It bums me out just how little people think they deserve. But what really gets my goat is that a small minority of people, Republicans mostly, who think we can’t have nice things. So many of us put in the work of maintaining a job, a home, and raising children. What’s the point of our basic needs not being met? One Washington TikToker shows how Liberals and Republicans react when they’re asked about food and housing assistance.
TikToker Jeanniegold0506 posted their video on TikTok captioned: “Left Wing vs Right Wing on Food & Housing Assistance.” First, he roleplays as a Liberal and states, “I believe that food, water, and shelter are human rights and that’s why I support food stamps and income-based housing or housing assistance programs.” But then he portrays a Republican and things take a turn for the worse. He says, “It’s not fair I work 80 hours a week and I can barely afford to put food on my table and put a roof over my head.” His Liberal persona says to the Republican, “I’m fighting for YOU.”
Jeannie mimicked exactly what Republicans would say: “I don’t believe in taking handouts.” As his Liberal persona, he argues it’s crazy to work two full-time jobs and still not have enough money. “That doesn’t seem like a problem to you?” he asks. I know that doesn’t seem fair to me. Wasn’t it just a couple generations ago a single parent could work and afford a house, kids, and buy a home?
Jeannie continues speaking as a Republican and makes a point we all need to hear. He roleplays, “My company made 400 billion. The CEO made 20 million so I’m sure eventually it’ll trickle down.” The fact that some people actually think like this is infuriating and kind of upsetting. It says a lot about the current state of the world and why so many people are struggling financially.
A commenter pointed out, “The left would feed 100 people if they thought one person was hungry, while the right would starve 100 people if they thought one person didn’t deserve it!” A commenter replied to this, “I forgot that part in the parable of the loaves and fishes when Jesus instructed his disciples to interrogate everyone and turn away those thought capable of earning food.”
Everybody deserves basic rights like food and shelter. And, as one commenter says best, “It’s not a handout when OUR money pays for it. I’d rather stop paying taxes for the salaries of these politicians and these subsidies for corporations that don’t pay taxes.”
