Welfare--Rarely a Matter of Choice

CHICAGO — I was once as ignorant and heartless as those who made so many hasty generalizations regarding AFDC recipients (Letters, Sept. 13).

It’s pretty easy to sit on the high throne and judge the impoverished and the uneducated when one has a job and somewhat of an education. But to say that welfare moms deserve poverty is ludicrous.

Most (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) mothers don’t want to be on welfare, and many of them--no thanks to Gov. Wilson--are taking big steps to become independent.

You have to look at these cases on an individual basis.

Only a few years ago, I was also guilty of bashing families on state aid, until I was humbled by a motorcycle accident which permanently injured my back and put me out of work.

Two weeks later, my wife decided she wasn’t ready for motherhood and left me to raise our young son alone.

When the state disability ran out, I had already completed my first year of college. I am now a junior at Cal State Fullerton, and yes, I am a welfare dad, but I know a great group of single mother/college students who will be joining me after graduation for the ceremonial burning of our welfare checks.

Take that and hang it on your clothesline.

CRAIG HOFFMAN, Cypress