People Who Need Help Shouldn't Be Able To Enjoy Themselves

My daughter and her husband now receive a small stipend in food stamps monthly. My son in law has a college degree and lost his job due to down sizing and is now working double sifts in a grocery store stocking shelves. My daughter had to drop out of college to go work the night shift in a grocery store. They have three children, a house, two cars for work purposes, they have the internet and oh the horrors they even have cable TV.

What they do not have is all this fancy food on their pantry shelves, everything they have is the off brand stuff, the really cheap stuff that has the sticks and branches still attached to it when you open the cans of vegetables.

Now some people might reason, well get rid of the cable TV and then they can have the fancy food...really??

Their bills are paid every month, just barely at this point but they are getting paid.

My grandchildren are very well taken care of, they participate in all of their school activities. Their parents are doing everything in their power to give them a semblance of normalcy in this incredibly upside down world we live in. They should not be made to suffer for something when their parents can help keep them feeling like they're a part of a normal society, whatever that even is.

I myself am on SSDI due to a multitude of health problems:

RA
Congestive Heart Failure, I have a pacemaker/defibrillator
I had a Stroke Three years ago and currently have another aneurysm located behind my left eye
Ect, ect...

And I'm only 52 YEARS OLD!!

Because of the overall general attitude regarding any kind of public assistance I don't tell anyone that I receive SSDI. Never mind the fact that I have a MASTERS DEGREE in Nursing and have worked my entire life.

I get that fact that people abuse the system but for those that think that that is the norm I can tell you it's not. There are many, many people just like myself and my daughters family who have worked our entire adult lives and now find ourselves in a position where it's simply not possible. And if we can somehow swing the internet and cable TV well I'm okay with it. If my 5 year old grandson wants to watch Nick jr. on cable TV I'm glad his parents are able to provide that tiny little luxury for him.

It's the little things...you know?

reply to post by Octave


I have a real problem with earning money for my old age and pension. Seeing how we are treating up and coming generations, i wouldn't blame them entirely for leaving me nothing.

Feed the hungry.
House the homeless.
Support the poor.

Oh you are healthy and proud of it? Get to work for 60 years while we piss your tax away so theres nothing left when you need it.

By all means go out and have a good time. I dont have any problem with that.

BUT....and this a big one....

Dont use the money you get from the state to buy drinks, or gamble.

Thats all Im saying. That money isnt so you can buy your buddie a round, its for your kids.

Going out to eat with the money, is fine to me. If they take food stamps...go hit golden corral or where ever.

The second I see you hit an ATM get money out, then buy 4 40's then I got a big problem.

I have seen one person gamle at a casino with the money from thier EBT card, just pulled it right out and then hit the slots. As she passed by me, I gave her the dirtiest look ever. She saw it too, did it stop that waste of space?

NOPE!

Then I seen another lady go to the ATM at a Circle K. Pull out money, then whent and got 4, not one or two...but 4 40 OUNCE BEERS. Then pay for it with the money from the EBT card.

THATS BULLS#IT.

So yah go have a good time. Dont let me catch you using your EBT card to get money to go have DRINKS. I will light you up like a christmas tree.

calstorm
Having been on cash aid and foodstamps in the past, I still to this day can't figure out how people can afford to go to the movies let alone get an iphone. I am going to guess family members. cash aid for 4 people doesn't give you enough to pay rent barely enough to cover utilities, house hold items and gas. More than $20 a month for clothing? forget about it. There is no money left over for extras and and after bills and other necessities you are left with a week or two per month with NOTHING.

So someone please tell me how they do it.

Now my husband tells me that back east they have apartments that the utilities are included in the rent or that they have help for utilities. From what he says, they have more help in general. I never saw that in California.

I have seen people come in with brand new phone, not the shiney kind the latest ones. I have a flip phone I can barely afford, and those people have all the new stuff. They have better cars too. I dont get how they can come in and have their nails done, hair done, 2013 phone, and a nice ride with rims and a system.

Some of those people live better than I do, and I work everyday. I cant afford to have a baby!! They can though. ITS A BUNCH OF S#IT.

Im not saying everyone abuses the system, there are a lot of really great folks I have met at my job. Nice, upstanding, drug free. They just lost their job, and are LOOKING FOR A JOB. They are very nice when they come in as well. Very respectful. Hair not done, nails not done, driving a car like mine. We help them and they are soooo greatful. I had one old lady thank us for 16 dollars. 16 STUPID ASS DOLLARS. I felt so bad for her.

She was the nicest person ever. There are tons of people like her in the system.


Then you got people comming in and bitching that their 600 dollars of food stamps are getting dropped to 300. Makes me sick.

reply to post by TheJourney


Joy and pleasure are something you are inherantly born with, it is not a right or entitlement given at birth and it is not a right or entitlement to be taken away. Enjoyment is free.

Just look at third world countries.

