Where I grew up a surprising number of the old timers had come to town on the orphan trains during the depression. Much of the rural midwest did fairly well during the depression and farmers needed cheap help.
It sounds a bit like slavery but those kids got the same treatment as the farmer’s sons and daughters. Most of them stayed in the area as adults.
You are the second one here to suggest another look at orphanages. I think the idea has merit. If properly monitored, to protect against child abuse or extreme croyism protecting stupid teachers, it could work. Any politician who dares to seriously make this happen better be ready to be demonized and villified to the max.
Remember about three years ago, when a young father of about 6 children drove across state lines to ‘bestow’ his children onto state responsibility. I know that must’ve hurt, and some of the kids will probably never, ever forgive their Dad for ‘abandoning them’. But he did put them in safe hands, he did not beat them and say ‘stop yer cryin and caterwaulin’ now did he? I don’t recall the Mom’s role in this, but he was already jobless, and could do nothing material for them at that time. That, my friends is pressure, and sad for all concerned.
Many poor people today living in Hong Kong have begun RENTING PERSONAL CAGES to live in!!! You heard me! I visited Hong Kong in 1980, while in the Navy, shortly before the British let go of it. I was so impressed that everyone was working everywhere, youn and old throughout the day. Perth, Australia was the same way back then. I know nothing about either nowadays.
, damned if you do, damned if you don’t do something. One of those people who ‘does not believe in’ birth control of any kind.
I like those stories. I recall my dad and mom answering, where are you going? With to the poor house or to the dogs.
This was back in early 60’s. I never knew there were really poor houses where old people went to die until not so long ago.
I never did figure out why polocks became the butt of jokes but nobody cracks polock jokes anymore