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About this quote

What does it mean?
The quote highlights extreme hardship by comparing pregnant women and veterans begging.
In plain terms
Some people face very hard struggles begging for help.
What can you take from it?
Recognize the severity of others' suffering.

Where it applies

  • discussing poverty
  • social welfare
  • veteran support

Putting it to work

  • advocating for welfare
  • supporting veterans

Questions to consider

  • What defines extreme hardship?
  • How should society support the vulnerable?

Another view

It generalizes the experiences of all veterans and pregnant women.

More from Tom Waits

  1. Some men are searching for the Holy Grail, but there ain't nothing sweeter than riding the rail.

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  2. 'I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.'

    Permalink to quote #18
  3. The large print giveth and the small print taketh away.

    Permalink to quote #15

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