Milking

I love this country.  I think we live in one of the best places in the world.  It does not mean though I believe everything is right about this country.  I am sure that goes for anywhere.  There are advantages and disadvantages.
One of the things I do not like is how someone who makes poor decisions and has nothing, is entitled to copious amounts of aid that can bring down someone who has something because of right decisions.
Unfortunately, it happened to a friend of mine.  The person who had made bad decisions got all they needed for free, while my friend had to pay for everything and was made the poorer because of the process.
Some though need the help through no fault of their own, and to me they need what they get.  Unfortunately, it seems to me there is no way to weed out the non-genuine ones.  Everyone is tarred with the same brush.
I saw this first-hand when I was getting rehab.  It was costing me $130 a session and I was having two a week.  I felt something was wrong.  It was not like each session produced something new, and it was vital I be there.  I am totally thankful for some of it.  I needed it.  The trouble was, I came to the point where I could do anything required at home, at no cost to me.
I was not told that.  I withdrew.  It was not like I was told “you cannot do that, you need us.”  I had the feeling that while ever I had the money, they would be happy to take it.  I said later to a carer, “I had the feeling they would have milked me dry.”  He told me later “they would have milked you dry.”
I had to see a specialist.  I was told it would cost at least $1,000.  I said, “I’m not doing it.”  Suddenly the organization found the grand.  I was only ever told it was going to cost me.  I am really glad I saw him.  The session was valuable, and a real foundation for further things.  The thing was, if I had had nothing, my paying would not have been brought up, but because I did, I was the one who was supposed to bear the cost.
The same thing happened with my driver’s licence.  I was told if I wanted it back it would cost me $500.   I did nothing.  Then I needed it back in a hurry.  I took a different route which was totally legitimate, and it cost me nothing.  I do wonder if I had had nothing in the first place, if that would have been the route recommended to me.
As I say I love this place.  From what I have seen, I don’t think I would want to be anywhere else.  It does not mean it is perfect though.  It is not like it is so good that heaven is a local call. 
I do like it though.  I’m glad I am here.