Although many programs are instituted to help combat unemployment and provide jobs, often times these programs prove to be unsuccessful. Even when entering the Job Corps with the hopes of a steady income and providing for his family, the other Wes Moore realized that “the only consistency in his employment was inconsistency” (Moore 144) while making a measly “nine dollars an hour” (Moore 144). This amount of money at such an inconsistent rate is what led Wes, and many more like him, to seek alternate forms of income, typically crime. In this portion of the book, the author is arguing that even though these government programs are instituted with the intent of helping people out of unemployment and back onto their feet, they can backfire causing …show more content…
This is especially apparent when the author describes a ride home from work one afternoon, simply “pick[ing] up a package” (Moore 144). Wes was also astounded by the similarity of the game now compared to when he was running in the game. The authors denunciation of ineffective government programs becomes especially apparent when this mysterious package turns out to be “nine ounces of cocaine” (Moore 145). The reason behind Wes’ return to crime was simply because he had “barely enough money to feed and clothe” (Moore 144) his family, making the authors detestment of ineffective governmental programs even more clear as we know that Wes’ return to the game was not voluntary, but simply for the well being of his family. This scene is especially impactful when it at first seems Wes is making a simple dinner, until his “muscle memory kick[s] in” (Moore 145) and he finds himself pouring in “three ounces of baking soda… [and] nine ounces of cocaine” (Moore 145). Which furthermore pushes the idea that the program's ineffectiveness led him to resume his life of