Quote:
Originally posted by Dantilla
Superman, once again you are insightful, and looking for real answers. I like this attitude much better than the one you started this thread with.
But before we spend more money, I would like some details of the new plan. I'm not sure you have them (I don't), but if so, I'd sure be willing to listen. At least some basic concepts.
We live in a great country. A land of opportunity. I don't see myself as being in competition with my fellow Americans, as much as I see an ability to provide for my family in the way I see best.
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Thank you. I have a great deal of respect for you, Dan.
You are correct. I envy people like Legion who have all the answers. I don't. But here's a start: The programs I am thinking of would ask the question "Why is this person not achieving?" I suspect the answer varies between individuals. I honestly, sincerely, vigorously believe that in a good number of cases, these people just don't know where to go or what to look for. They need advice and they need confidence. They need to see and believe that opportunities are there and reachable. I think there are people out there who don't believe that. Or maybe they do, but they have little idea how to make it happen. It's not just a matter of answering an ad.
Here's a bit of information that might be useful: I do labor relations in the construction industry. The industry desperately needs journeyman workers. To get them, it needs apprentices who are learning. What we have found is that apprentices need a "mentor." A mentor is somebody who will help them acclimate to the construction site environment. The communication and hierrarchy stuff, and the hazing, are different from these people's previous expereiences. Workers also need to develop transportation strategies. If the car breaks down, how are you going to get to work on time? Day care. Alternate day care just in case. These are the stumbling blocks, and if nobody is helping these people, they often fail. If somebody does help them with advice and counsel, they succeed. These apprentices are, by and large, the same disadvantaged people who are on, or qualify for, welfare.
BTW, these same poor people, if they are successful and develop construction careers, will earn enough money for houses and boats and kids' college.