Caught Between a Rock and a Cat Tree

Today, I bought Neko a cat tree—found on Craigslist—from a woman who makes them in her home. “I’m trying to get off welfare”, she told me. I paid $60, and I felt guilty for her giving such a good deal. I didn’t negotiate for better price.

I love enterprising people. Don’t you?

I thought about putting together an aspirational video profile before considering the possible ramifications. My cynical nature: Promote someone running a side business to get off welfare and the county and state swoop down to make sure she isn’t making too much money, pays her sales taxes, and coughs up other fees or taxes related to running a home business. Result: she loses more for her ingenuity and effort than gains.

Whatya think? Am I too overly cynical or sadly realistic?