Dean's in

[dissention]

Originally Posted by irishgrl

ok now, Clinton wasnt thrilled about having to sign that Gawdawful Reform bill, but you know that the Repugs were just fresh off of a new takeover of Congress and Clinton's hands were tied. Also, there were PLENTY of Democratic groups that disagreed with it and some non-partisan groups as well...mostly from the woman/child end of things. There was quite an outcry that the poorest, most vulnerable part of our society (single, uneducated women/mothers) was being targeted. I can recall that NOW, the League of Women Voters to name a couple, were quite up in arms. One of the biggest problems was the mischaracterization of women on Welfare as "Welfare Queens," as if somehow living on the dole meant you were leading the life of Riley! I can tell you as a former Welfare Recipient during that time, its no small feat to exist on such paltry fare. And, the regular COLA's were stopped, AND the maximum benefit amounts were pared WAY down.

as for the actual reform itself, about the only GOOD thing I can say about it (and I speak as a Social Worker here) is that it stopped the practice by SOME welfare mothers of having more babies to get more $$$. It also put a lifetime cap on the amount of time you could actually receive welfare. Personally, I think the Government needs to take another look at what they consider sufficient for an Assistance Unit to live on. Especially in States where the cost of living is higher.

I'm sorry, dear, you know I agree with you on most things but this isn't one of them. Clinton loved his Welfare Reform Act, it was his baby. The whole idea behind it is ludicrous and they're just window dressing the fact that they want to cut off the poor people of this country and make them suffer even more.

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by dissention

He's the only Democrat who ever really could. Kerry certianly couldn't, he was a weak man of no substance. Dean had the energy and he actually wanted change. I can't believe how stupid I was not to support him.

Ha! My my my... I am writing this admission down! Yeah Dean!!!

[ShangriLaTroubl]

I read somewhere when Dean first announced his intentions to run for DNC chair that he agreed to NOT run for president in 08 if he was going to run

Chris