Food stamps rant

[Guest jackdog]

I was on food stamps once when I first broke my back. I lost my job and yes I had to get on food stamps because I could not find a job, not that I wouldn't work but no one would hire me. And yes I had a brand new dodge durango that I was putting those groceries in. I bought the car before I got hurt and drove it until I lost it. So you cant judge a person because of what their driving. And yes I agree about having to pay back some of welfare you get when you needed it. Now that I'm back on my feet and my wife is working I wish their was a way to pay back some of the help I got.

I think condemning some one for being on food stamps is indeed wrong. But everyone here knows that their are abusers to the system. I have no idea what the percentages are but I would think the abusers far out number the legitimate users of the system. As someone else has suggested, there should be strict time limits on how long your allowed on the system, but there still would have to be an appeal process for special cases.

What really pives me is when you here of people who work for the welfare system that get caught helping some of these people commit fraud and nothing happens to them or the people who committed the fraud.

It also pives me that illegals are on the system as well. I don't thimk anyone here are directing thier comments to those that are responsible and for one reason or another found themselves in dier straights.

[Guest pjblurton]

My mother-in-law (65y/o) just applied for food stamps for the first time two months ago. She has worked all of her life. Raised 3 kids by herself. Her current husband is 72 and going blind. She can no longer work due to health issues on top of caring for her husband.

She qualified for $18 per month in food stamps.

$18!

She is not wealthy mind you. Between her and her husband they draw $885 per month on Social Security and live in a single wide trailer in Union County.

To watch her strugle to keep her lights on and then turn aroung and see others take OBVIOUS advantage of the system is what really pisses me off!

Everyone hits a low spot now and then but it should alway be a temporary hand up, not a hand out...

[Guest Big Mike]

What do you think might happen when 48% of us are supporting 52% of us?

[BryanP]

And yes I agree about having to pay back some of welfare you get when you needed it.

You do pay it back. It's called paying taxes.

I've never needed food stamps. Hell, I've never been late on a payment. I do know how easily bad things can happen to screw up a life. I hope that I never need to avail myself of the welfare system, but it's good to know that it's there, and I'm glad it was there when you needed it.

[Guest dkirby]

It all boils down to personal responsibility. Too many people live above their means, and when something bad happens, they immediately need to be rescued.

If we all lived on less than we made, we would have sufficient savings to get us through the rough times in life. Everyone goes through some event, whether it be getting hurt at work, laid off, or sickness. Not preparing for such an event is simply ignorant, and the task of taking care of those who have the ability to take care of themselves should not be delegated to the taxpayers. Churches and charity are where this kindness should shine through, because it's voluntary.

But, you say, "I just don't have the money to set aside an emergency fund for 6 months of drought". Get an extra job stupid! Sell your $300 a month car payment and drive a beater, quit paying $100 a month on your cell phone, and eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner from a fast food or other restaurant. If you don't have an emergency fund, your TV shouldn't get more than 10 channels!!! But, I digress...

Obviously, some sort of governmental assistance will always be in place for those who are physically or mentally unable to support themselves. The measures in place today however simply enable the lazy to live off of others. Personally I'm tired of it.

My wife has a friend from high school who is a perfect example of this mentality. She is married, and she and her husband are both 25. Her husband works at Piggly Wiggly, and has since he was 16. He makes about $9.50 an hour. She stays at home, taking care of her 2 year old, with one in the oven. Why are they having another baby you may ask? Well, she said: "So we can get more money for food stamps and health care". Seriously. She brought a human into this earth simply to make sure she didn't have to go to work. She is able bodied, and mentally stable, though obviously stupid. You and I should not have to pay for her welfare mentality.

[Guest bkelm18]

I find it easy to tell who's been on welfare here and who has not. Those who have not, blast away at the program without taking into consideration that there are those that truly need it. Regular people like you and me. They are not scum or miscreants. Some have just hit a tough spot in their lives. I think they deserve a little more respect than some of you are showing them. I'm not saying that there aren't people who take advantage of it, but just because you see someone using their card doesn't mean he's a piece of trash bleeding the system dry.

[Guest dkirby]

I find it easy to tell who's been on welfare here and who has not. Those who have not, blast away at the program without taking into consideration that there are those that truly need it. Regular people like you and me. They are not scum or miscreants. Some have just hit a tough spot in their lives. I think they deserve a little more respect than some of you are showing them. I'm not saying that there aren't people who take advantage of it, but just because you see someone using their card doesn't mean he's a piece of trash bleeding the system dry.

I agree. There are lots of folks out there who would probably end up dead or homeless without the help they need. People who are mentally or physically disabled obviously can't earn an income, and if their families cannot help, and local churches can't give them enough assistance, they absolutely need the welfare system. I'm glad that it is in place for these people. Additionally, those that abuse the system cause problems for others who truly need it.

