I was watching the news last night and they were covering a story about the city of Dublin, CA and how they were refusing to accept $350k in stimulus money earmarked to make improvements on a public housing project. As it turns out HUD is looking at demolishing the project. I see this as fiscal responsibility. Why spend money improving something that you are looking to tear down. The residents don’t agree and are suing the city stating it is their right to have the money to improve their homes.

The interesting part of the story is an interview with a 21 year old resident of the project. She has lived there since she was 5 and now has a 5 year old of her own. Her comment was that not everyone has the privilege to pay $1000 a month for rent.

When I look at the definition of privilege it states:

1. restricted right or benefit: an advantage, right, or benefit that is not available to everyone

2. rights and advantages enjoyed by elite: the rights and advantages enjoyed by a relatively small group of people, usually as a result of wealth or social status
a system founded on privilege

3. special honor: a special treat or honor
It was a privilege to work with you.

Although I would agree that there are few persons born with a silver spoon, the other 99% of the country works for everything they have. I am taken back by the idea that hard work and the drive for self improvement is observed to be a privilege. It is this drive that has made this country into most of what it is today.

A people should not rely on their government, a government should rely on it’s people. We are slowly creating a well-fare state, dependant on our government. With dependence, comes control, and we have been handing over control for the last 60+ years.

I cannot blame the 21 year old single mother for her ideals of the “privileged”. She has not had the motivation to change her behavior. I believe that people are inherently lazy. Why would  we work for something if it is going to be handed to us. Although this young lady could overcome her adversity, she does not have the motivation to do so. So I guess in her eyes, I am truly privileged. I am honored by her belief that I am one of the elite. I just wish she would get off her ass and quit blaming society for her misfortune.