After reading the article Woman prepares for hunger strike
to protest the welfare system in the April 2 edition, I felt I
needed to express my views on the story. Although I feel a
certain amount of empathy for the woman, there are several
statements in the article which lead me to believe the woman
believes welfare is an entitlement for life as opposed to a
bridge to getting back on your feet.
Life is about choices, and when times are tight, certain
"luxuries" should be eliminated, such as cable TV and pets.
I remember many years living without both them as a starving student. If she also has too much pride to use the food bank, then why doesn't this apply to taking taxpayers money with respect to welfare.  The article fails to provide enough background as to what she is doing about re-training and entering the workforce. Besides the sensationalism of going on a hunger strike, I fail to see why this story made the headlines. If the same energy was applied to finding a job, I am sure she would be better off. Let's face it, there is work for people that want to work. 
Robert Assabgui
Greater Sudbury