The Prof's Own Words

My Economics professor told us that a while back, during a seminar he was giving on economics to a group of Social Workers, he told them, "I'm a redneck and I think you're a bunch of Communists." And he's serious.

He gave the example that if in Chicago, 2,000 people would not have oil to heat their houses with, he wouldn't do anything to help them.

Because he said you have to look at the whole picture--the government can't afford to pay full utilities or heating for all the people who need it. If the government did, suddenly there wouldn't be enough money to fund other projects, other good things, or even keep the economy afloat, so you have to make a choice. 2,000 out in the cold, or 200,000. Makes sense to me. I saw this play out over and over during my internship experience, and all I could do was shake my head, VERY glad I wasn't the one making that hard decision, especially since no one could give me the rap for it :O).