The good news is we matter during election years

That's really true, solving any issue cuts funding.

Brillilant!

Many conservatives still argue against government programs to lift people out of poverty, because we believe so strongly in the American dream and that they don't need help. That ain't true, because the US has some of the lowest upward social mobility rates in the developed world

It is not about party, if it were California would be heaven. The truth is no party wants to solve any issue that brings in new funding, there is always a new program to help the homeless but the bulk of the funds go to someone to keep them coming in the door, no one wants to help move them back out.

Yup. It's in many people's interests that the poor stay poor

I have a few friends that escaped, meth almost ruined them but they beat it, both got clean in jail. The system didn't help them beat that life or really even support them trying but they will both tell you that no one set out to be an addict and no amount of money or programs will cure someone that doesn't want it to end.

Programs cured 70% of Heroin addicts in Switzerland. I'd say it works. Just have system that encourages people to get off the drug

I was talking about our systems do not work, I am glad that Switzerland has adults in charge, I wish we did. I know addicts can get help here but to many have to jump through so many hoops first they don't even try. Treatment facility means just that, stay and get treatment, where are the cure facilities? To an addict the drug is everything, in recovery it is not anything.

is that why the USA has the highest rate of incarceration too?

It is not that simple, our legal system is a mess. In one state a single joint can cost you dearly and in others it is legal to sell and to use. Some states encourage the police to go hard and in others to do nothing. Some states have judges that punish and some do not. Some states value illegal criminals over citizens, some states value violent rioters more.

agreed. if you have enough money for the best legal team, you can literally stab your own wife and get away with it.

Wealth and power do go together in places but I think the political class over plays it some. A rich farmer in Iowa doesn't have the same breaks as a rich person with connections in a mega city. The farmer has to have enough to over come a bad year, the connected person gets a free ride and a bailout. I see white privilege the same way, it is often more about location than skin color.

good points- nicely state

Thank you