Is there anything left for America to manufacture?

[FortLaudy 10]

A month for a family? With what groceries cost, that's not really that much. A couple with no kids can easily spend $75 - 90 per week on groceries. Add kids and that will keep growing.

I guess you could just eat ramen, but thats probably going to lead to expensive health problems later.

No, I'm a health freak, buy moslty locally grown fresh produce and cook everything from scratch every day... I'm a coupon junkie and stock up when things go on sale.

It's not impossible, just hard.

Providing people with the basics and then holding them accountable, as the Aussie welfare system does, is probably the best method to get them on their feet. For example, when you receive Australia's generous welfare, you are required to search for 14 or so jobs I believe per fortnight. After 6 or so months of being on welfare, you are required to either attend school or work for the dole. Work for the dole means take up various jobs around your community, that benefit the community, that is paying for your welfare. Win win for everyone.

I love, love, love that Aussie system mate!!! What a way to go!!!

[Amby 490]

BY - is there a lifetime limit on how long one can be on the dole?

[Ali G. 37]

BY - is there a lifetime limit on how long one can be on the dole?

Nah none. Not to mention you are paid in cash and receive a range of medical, rent and transportation discounts. However, you are also held accountable. A recipient is also given their dignity and not forced to live in section 8 housing slums. Poverty begets poverty.

Ultimately, the system works because it allows the majority of recipients to focus on getting a job, starting a business or improving their skills, than where their next meal is coming from. Not to mention possibly their family's next meal. Unlike the US though, Australians will dob you in if they see you abusing their system. After all, honesty and strict rules is the only way such a welfare system is not abused.

[Amby 490]

Nah none. Not to mention you are paid in cash and receive a range of medical, rent and transportation discounts. However, you are also held accountable. A recipient is also given their dignity and not forced to live in section 8 housing slums. Poverty begets poverty.

Ultimately, the system works because it allows the majority of recipients to focus on getting a job, starting a business or improving their skills, than where their next meal is coming from. Not to mention possibly their family's next meal. Unlike the US though, Australians will dob you in if they see you abusing their system. After all, honesty and strict rules is the only way such a welfare system is not abused.

I think here you can only be on for 3yrs at a time and a lifetime limit of 5yrs. I think that was a Bill Clinton change.

[Ali G. 37]

The reality is, who would want to be on welfare? I think repubs here are so disillusioned about someone taking their money that they overlook the benefit $$$ wise in getting as many people as possible back onto their feet; as functional contributing members of society. To most of us conservatives abroad, getting people on their feet is a sound investment. I have spoken with numerous people here who clearly do not seem to grasp that unless you have a few mill (minimum) to your name, you too could be unemployed and down and out on your luck. Likewise, people here love to cheer on and talk about the one person (the hero) who made it but refuse to accept or acknowledge the thousands who do not, only to end up in a ghetto or on the streets. It's also probably why these same people love sport so much.

When I think about it, which country really walks the talk when they say "give me your poor and tired" when in reality these people have a small chance or helping hand required to make it in 2010. Its countries like Australia and Canada which actually assist these people to get on their feet and become functional members of society, that walk the talk.

The denial of this is why people like spook claim America is the best country in the world, yet have zero quantifiable bases for this, expect for clichés like freedom and other garbage.

Edited January 28, 2010 by Booyah

[FortLaudy 10]

The reality is, who would want to be on welfare? I think repubs here are so disillusioned about someone taking their money that they overlook the benefit $$$ wise in getting as many people as possible back onto their feet; as functional contributing members of society. To most of us conservatives abroad, getting people on their feet is a sound investment. I have spoken with numerous people here who clearly do not seem to grasp that unless you have a few mill (minimum) to your name, you too could be unemployed and down and out on your luck. Likewise, people here love to cheer on and talk about the one person (the hero) who made it but refuse to accept the thousands who do not, only to end up in a ghetto or on the streets.

When I think about it, which country really walks the talk when they say "give me your poor and tired" when in reality these people have a small chance or helping hand required to make it in 2010. Its countries like Australia and Canada which actually assist these people to get on their feet and become functional members of society, that walk the talk.

The denial of this is why people like spook claim America is the best country in the world, yet have zero quantifiable bases for this, expect for clichés like freedom and other garbage.

Your take on this is awesome, I agree 100% !

[PhiLandShiR 18]

It's hard to be a drug free championship team when all the opposing teams are juicing now.

Why would we want to be drug free???

Addicts are our #1 product now...

[Necmi&Annette 0]

As you guys know there is huge unemployment in Usa,so i thought i could try to do export business ,only exporting American products ,i mean %100 American ,as agriculture ,i didint try to get any loan or get help from anywhere ,only my capital and foreign buyers money,guess what is happening whoever i call in usa for buying something they tell me noooooooooooo ,So how can i belive there is recession??

Edited February 11, 2010 by Necmi&Annette

[mawilson 2,133]

As you guys know there is huge unemployment in Usa,so i thought i could try to do export business ,only exporting American products ,i mean %100 American ,as agriculture ,i didint try to get any loan or get help from anywhere ,only my capital and foreign buyers money,guess what is happening whoever i call in usa for buying something they tell me noooooooooooo ,So how can i belive there is recession??