Reply #12: Holding education in high regard

[ObamaFTW2012]

is something that does not depend upon wealth. I disagree with your notion that educational outcomes should be improved by reducing poverty. You are putting the cart before the horse. The way to reduce poverty is to improve educational outcomes. If you educate people, they will have the skills needed to provide for themselves and their families. If you spend money paying their bills, hoping to alleviate their stresses so that they might focus on education, you will be disappointed.

Most importantly, people have to want a better life. Sadly, many of the poor people I grew up with have no desire to live better, because they live almost entirely for free (free to them, not the taxpayer) now. They teach their children to value the free ride more than independence and personal success. it's not something you can fix with any amount of money.