Fly by over. Whoosh.

reply to post by DestroyDestroyDestroy


I agree that "some" people might "abuse" food stamps.at the same time-don't stereotype people that receive food stamps...one other blogger was right about people being ignorant about the subject.MANY people "assume" that these people that receive food stamps-have NEVER worked!!!!..NEVER paid taxes themselves.wrong..EVERYONE has paid taxes.just like "some" people think people on disability-or unemployment are "ripping" off the gov..hellooo.these "entitlements"-are taken out of your paychecks.,whether you use them or not...let me tell you-that uncle sam will ALWAYS take your money..& they will "abuse",your money,anyway they want.,when they want..so,you are "being taken",by uncle sam..every day!...it really is sad that americans don't have ANY qualms about feeding everyone ELSE in the world..but they DO have qualms about feeding our own people...

Kangaruex4Ewe
reply to post by calstorm

 

They do have that here in Virginia. There is Section 8 housing where they pay some or all of your rent. They also have programs that will help pay or pay all of your utilities with extra help in the winter for heating oil/gas. These are separate programs from food assistance/stamps. I have never lived in another state so I am not sure how these measure up to other state programs, but I do know folks here that work and get housing, food, and utility assistance that leaves them paying about $100 a month out of their own pocket for all 3 per month.

I don't begrudge anyone that needs the help and I am glad it's there for those who do need it but I do see major abuse all around here. I am not sure how they get by with it, but there will always be folks who can and do "game" the system.

Virginia and North Carolina are the two states he was referring too. People always call California the welfare state but from what he told me about those two states I would have to say that they were. Maybe there are more people per capita in California on aid, but those two states certainly get far more help than what is available in California.
In cali if you have a car valued at over 2k Kelley blue book, you do not qualify for aid. The only help with utilities is once per year if you are one of the lucky ones to get in the application process. They only take the first 30 people or so and you have to call a hotline that is busy from all the people calling. All the times I tried, I never got through. Yes we have rental assistance but it is a 4 year or more wait for vouchers, but it doesn't really do you any good, because no landlord takes it.
For four people I got 555 in cash aid and 400 in food stamps. If you get pregnant on aid, your child is automatically exempt from the program for their entire life. That is actually supposed to be a federal law
put into place by Clinton. But they way i hear people talking about people having more kids so they can get more money makes me wonder if it is only California upholding that rule.

reply to post by Tylerdurden1


I am going to have to agree with you on the gambling. I do know someone who did that and that is the stupidest waste of money I have ever seen. The again, they also left their child to be cared for by relatives 95% of the time.

I couldn't agree more OP. Every study ever done on the subject of people abusing welfare systems shows a VERY small and minute percentage of people will abuse the system. Like barely worth recording. Yet people without knowing anything about the information on this subject may see someone in real life buying a beer with assistance money (THE HORROR!) and automatically all poor people are irresponsible losers.

Let those who never spend resources on relaxtion and fun throw the first stone. People cannot survive without these things. At least not without wanting to kill themselves. Anyone who would deny someone in need of a little something to lighten the sadness of their day is a monster. Straight up. Someone without empathy who gains pleasure from being judgemental of others.

calstorm
Having been on cash aid and foodstamps in the past, I still to this day can't figure out how people can afford to go to the movies let alone get an iphone. I am going to guess family members. cash aid for 4 people doesn't give you enough to pay rent barely enough to cover utilities, house hold items and gas. More than $20 a month for clothing? forget about it. There is no money left over for extras and and after bills and other necessities you are left with a week or two per month with NOTHING.

So someone please tell me how they do it.

Now my husband tells me that back east they have apartments that the utilities are included in the rent or that they have help for utilities. From what he says, they have more help in general. I never saw that in California.

Entertainment/ distraction, unfortunately, is a PRIMARY concern for most Americans in this country. If they are not entertained with the crap that has become central to the average American's happiness, then they are unhappy.

Sad stuff.

DestroyDestroyDestroy
reply to post by jvm222

 

Yes, people are dense and angry when it comes to welfare and food stamps because many of the people on assistance programs abuse the system.

man above misses the dart board.

the abuse is coming from the top. It is the bankers and politicians that have abused the system. It is they that vilify the common man and you come along like the proverbial fish that has eaten their bait and further vilify the common man...

well done you...

have an ats cookie...

Everyone, read this, says alot about this subject
www.alternet.org...

reply to post by Cancerwarrior


I guess it's the best thing to do.

My options are to wait till my basement is fixed so i can have access out of my house, or wait for the thick, layered red tape to be cut through for my disability housing.

Either way i don't want to leave school undone, and online classes seem like boredom/distraction hell.

It does seem like it will be a big help.

Bassago
reply to post by TheJourney

 

I agree with your post. Being poor sucks and if you have a few bucks for online access or whatever that's fine with me. Perhaps much of the indignation we see is from people who have never been poor. Well that can change and maybe they can as well.

Coverage of things like that surfer bum in CA buying lobsters with food stamps doesn't help and I believe he was the exception not the rule. In any civilized country no one should go hungry of lack shelter or medical care. Maybe if TPTB would quit spending all the money on themselves and the war-machine we could advance as a society.

