If You're On Food Stamps, You Should Lose Voting Privileges?

reply to post by Gorman91


i don't know how much i agree with only military and government workers being aloud to vote, your first amendment right gives you the right to vote. just because you serve or are working for the government don't make you above anyone else.

also i serve in the USMC so dont tell me that im only saying that because i dont serve because i do

its makes no difference to me who votes and who doesnt, just because you are on food stamps or government aid doensn't make you any different from me. you are still a human being

now on that note i do think that if people are going to apply for government aid then they should be required to take a drug test to make sure they are drug free. i don't think a person should be applying for government aid if they have the money to buy drugs like coc aine and heroin

reply to post by Rockpuck


while the banks and wall street lobbyists pave the way with gold to buy their laws.....why should any business be allowed to lobby congress when they get special tax deductions and "gubermint" funds at all but zero percent interest...

but hell no .... why should people benefit from the governmenit?? these republicans who support these types of regulations are themselves wanna-be fascists!

I seriously can't believe some of these replies. My family receives food stamps because my mother (a single mother) lost her job due to the economy. She also is consistently looking for a job everyday since August and it seems like her Bachelor Degree means nothing nowadays. Taking away her voters right and forcing us to shop at government stores is down right disgusting. Everyone doesn't abuse the system! Then users on here calling us the lowest of the low of society, I can't believe it. It's not our fault that the piece of # presidents can't fix the economy. I hope this post opens at least one person mind, to those who just weren't affected, have mercy on you.

reply to post by caf1550


Of course you are still a human being. Being able to vote has nothing to do with you being a human being. Voting requires responsibility, and thus far, most votes are just farms to reap for special interests.

There's a reason why the founding fathers only wanted white land owning males to vote. And while the social pretexts to this clause are extinct, the reasoning is not. In 1790, the only people who deserved to vote were white land owning males, because these were the people whom were educated, usually worldly and having spent some time in Europe, and intelligent people. Thank God the world has changed from this cultural construct, but the context remains. Today, there are only a few, maybe 10%-25% of the population, whom are responsible and educated enough to vote.

The reason I said only government workers and military is more or less because of the cultural context of the times. Soldiers are slowly but inevitably becoming a political bloc in and of themselves as the international superpower that is the United States secures its power. Government workers tend to understand the population better than politicians or social organizers also. (bear in mind I do not consider a politician a government job. I consider it a civil service). Government workers deal with the people whom are on aid. So they can judge more thoroughly who deserves and who does not.

Thus the soldier and the federal employee become the two axis on which society runs. One from within, the other to outside.

Honestly it seems more sensible to hold a general election once or twice a century to construct who should vote and who should not. Because the way things are now, most votes are simply cows to the slaughter.

Originally posted by ideasarebulletproof

Originally posted by IkNOwSTuff
reply to post by ideasarebulletproof

 

I appreciate your reply but you didnt answer my question,

As the OP what do you find so wrong with the Article you linked, what makes it so ridiculous?

Forget the authors tone or if he was exaggerating to make a point, the core message was anyone on benefits should lose certain luxuries and those benefits should be as difficult as possible to obtain.

Why exactly is this wrong or ridiculous?

Sometimes people have it hard enough already, without having their worth as a human being, and a Untied States citizen brought into question because they have less money than others.

Fair call

I do think the voting thing is going a bit far but as for the rest of it....

Is there ever a situation where you could support these measures?
for instance if it was beyond doubt you were able bodied and minded and had been receiving benefits for over 6 months, could you agree with some form of control over how the money/vouchers was spent and some kind of testing to ensure you werent on drugs?

Originally posted by LilDudeissocool

Originally posted by IkNOwSTuff
reply to post by ideasarebulletproof

 

I appreciate your reply but you didnt answer my question,

As the OP what do you find so wrong with the Article you linked, what makes it so ridiculous?

Forget the authors tone or if he was exaggerating to make a point, the core message was anyone on benefits should lose certain luxuries and those benefits should be as difficult as possible to obtain.

