"No one in my multi-married family has the same last name."

My sister (who is smart and very well-off) has this to say on the above, which especially holds true for women. Finish high school; do not get pregnant too early, but if you do, make sure you are married; given the opportunity, keep on learning; have respect for yourself(so you won't choose the first mate who comes along); live within your means and make plans for the future - whether it be a house, travel or saving for that home entertainment centre; and lastly be willing to move - be it for a job, eduction or for a mate who makes more money (think of the family).

Your moral and intellectual superiors lied to you.

All men are not created equal. Some are born lazy and stupid. They are not victims of society; and they are poor for a reason. They will be poor no matter how much money you give them, no matter how many social programs you run for them. THAT is social justice. People that are lazy and deliberately stupid deserve what exactly what they get. There are exceptions to that - guys like Turdo, Kinsella and Gassy Jack...but they ARE the exception, not the rule.

People that are lazy and deliberately stupid deserve what exactly what they get. There are exceptions to that - guys like Turdo, Kinsella and Gassy Jack...but they ARE the exception, not the rule.

And what, pray tell, makes THEM exceptional?

Turdeau is an exception because he has a trust fund to live on. It is given to him incrementally by lawyers who control that money. If he got it all at once it would be gone before his kids could inherit it.

The article by Shaidle is so true. Once you rise and escape the class you grew up in, even your family turns on you, especially if they grew up in poverty.
Instead of being proud of their successful offspring, they find ways to tear you down, as it makes them feel better.
I am a schmuck with my parents, because I had the audacity to move 2 hours away (with my family) over 10 years ago, in order to chase a better job, which, has turned into another promotion with another employer since then.
But I'm a schmuck....I suppose I would be so much better in their eyes, barely making ends meet in their little corner of the world....putting up with their stupid comments and advice....
"You're kids are too busy", "why does your wife work so much?", "She sure speaks her mind, doesn't she?"......etc etc....
Toxic parents and their toxic background. Free yourself and escape poverty, by study, work, dedication, and a good attitude.
We see the FN practice the same steps as described in the article, playing the blame game, instead of taking responsibility.
We live in a sick world, full of lazy people, trying to take advantage of those who are just minding their own business, keeping their eye on the ball, and looking after their own affairs.

All of the above.

This problem is too some extent inter-generational. Some individuals have a desire to succeed and break out of this and do well and experience what DanBC said. Most are like Glenfilthie said. Some of this inability to break out of poverty is caused by low mental abilities, some by an inadequate educational system that does not inspire personal advancement, most by laziness.

For sure, the governmental continual increases in support payment levels foster this lazy dependency. Look at the Maritmes, FN, and Quebec.

My grandfather arrived dirt poor, having lost everything, from Russia in 1926. The first couple of decades were difficult, but the desire to rebuild was strong in him and his children. Now, the family consists of several hundred fourth generation descendents. All have done well, some have large business, quite a number are very wealthy. most have adequate middle class existences,and none are on welfare.