[mellonxcollie]

Just wondering what percentage of people in this thread work jobs and support themselves 100%? How many do or have had to rely on government assistance? How many rely on their parents, student loans? This is a question I am asking in earnest. I live in Detroit and see many people struggle daily, myself and Ipatch included, and I'm not sure that many of you actually have experience with any of this first-hand.

I do not believe that people who use government aid should totally be deprived of any and all luxury items. Do you believe that people who use foodstamps should not be allowed to have cable TV? What about internet? Cell phone? Video games? New clothes? Pets? I find it interesting that you specifically mentioned alcohol and cigarettes, despite these just being luxury items like many others.