Why exactly is this wrong or ridiculous?

You think? Remember where we came.

Now we are here.

www.ourfuture.org...


www.nytimes.com...


The rich and big business which they own should lose the right to.

Lobby

Contribute to super packs and political campaigns

Solicit would be politicians to run for public office

Access elected officials

Write legislation for congress persons benefiting their interests such as enabling corporate welfare subsidies.

VOTE

How about revoking citizenship for those who make money from corporate welfare including all that are invested in assets of any and all entities that participate in receiving corporate welfare in their 40ks. DO YOU?

I think 40ks that include corporate welfare benefits should be seized and the owners of such described assets should be jailed indefinitely without trial as it is a form of economic terrorism waged against all citizens of this country.

So if you want to be a proportionate of the guy's point of view the OP illuminated in the linked article go right ahead. There are more people who would be against such craziness that do vote if they had the opportunity to read such insanity.

Keep antagonizing the 99%. See where it eventually leads. In the end the 1% and their hypnotized codependent enablers will lose.

Signed, "WE THE PEOPLE"

edit on 1-3-2012 by LilDudeissocool because: (no reason given)

Sorry dude but most of that went right over my head

Are you implying in some way shape or form Im an elitist?
Nothing could be further from the truth, I dont have investments or even a sizeable pension fund (not worried about my old age I plan on dying around 50 )
And I couldnt agree more, lobbyists should be banned, politiciasns should represent the people not corporations or interest groups.

Not sure why your post was aimed at me as it didnt appear to have anything to do with what I was talking about

I have a question? I am a reciever of food stamps. Does that make me part of the "lower than low" part of society?

Honestly now, I recieve them because I am in the process of looking for a job, taking care of my disabled mother, and I am a mother of 2 kids. Now, I am not proud of the fact that I am on food stamps, but I am just trying to survive in this crazy country that we live in.

One more thing, I do not do drugs, so I am all for the drug screening for food stamps. But as far as the voting thing, I could care less if those got taken away for being on food stamps, considering the fact that I don't vote anyways!!! I never have, and I more than likely never will vote.

Thank you for all of your time, and for bringing this to attention!!!!

reply to post by Gorman91


with that being said i can honestly say i agree with some of what you say and disagree with others things. now yes i understand the power that the military and government employees hold. but i disagree with how you say you believe that 10-25% of the population are actually...

whom are responsible and educated enough to vote.

now i know plenty of people who don't hold government jobs are not in the military but they fully understand what is going on. they understand how most people in the country vote the way that a religon would tell them to vote, most christians vote the same way or the way a race votes, over 96% of black voters either voted or supported Obama

Fully 96 percent of black voters supported Obama

www.politico.com...

yes i know that when the constitution was written that only white land owning males could vote, but times have changed since then so that just doesn't hold merit anymore, the fact is when the amendments were changed to allow everyone citizen to vote then it doesn't matter if they are on government aid or not, educated or not, even hold a job. it is still there right to vote.

honestly i think it should be more of a responsbiltiy that people should vote, how many countries are out there that the people can't choose who there next leader will be. i think it is one of our greatest rights but it is now so corrupt in the days we live in

Originally posted by templar33

Hi there everyone!

I'm from Europe, Scandinavia. Denmark to be precise. I've read through a couple of pages concerning the remarks spawned by this article made by Mr. Brion McClanahan. I got a few points to make, if you will bear with me for a moment:-).

... programs paid through taxes. These include, but are not limited to, universal free healthcare, free university-got the skills, you get the education, a monthly allowance(welfare) that by law is fixed at a minimum of 9.000 danish kronor which is the equivalent to $ 1611.11 , some get more if they live in a leased house, have children etc. My point? Along time ago, around 50 years ago, we in Denmark decided that NO ONE gets left behind. While some may see this as a hindrance as to the free exercise of human enterprise, we see it as a way of taking care of each other. This mindset and cultural pillar in my particular society paid for my university education and I'm now a taxpayer. Do I whine about extremely high taxes to fund these programs? Yeah, I do, but I pay them gladly, because I know if I'm down on my luck my fellow citizen got my back. Live long and prosper from the European Union:-)

Read more: dailycaller.com...

