Sometimes the postman delivers a piece of mail that make one wonder just what is going on out there in the real world. A case in point lies in a clipping sent me by one of my friends. So that you will get the right impression I will copy it just as it is written.

The clipping comes from the Milwaukee Journal and reads as follows:

WELFARE MOTHER HAS NO COMPLAINTS

"There's no way you can't make it on welfare" says Debbie (last name withheld by the Milwaukee Journal). Debbie has been living on welfare for four years, and lives in a posh flat in a three-year-old building on the northwest side of Milwaukee: stereo, large color TV set, natural wood kitchen table with plush chairs, two bed-rooms, a bath and a half, fully carpeted, patio off the living room, attractive wall ornaments accenting the newly painted white walls, fancy sofas, and a swag lamp

None of that second-hand stuff for Debbie. She can't understand any welfare client who would complain about living this good life. She isn't embarrassed about living on welfare. Why work, she wonders. "Where's the incentive?

With two children, she rakes in $ 473.00 a month plus $67.00 in food stamps. She only has to pay 25% of her rent: the rest is paid by you taxpayers. She's allowed $ 75.00 a month for a fuel allotment: this is deducted from her rent and brings her actual monthly rent for her $ 403.00 apartment down to $24. The Federal government pays the other $ 379.00

So she has $ 400.00 left over each month for entertainment, car payments and other things.

End of item. There you have it. Now let's be honest with ourselves. While reading, did you have some preconceived notion that Debbie was:

Your answer will tell you something about yourself that may be surprising.

So be it.