between someone being a victim of a crime and someone being a victim of their own decisions. Dropping out of school. Not choosing a field of study that can provide a decent chance at a job. Not choosing trade school as opposed to college. Each of those decisions can turn their life one way or another, but the consequences are their own. If a series of decisions leads you to having an entry-level job your entire life, then there is a price to pay for that.

I agree that social darwinism is a horrible ideal. This is why we have social programs to help. However, I'm a firm believer that those social programs should come with a price for the person on them. You get your EBT card? You get to go to trade school now.

Here's an example. In high school, I didn't party. I totally nerd-ed out. Studied hard. Work a job. When all my friends were out having fun, I wasn't. Then when I got into college (not the one of my choice, but any), I took out school loans. I chose a major that I liked, but also could get me a job. I worked. I studied. All my friends were doing crazy spring break parties...I was in the science lab. All my friends were doing ski trips...I was in the science lab. My friends had parental money...I used money to eat at the cafeteria & I studied. College wasn't fun. It was work.

Now, almost 20 years later, I have a good job, a home, a car...why? I worked my butt off. I made hard decisions that required sacrifice. I had to give up something good (having fun in school) for something better later. And before someone brings up the "You had opportunity" fascet of the conversation....I'm a minority. Opportunities can be found....but they have a cost.

~Jeordam