4 ms·

Just like @TuringNYC,I spent the early part of my life in the lower half of socio-economic ladder. With a bit of luck (and yes, work), I extracted myself from t

Just like @TuringNYC,I spent the early part of my life in the lower half of socio-economic ladder. With a bit of luck (and yes, work), I extracted myself from this group. I'm not rich, but I have zero debt. I own a house, multiple vehicles, and an 4 season expedition camper - free and clear. I have a rewarding and unusual career. By contrast, the entirety of my close and extended family lives in poverty. Bankruptcy, car repos, eviction, and mortgage default are almost a game. MY father died at the age of 40. My grandfather: 36. My brother died at 42 (after a lethal encounter with police after speeding). I'm 56 (The oldest of any male in two generations). I have multiple retirement accounts. First class healthcare. I take care of my Mom. I can't predict the future, but I suspect my economic success will allow me a longer, more fulfilling life. I'm convinced that access to healthcare, decent work, and basic housing would have allowed my short lived male family members to live longer with a better quality of life.

throwaway98797 6y ago
Or maybe not having a kid is why you’re still alive.
souprock 6y ago
I don't agree that "access to healthcare, decent work, and basic housing" would have changed the outcome of a "lethal encounter with police after speeding". Doing that in a Bugatti Veyron is still lethal.
- lostlogin 6y ago
  It’s not hard to imagine why someone might take a risk and run from the police if they have outstanding warrants, unpaid fines etc. The level of stress that comes from living like that has all sorts of negatives that exacerbate the problems. Having a safety net in terms of safety, health and shelter doesn’t seem too much to ask in my view. I’m pretty sure ZDurmphoto has a good idea of their brothers situation.
- krysp 6y ago
  That depends on the cause of death. If a "lethal encounter with police after speeding" is gunshot wound whilst being detained, a Bugatti veyron might allow you to avoid that outcome. No police vehicle could keep up, unless they brought in air support. Also, the police are less likely to violently arrest you if you're driving a supercar, I'd wager
- barry27 6y ago
  what would you know, souprock, about any of the details of that person's life. pull your head in.

throwaway98797 6y ago

Or maybe not having a kid is why you’re still alive.

souprock 6y ago

I don't agree that "access to healthcare, decent work, and basic housing" would have changed the outcome of a "lethal encounter with police after speeding". Doing that in a Bugatti Veyron is still lethal.

lostlogin 6y ago
It’s not hard to imagine why someone might take a risk and run from the police if they have outstanding warrants, unpaid fines etc. The level of stress that comes from living like that has all sorts of negatives that exacerbate the problems. Having a safety net in terms of safety, health and shelter doesn’t seem too much to ask in my view. I’m pretty sure ZDurmphoto has a good idea of their brothers situation.
krysp 6y ago
That depends on the cause of death. If a "lethal encounter with police after speeding" is gunshot wound whilst being detained, a Bugatti veyron might allow you to avoid that outcome. No police vehicle could keep up, unless they brought in air support. Also, the police are less likely to violently arrest you if you're driving a supercar, I'd wager
barry27 6y ago
what would you know, souprock, about any of the details of that person's life. pull your head in.