I simply think that those of us who are blessed enough to be able bodied and minded should not need such a system. I've given my story here before, but in summary I worked many, many hours a week for years to put myself in a financially stable position. I still work two jobs now, and go to school full time. I do not like working 45 hours a week while attending college full time, but it's what I do to ensure that my financial situation is taken care of if something happened to myself or my wife. I certainly did not like working on the road 6 days a week, climbing cell phone towers for two years to pay off the debt my wife and I had accumulated by making stupid decisions (credit cards, furniture, cars we couldn't afford, her tuition loan).

But it's what I did because I am responsible for myself and my family.

Just my humble .02

[bteague2]

I find it easy to tell who's been on welfare here and who has not. Those who have not, blast away at the program without taking into consideration that there are those that truly need it. Regular people like you and me. They are not scum or miscreants. Some have just hit a tough spot in their lives. I think they deserve a little more respect than some of you are showing them. I'm not saying that there aren't people who take advantage of it, but just because you see someone using their card doesn't mean he's a piece of trash bleeding the system dry.

I'm not saying getting helped out if you need it is wrong, but the government shouldn't be doing it, join a church. And being a poor college student I've had people tell me to get food stamps; but no chance in hell as I clearly don't believe in them.

[Guest bkelm18]

I'm not saying getting helped out if you need it is wrong, but the government shouldn't be doing it, join a church. And being a poor college student I've had people tell me to get food stamps; but no chance in hell as I clearly don't believe in them.

Ok, well what if you don't have a religious affiliation or choose not to be connected to a church?

[bteague2]

Ok, well what if you don't have a religious affiliation or choose not to be connected to a church?

See musicman's post above, and there are plenty other groups just like his.

[strickj]

See musicman's post above, and there are plenty other groups just like his.

I think he said that they are unable to help everyone.

Take for instance homeless shelters,They're there to keep families off the streets,but they're just so many to help,and just so few places available that it just can not be done.They must close doors during the day,they must turn folks away,they must implement restrictions on how long one can stay.

Its easy to sit back and say that this or that is the way things should be,but in the real world,things just do not workout how they should,or how you,in your humble opinion think they should.

ETA; Yeah,he did say that

Hey Guys and Gals,

I don't really want to step into this welfare debate, but I've been refreshed to hear that so many folks believe it is the church's responsibility to help these folks. I agree. Unfortunately, we don't have as many folks going to church and doing the helping any more.

Edited February 20, 2009 by strickj

[bteague2]

I think he said that they are unable to help everyone.

Take for instance homeless shelters,They're there to keep families off the streets,but they're just so many to help,and just so few places available that it just can not be done.They must close doors during the day,they must turn folks away,they must implement restrictions on how long one can stay.

Its easy to sit back and say that this or that is the way things should be,but in the real world,things just do not workout how they should,or how you,in your humble opinion think they should.

ETA; Yeah,he did say that

If the government stopped handing out food stamps, the slack would be picked up by private organizations. And the people that abuse the system would have a harder time abusing the system.

Edit:

Your right, people don't donate to organizations like musicman's because they do have the attitude that the government will take care of it.

[Falcon1]

Your right, people don't donate to organizations like musicman's because they do have the attitude that the government will take care of it.

Charles Dickens saw this in the nineteenth century:

'Are there no prisons?"

'Plenty of prisons,' said the gentleman, laying down the pen again.'And the Union workhouses.' demanded Scrooge. 'Are they still in operation?'

'Both very busy, sir.'

'Oh. I was afraid, from what you said at first, that something had occurred to stop them in their useful course,' said Scrooge. 'I'm very glad to hear it.'

'Under the impression that they scarcely furnish Christian cheer of mind or body to the multitude,' returned the gentleman, 'a few of us are endeavouring to raise a fund to buy the Poor some meat and drink, and means of warmth. We choose this time, because it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices. What shall I put you down for?'

'Nothing!' Scrooge replied.

'You wish to be anonymous?'

'I wish to be left alone,' said Scrooge. 'Since you ask me what I wish, gentlemen, that is my answer. I don't make merry myself at Christmas and I can't afford to make idle people merry. I help to support the establishments I have mentioned-they cost enough; and those who are badly off must go there.'--A Christmas Carol

[Guest jackdog]

My mother-in-law (65y/o) just applied for food stamps for the first time two months ago. She has worked all of her life. Raised 3 kids by herself. Her current husband is 72 and going blind. She can no longer work due to health issues on top of caring for her husband.

She qualified for $18 per month in food stamps.

$18!

She is not wealthy mind you. Between her and her husband they draw $885 per month on Social Security and live in a single wide trailer in Union County.

To watch her strugle to keep her lights on and then turn aroung and see others take OBVIOUS advantage of the system is what really pisses me off!

Everyone hits a low spot now and then but it should alway be a temporary hand up, not a hand out...

