I think Bokonon was just trying to prove a point against the idea of a 'living age' proposed by the Green Party. It shouldn't be misconstrued(and isn't fair) to assume she just would prefer the poor to rot simply because she doesn't agree with it. And in my opinion, is too often the opinion of lefties out there.... seems a bit like a refusal to consider other alternatives as a way of support. A living wage (and let's be sure to differentiate between that and minimum wage) shows great potential for increased dependancy and to demotivate people from going to school, trying to get ahead, bettering themselves, etc. While I can easily admit that it seems like the be all, end all cure for poverty, it does little to help the human spirit. If we want a nation full of license plate punchers, sure, let's do it. But if we want a Canada full of culturally-rich, educated, intelligent citizens, than no.