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"The theory behind cash rewards is that poor people are trapped in a cycle of repeated setbacks that keep them from climbing out of poverty"

-- Money is never the answer. If they think cash rewards will teach people and help them out of poverty then they are wrong. The answer lies in knowledge, in education on how to apply correct financial principles. I truly believe that anyone who has experienced financial set-backs that put them in the "poverty" income level can break out -- if they do not have a poverty mindset. The only thing that actually traps people is their mindset. I look at my in-laws who have experienced a true financial set-back with Tina's 2 1/2 week hospital stay and major surgery operation (without any health insurance). Do I think that they will hit rock bottom and fall into the poverty cycle?? Heck no, while this experience sure could have thrown someone else into the poverty cycle of chasing payments and never making ends meet and thinking their is no "way out" (unless something like winning the lottery happens, or other unprincipled ways of getting money), I see them as people who will turn their brains on, and find a way to increase their means and work smarter to pay off this debt.

"The program "gives New Yorkers in poverty a financial incentive to look ahead and make decisions that will improve their prospects for the future," he said in a statement."

-- What about teaching them true incentives, such as being a good steward, and living by principle, rather than thinking the government should swoop in and pay you for getting an A on your report card?

"It just reinforces the impression that if everybody would just work hard enough and change their personal behavior we could solve poverty in this country, and that's not reflected in the facts," said Margy Waller, co-founder of Inclusion, a research and policy group in Washington. Waller, who served as a domestic policy adviser in the Clinton administration, said it would be more effective to focus on labor issues, such as making sure wage laws are enforced and improving benefits for working people."

-- I would really like to know what "facts" this socialist is citing to say that changing personal behavior can't solve poverty. True, it's not just about behavior, it is in your mindset. I just think it is complete socialism to once again think the problem is minimum wage, and lack of benefits. Look at the church's way of helping people in poverty. They say, ok, you're on hard times, let us help you with some food. In exchange will you help clean the church this saturday, work at D.I. ect ect... tehy're not teaching dependence on the church, their emphasizing self-reliance. It just makes me think of President Benson's talk, "The Proper Role of Government"

I just thought I would bounce back my thoughts. I think it is related to our book Amy, in that the answers are never in THINGS, Heavenly Father doesn't care about things, and things aren't important, they are mere tools that we use to bring about God's plans. Heavenly Father does care, however about our thoughts, and how are actions reflect those thoughts. Anyway, if you feel strongly that I am way off base, please feel free to post a reply ; )

-Marcie