NEWS: Needled News: Marisa DiMattia's Tattoo Revue

So I guess dinner for you and me is off?

I can't believe I actually tried to have this conversation.

I do still believe that governments are made up of people like you and me. I like talking to people who think differently than me, it helps me to understand where people come from (or at least try to, and it's not even important that I understand, I just care). We all know communism doesn't work. I admire politics that come from a place of empathy, because last time I checked, life can be pretty challenging sometimes. I think there's got to be a way that people can all do a job, have a life, have some fun, and do it in a way that can help others when they're in need. Haven't you ever had help in life? Why are you so hostile to the idea that people can contribute to each other's welfare without really feeling the pinch?

I think this particular government isn't trustworthy, but I think there's plenty of people who are, and who are willing to do the same job, with less shock and awe. Thanks, a little less would be nice.

hell no, babe, dinner is definitely on. i like the cut of your jib...whatever that means. however, if what you mean by 'this gov't' is the bush administration, it's been that way for at least 100 years. it's like tommy lee jones says in men in black ", a person is smart, people are stupid..." now i'm not sure if quotes are accurate, but the point is that people like you and me can be trusted as individuals, but en masse...no.

This is so well said.

oh, and sure i've had help...by people who chose to help.

Thanks, nice lady.

For the same reason that the government maintains roads, provides public education from 1st to 12th grade and provides water and sewer services in cities.

It's in the best interest of our people as a whole to have a well-educated, well-adjusted, healthy populace just as it's in the best interest of everyone to have clean water, clean air, good roads and bridges.

People who need to stay home all day and care for a child can't hold down a full time job. The longer such people are out of the workforce, the more their skills become outdated, and (probably) the lower their income will be when they do return to the workforce... and perhaps for longer as well.

Cutting social services (daycare, WIC, preschool, well baby, vaccines, school lunches) can produce people who end up needing vastly more and more expensive government services throughout their lives (welfare, courts, prison, medical).

It is far cheaper to prevent the problem than to spend a lifetime trying to fix it after the fact. Government cannot and should not try to do everything but they should take reasonable steps to help those who need it, if only out of long-term budgetary self-preservation.

As it is ALWAYS wrong to rape and kill someone.


[I have to say, I would much rather be forcibly tattooed]

We already do... it's called Public Schools.