Sheltered Lives and Blinders

So I have a friend who insists that there is no economic problems that people are just lazy and refusing to work. I keep explaining to this person that the unemployment rate is down only because people’s benefits ended and they are now not counted as unemployed. This person keeps insisting that if people take minimum wage jobs even here in CT, that we would not have these financial economic problems. She truly believes that there is no economic issues here in CT to boot. Despite the enormous amount of foreclosures. The enormous lines at the food bank and CT Food Mobile. Despite even the tell tale sign of no Traffic during rush hour, except for 4/30-5pm. Despite the number of people on medicaid rising dramatically. Despite the politicians campaigns promising job growth. Despite my telling showing this person that CT is listed at the bottom for economic and job growth, this person still believes that all of you out there who have no jobs or a job that barely pays you are just lazy.

I cannot believe such a highly intelligent person can truly believe that people are just lazy and can live on minimum wage and that this would all solve the problem. This person insists that all of their friends are doing just fine and living well. This person has a very selective group of friends clearly, who have money and resources to begin with. And those friends of this person not doing well, are probably too ashamed to tell anyone so this person thinks they are all fine. This person does not want anyone else to know that their family is struggling, yet, does not understand that others might be doing the same. I have even tried to provide examples of huge contracted jobs 5 years ago, but when the people lost their 6 digit income, they lost their home and are now financially devastated and thus the construction contract was ended. This person says this is not true. They just lost their jobs and did nothing about looking for new one. Nor does this person believe that their is an age discrimination problem in this country when it comes to hiring people over the age of 40. This person just lost their source of income and thinks that at over 50 years old they can just walk out the door and get a job to pay a $3000 mortgage plus bills with a home depot job. Yes, I know, she is in for a rude awakening. The only way this person would skirt around this is if they have some very serious connections to get a decent job or a skill set that no one else has. I would love to hear your thoughts on this. What would you say to this person who thinks that if you cannot make your bills, you are lazy?