April: when everything changes

[orthodoc]

I don't know what things cost in Britain, so have no way to understand how some of these cuts will affect people on various incomes. All I know is my family's experience.

My grandfather built a tiny house in Sudbury, Ontario in the mid-20th century with two tiny bedrooms on the main floor and an upstairs 'apartment' with tiny kitchen and two bedrooms. His family of five children (2 boys, 3 girls) lived there and took in two boarders to make ends meet; they also supported his parents, my grandmother's parents, and my great-aunt who had no income. My grandfather was a welder. My grandmother fed 14 people at every meal. My father and his siblings worked as soon as they were able, along with going to school.

I don't understand why people who are relying on taxpayer support should have one or two spare bedrooms. If my grandparents hadn't taken in boarders, they would have had to move. They took in boarders to make ends meet, and they never ever applied for government support.

An income of $64,000, more or less, disqualifies people for legal aid? I don't understand why they would qualify for legal aid at that income level.

I understand being angry that cuts are being given to high earners, but that doesn't help me understand why others shouldn't do everything possible to make their own situation work. I come from a poor Scottish immigrant family and I know what it's like to survive on far less than poverty level income. I don't understand all of your anger, Dana, but I respect your thoughts - help me understand.