Hi Templar,

Wonderful post! It's very interesting hearing about how other societies are set up. In the US, your system would be decried (loudly) as the socialism it is, but here socialism is considered one step away from the dreaded communism of the Cold War. Obviously, the US is now a failed economic system and a sputtering burned out wreck of an Empire and as such, is the most dangerous nation on the planet. My apologies for what we have done to the rest of the world in the name of continuing our failed experiment. Slavery started this country, and the still all too visible result of slavery will end it - stratification of classes and a lack of educating everyone.

I wonder if you have heard of the Zeitgeist Movement which essentially advocates many of the same ideas you listed; guaranteed income, free education, etc. Although the ZM just wants to get rid of the money system and base the economy on what resources are available.

I look forward to seeing more posts from you and will check out your blog.

PS: How does one immigrate to Denmark, and how can I meet a nice Danish man? (My ancestors were Norwegian, if that makes a difference...

reply to post by IzItTrU3


I don't think bad of you. you have children, you take care of your mom, and you are just doing what you have to do to provide. You don't need to explain yourself to anyone. I have a degree and I can't find a good job. I am a waitress at the moment. If my husband left me, I'd probably have to go on food stamps too. And I would also be willing to take a drug test. I just don't understand why people think it's so terrible, and that it infringes on people's privacy. Don't most people get drug tested for jobs? Yes they do. Maybe if they did start drug testing to be on food stamps, someone might decide that feeding their kids is more important than getting high. Just my thought.

Originally posted by SteffieJo
reply to post by IzItTrU3

 

I don't think bad of you. you have children, you take care of your mom, and you are just doing what you have to do to provide. You don't need to explain yourself to anyone. I have a degree and I can't find a good job. I am a waitress at the moment. If my husband left me, I'd probably have to go on food stamps too. And I would also be willing to take a drug test. I just don't understand why people think it's so terrible, and that it infringes on people's privacy. Don't most people get drug tested for jobs? Yes they do. Maybe if they did start drug testing to be on food stamps, someone might decide that feeding their kids is more important than getting high. Just my thought.

Yup. I agree..

I do not know who posts to this forum. But obviously you are so grossly misinformed about voting rights that you have no idea what the laws really are in this country. There are actually a couple of states where felons can vote from prison. The normal rule of thumb is once released from parole or upon sentence expiration voting rights are automatically restored. In a few states application must be made with the convicting court, and in at least one state application must be made with the state legislative branch.

reply to post by signalfire


You will probably find that the total tax burden in northern Europe is not much different from the US. It is just spent wisely. This results in a generally happier population.

People with better skills still get paid more but the wealth is distributed more fairly. They are still capitalist societies but they have sensible social policies. Policies like these should not be confused with communism which is a totally different thing.

The only problem with northern Europe is the weather

Originally posted by templar33

You're right, we're a small country, tiny compared to the US(actually I read that there are more registered pets in New York city than people in denmark, haha!), but the same principles of math should apply irrespective of high low or high the number is. The issue is not numbers, but how society as a whole is structured. I can't speak of the percentage of taxpayers in the US as I simply don't know these numbers and I suspect they vary greatly from state to state? However, I do know that a massive amount of revenue in Denmark stems from taxes. Basically, you don't turn in your tax year to the relevant authorities in Denmark- the authorities already got the information they need because everything is computerized. Sure, you get a taxform each year, but those are rarely used by others than the self-employed who have a fluctuating month-to-month income.

My point is, the US, is more than capable of going in what direction you as voters want it to go. I'm not gonna derail the thread with personal comments on where it should and shouldn't go imho, which would be a moot point anyway since I can't vote in the US, all I'm saying is that the enormous gap between rich and poor is gainning increased notice from other developed countries.

More pets in New York than Denmark really?!..LOL. But that is my point numbers are important. It is a fact that almost 49% of Americans (not state to state but total sum) do not pay any taxes in to the system.

