HAVE THINGS TO DO---challenges---eating, bathroom---life adjustments.  As a pair they are so much better off than loner vagrants.  They can commiserate with one another.
Even so, they live in wretchedness---OF THE MENTAL KIND.  They both feel victimized---take no responsibility for their situation and are indeed a "bottomless pit" that no well meaning government program can fill---regardless how much money we dump into them.  In this---the right wingers are correct.  (Oprah gave a bum $10,000 and predictably he blew it quickly)
I think their benefits should be reduced to about $400 --- That amount of money would put some URGENCY into their life----would stimulate some CREATIVITY---some hustle, some challenge, some zest.  Rats deprived of easy food become very active searchers.  The trick is to find a balance between indulgence and unconcern.  (creative deprivation)