When I was five years old, I loved taking my little cotton sack in the field to pull cotton in the field next to our house. I was paid 10 cents for each bag I filled, a princely sum for a five year old, and I usually got two bags filled before I got tired and went to do something else. That would buy four ice cream cones at my Aunt's General Store.
As a kid I mowed lawns, picked up trash, fed neighbors' dogs and cats, and when I was old enough baby sat for my spending money above and beyond a very modest allowance I received from my parents again for doing chores around the house.
As a young adult I started out in many minimum wage jobs, but never had to stay at minimum wage for long. Married very young and had to start over many times as hubby was transferred a lot in his job. Plus my options were often limited because I also had to manage for two children during most of those years. We were wise to also infuse a strong work ethic into those kids that has served them well over the years.
The Bible has a lot to say about feeding/helping the poor and we all should be charitable when appropriate and honestly helpful to do so. It also says "Let he who WILL NOT work, not eat." Work ethic is an important and valuable human expectation for those able to work.
Yes, Americans should be willing to go into the fields or clean houses or do whatever work is available and that they can physically do. They don't have to stay in those occupations forever though. They can use them for wherewithall to prepare for different/better paying work or as a stepping stone.
Any American who thinks he/she is too good or too important or too victimized to do 'menial labor' if there is such a thing, well that's his/her choice. But the taxpayer should not be obligated to finance that choice for him/her.