I've been poor and basically homeless. I had a couple of months with zero income, no unemployment checks, nothing. Then six months straight of barely anything to live on. I had to sell my Krugerrand, a special gift from an uncle, just to pay my bills. Didn't even make it to my stomach. I ate cup-o-noodles and tuna, drank water, and pretty much hated life for a bit. But you know what? It made me appreciate the times I had money, food, a steady place to live, and most of all, things that are enjoyable. When you're poor, I mean truly poor, survival is all that matters. Not a beer, or internet, or a pizza, or new shoes, or the hot new smartphone.

You see? When I took the assistance of unemployment, nothing changed. I lived on bare minimum, made sure my bills were squared away first before I even ate, I lost like 30 pounds easy, and I've never been a big guy. So do I feel like people having luxuries when they're being supported by the community is bad? I do. I did everything I could to not be a burden and get back on my feet. Any person with honor would do the same, if for no other reason than to respect their community for the hand up.

I am MAD NOW. I have done what my country Ask of mé, take a Education.


DONE AFTER 4 Years now i Can work fore my Government. But if all you People are forgetting??

What has most countrys in the World in common ? NO JOBS FORE ALL THE PEOPLE ???


So now all in job. Can sit on there a** and smile and Judging all US with out a job :X

So When looking at the World? Internet should be free and all People should be online


Thats the only Way too beat the NWO / TPTB !!!!!!!

So stop Judging US and start helping getting more Jobs on the marked !

Like now all in job should go Down over 25% in salary would make 1 job by 4 in job drop a little of there salary

But like When i was in my Classic with all the future co-workers fore Denmark !!

No one Said yes too my ideer!! They all Said would you go Down in salary!!

yes i would to make more jobs. But Its like hopeless When only 1 out of 30 Said yes

I just wanted to post in this thread to say:

that I take tax payer money, Only Cretins, Idiots and Slaves work.

Evidently a-lot of you are mistaken about how your own system you think you endure with the daily grind stone works.



Here is a futile conundrum for you to all argue about

"Do regional Bank managers actually work?"

mblahnikluver

Bassago
reply to post by TheJourney

 

Coverage of things like that surfer bum in CA buying lobsters with food stamps doesn't help and I believe he was the exception not the rule.

That wasn't even real. It was a set up by Fox news I believe.

You "believe?'

Why do you believe this? Because it doesn't otherwise fit with your world view?

When NPR opined on the subject, they gave no hint that it was a setup.

Do you "believe" NPR was part of the conservative FOX conspiracy to create a false image for political purposes?

Personally, I agree with the poster that stated that internet access is a lifeline to opportunities said. I don't see how that can be questioned.

But it's also true that internet at home is a luxury, since free online access in libraries is commonplace.

I mean, if the California surfer dude (Greenslate) pays for internet, and he gets about 200 a month in SNAP assistance, then his internet costs over half of what his food stamp amount is.

It was noted that it is less than a dollar per person per paycheck to pay for this, and that's also true.

But it rankles me to pay for someone else's internet service with food stamp allotments. And I don't believe an argument can be made that it shouldn't rankle me.

If you simply can't give up internet, use a standard phone or cancel the cable TV.

Oh, I forgot. Phones are also free to the poor.

Harte

reply to post by Harte


Phones are free to the poor? Please prove this. Unless this is a very new thing. I know people who would be utilizing this if it was true. I do know people have a misconstrued the term welfare phone. I know of two types. One is strictly for victems of domestic violence. The other is to plug in a phone where service has been disconnected. They still assign a number for places where it has been disconnected. Wait for someone to call a wrong number and ask what number they dialed. People can call in but you can not call out.

PHONES ARN'T FREE TO THE POOR
Maybe Landlines in a Soup Kitchen
But you don't see Samsung or Nokia or any other company giving out free mobile phones to the Poor and homeless

Not to mention the Homeless don't have a house to put a land line.. is that what you meant by free that it doesn't cost anything cause they don't have one ?

WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO PULL ?

If you asked a homeless man where he got a Mobile phone and he said they get em free he stole it
Maybe even knifed someone for it.. did you get a good look at his face?
I would assume not.

Gestas
PHONES ARN'T FREE TO THE POOR
Maybe Landlines in a Soup Kitchen
But you don't see Samsung or Nokia or any other company giving out free mobile phones to the Poor and homeless

You've been asleep since 2008?

Is the government giving out free cell phones?

Yes. This part is true. They fund low end cell phones plans, and offset some of the cost of landline phones. The programs that authorize the phone distribution program are called Lifeline Assistance and Lifeline Link-Up. Lifeline Assistance helps pay monthly phone bills and Lifeline Link-Up helps pay the initial outlay for the phone and installation. The two programs are often lumped together and simply called Lifeline.

Source Among a million other sources.

The rest of your post is rendered moot (and ridiculous) by the above source.

Sometimes it's hard for me to believe that people can go through life completely unaware of what's happening around them.

Harte