Don’t Be Quick to Judge Others

To the Editor:
I was not favorably impressed by the recent letter to the editor titled, “Break the Cycle of Dependency,” nor by those who gave the writer kudos in Spout Off. The letter and spouts glibly condemn those who are in need of social services and assistance as lazy and opportunistic. However, it is clear that they have done no research into the tangled web of regulations that force an individual to choose between working a minimum wage job, which does not provide sufficient funds to adequately sustain a small family unit, or to quit the job, go on public assistance and receive services that include rental assistance. Nothing is as simple as it may seem from the outside.
I am sure that it is true that many who find themselves in need have made some poor choices, perhaps of their own doing or perhaps as a result of having no guidance, encouragement or support, either educationally or emotionally from their families. Yes, there are those who are without scruples who ‘play the system.’ But the fact remains that there are also those who are attempting to re-establish themselves, provide for their families and regain independence.
The Family Promise program offers a hand up, not a hand out. They help families recover from economic adversity and move forward as employed, independent citizens. I urge the letter writer and the Spouters to learn about the Family Promise program. Rather than trash it they might want to become volunteers.
You can go through life judging and condemning others or you can roll up your sleeves and work to correct the injustices and inequities of our society. In the end, we each will be judged by the choices we make.