Well the current system sucks. I have heard this from other people as well

[Guest Rick O'Shay]

Many years ago a fellow offered me some food stamps for $.50 on the dollar. I was young, freshly out of the Navy, and darned near broke, so I took him up on the offer. I think it was around $150 worth of stamps or so. The first time I went to the grocery store with them was the last. I used probably about $40 worth, and ended up being so embarrassed that I never used the rest.

Edited February 20, 2009 by Rick O'Shay

[TripleDigitRide]

If the government stopped handing out food stamps, the slack would be picked up by private organizations. And the people that abuse the system would have a harder time abusing the system.

Edit:

Your right, people don't donate to organizations like musicman's because they do have the attitude that the government will take care of it.

+1

Years ago, my Grandmother needed some financial assistance, so she applied for food stamps. At that time, they offered her less that $60/month. I was shocked, because just like the OP, I had witnessed perfectly able people buying cartloads of steak, shrimp and junk food, only to climb into high dollar vehicles.

Yes, there is a possibility the $50K vehicle could have belonged to a friend, neighbor or family member, but when they are walking around on $100 Nike's, chatting on a Bluetooth that's paired with a Blackberry that's clipped to Ralph Lauren jeans, it's a little difficult to buy the idea that the vehicle is borrowed.

Either way, the system is seriously flawed, just as it's been since the invention of free s**t. When someone is giving something for nothing, there will always be some who try their best at taking advantage of the system.

With so many in need, and not nearly enough manpower, there is inevitably going to be a serious lack of proper oversight. A strict set of quialifying guidlines would be a good start.

All this bothers me as much as the vehicles with $5000 rims and equally as expensive sound systems sitting in front of the projects. Even if that crap is stolen or bought with dope money, it should be confiscated and their a$$es should be living under a bridge.

[BryanP]

I'm not saying getting helped out if you need it is wrong, but the government shouldn't be doing it, join a church. And being a poor college student I've had people tell me to get food stamps; but no chance in hell as I clearly don't believe in them.

Seeing as I don't believe in the supernatural, going to a church for help would be rather hypocritical of me.

[bteague2]

Seeing as I don't believe in the supernatural, going to a church for help would be rather hypocritical of me.

There are other groups, not all are religious.

[Guest Rick O'Shay]

Seeing as I don't believe in the supernatural, going to a church for help would be rather hypocritical of me.

Get hungry enough and you will be surprised at what you will do.

[Guest jackdog]

Get hungry enough and you will be surprised at what you will do.

A lot of truth spoken there.

[Guest OttoMaddox]

"That sucks I don't know his situation, whatever."

IMHO The state can take my tax money and feed every undeserving fool in the state for all I care.

As long as one child eats that would have gone hungry I'm fine with it.

Those of us who have been hungry and Mom and Dad unable to feed us understand this.

[Guest grimel]

I was on food stamps once when I first broke my back. I lost my job and yes I had to get on food stamps because I could not find a job, not that I wouldn't work but no one would hire me. And yes I had a brand new dodge durango that I was putting those groceries in. I bought the car before I got hurt and drove it until I lost it. So you cant judge a person because of what their driving. And yes I agree about having to pay back some of welfare you get when you needed it. Now that I'm back on my feet and my wife is working I wish their was a way to pay back some of the help I got.

YOU my friend is the exact case where gov ASSISTANCE is valid. If you are back on your feet I'll assume you are paying income taxes, thus, you are paying back some of the help. Good for you. You are in the vast minority of those who have/are receiving aid.

[Guest grimel]

I find it easy to tell who's been on welfare here and who has not. Those who have not, blast away at the program without taking into consideration that there are those that truly need it. Regular people like you and me. They are not scum or miscreants. Some have just hit a tough spot in their lives. I think they deserve a little more respect than some of you are showing them. I'm not saying that there aren't people who take advantage of it, but just because you see someone using their card doesn't mean he's a piece of trash bleeding the system dry.

HELP isn't the problem. Those getting HELP are a minority. Those living on the public dime are the problem. There are multiple generations of parasitic leeches with their hands out taking while putting nothing back. IF the gov would clean out the roles of those doing nothing but taking; then those funding the programs wouldn't be nearly as annoyed when they see someone whip out the card buying steaks when we are buying hotdogs and hamburger.

[bteague2]

"That sucks I don't know his situation, whatever."

IMHO The state can take my tax money and feed every undeserving fool in the state for all I care.

As long as one child eats that would have gone hungry I'm fine with it.

Those of us who have been hungry and Mom and Dad unable to feed us understand this.

I'll be damned before I use logic like that, the two aren't tied together. Food stamps aren't going anywhere I realize that, but the government could at least try to get it's head out of it's ass and unf*ck this program.

[Guest Schwarzgebrannt]

All this bothers me as much as the vehicles with $5000 rims and equally as expensive sound systems sitting in front of the projects. Even if that crap is stolen or bought with dope money, it should be confiscated and their a$$es should be living under a bridge.

Let me introduce you to a handy life motto.

Be the trouble you want to see in the world.