Many Americans are facing tough economic times right now. People have lost jobs and homes. Many have been forced to take lower-paying jobs, perhaps working two jobs to make ends meet. Some people have been forced to draw unemployment while they try to find a job.
Most of us have faced tough times before, and the traditional American way of dealing with them is simply to buckle down and work through them. When times are hard, you do whatever you have to do to make things work. It's not easy, it's not pretty, but that is life in the real world.
With the exception of facing health issues beyond their control, anyone in America who is willing to work, and is careful with their money, will find a way to take care of themselves. This is still a land of opportunity. No one can guarantee that you will be wealthy or have everything you desire, but no one in America has to live in poverty.
I had heard Walter Williams speaking on the radio recently, and he discussed his four rules for avoiding poverty. I thought he articulated a great, common-sense approach to avoiding the welfare trap that too many Americans find themselves in these days.
I found an article he had written on the Internet that laid out his four rules for avoiding poverty, and here is the essence of his essay:
"Avoiding long-term poverty is not rocket science. First, graduate from high school. Second, get married before you have children, and stay married. Third, work at any kind of job, even one that starts out paying the minimum wage. And, finally, avoid engaging in criminal behavior."
The more I read of Walter Williams' work, the more I love the guy. He deals straight up, lays his cards on the table, and gives you a look at life through the lens of reality.
So, if his prescription for economic health seems overly simplistic to you, I advise you to observe and take note of the people who end up on welfare. Everyone I've ever known in poverty has violated one or more of these simple principles. As my granddaughter so often tells me: "I'm just sayin'..."
To read Walter Williams' pithy essay in its entirety, go to
http://www.capitalismmagazine.com/politics/poverty/4223-How-Not-Poor.html