I do agree with you that it is how society is structured, but structured in a sense that we have too many people here that expect this entitlement with out giving anything back to it. Again I am not referring to those who have fallen on hard times, I do believe in a safety to help you get on your feet again just not a way of life because you are lazy.

I am not for universal healthcare but I am for healthcare reform. However I have re-read your post and you say everyone pays taxes and that pays into what Denmark can offer it society. I would say if everyone that is 100% of Americans would pay into the system I think then and only then that some type of universal system may work. So again it goes back to a numbers thing.

reply to post by IkNOwSTuff


Well I've said it before on other threads about the whole drug testing thing: If they are suspected, or have been accused of using drugs, then by all means go ahead and drug test them. Should they just be dumped after proving positive? It's not that simple to me. I don't think drug addiction should be considered an offense, they need to be dealt with differently than violent offenders.

How about mandatory detox and drug counseling? I'd rather spend tax money on getting people clean and on their way to being a productive member of society, than spending 10x the money throwing them in jail.

But again, that's just my opinion.

As for people abusing the system, honestly it doesn't happen as much as people think it does. I think someone brought up Reagans "welfare queen" and the fact that the percentage of people actually abusing the system was around 1 - 2% if even that.

How to stop people from abusing the system? Well we need more jobs in this country. People who get so passionate about this topic saying "I worked for it, they get it for free" do not realize that they could be in the same situation in a heartbeat. So, we need more jobs in this country. I have a little saying, I live in Iowa and it'really hard to find good work here, "there are 8 jobs in Iowa, and 10 people out of work."

But that doesn't just apply to Iowa. Make it a much bigger number and say the U.S. it's the same situation. Too many people need work, not enough jobs to go around.

Originally posted by ideasarebulletproof
reply to post by IkNOwSTuff

 

As for people abusing the system, honestly it doesn't happen as much as people think it does. I think someone brought up Reagans "welfare queen" and the fact that the percentage of people actually abusing the system was around 1 - 2% if even that.

I believe that is based on a state by state average plus that is probably just what is known. Come to Texas go to any grocery find the carts with the most food in them and look at the kids, count how many. You will notice a trend in the age difference plus there is a very good chance there is one in the oven as well. At the check out line you will notice a little white card (LoneStar) that they pay for the $400 worth of food in their carts with that is loaded with money each month based on the amount of people in the family. Then take notice of the car they drive off in most of the time it will be new.

Then look at your receipt and see how much your food cost you out of your own pocket. If I sound bitter maybe I am, do I sound jealous maybe when I needed help I was denied because I would not lie and because I am the wrong race...but who can blame me while my children are eating PB&J's for dinner or what ever I can afford, they are dinning on food that was bought on my dime...Sorry for the rant. This just gets my blood boiling.

How to stop people from abusing the system? Well we need more jobs in this country. People who get so passionate about this topic saying "I worked for it, they get it for free" do not realize that they could be in the same situation in a heartbeat. So, we need more jobs in this country. I have a little saying, I live in Iowa and it'really hard to find good work here, "there are 8 jobs in Iowa, and 10 people out of work."

Yes we need more jobs in this country a 100% but those who abuse the system will always abuse. Why would they want to work if everything is given to them free with out any effort.

reply to post by ideasarebulletproof


Well said! When you guys go on about drugs testing, I assume you mean the drugs that are currently illegal in the US? I ask because documentaries I've seen say that in the US the major problem is with drugs supplied by big pharma.

I hesitated on using the word legal as people were shown driving to other states to get drugs via a 'legal' route then taking them back to their town and selling them on. Then getting arrested.

Personally what someone does in their spare time is none of my, an employer or the governments business. It becomes obvious if their free time activities are affecting their performance.

Originally posted by the4thhorseman

If I sound bitter maybe I am, do I sound jealous maybe when I needed help I was denied because I would not lie and because I am the wrong race..

Race has NOTHING to do with being eligible for food stamps. It is based on your income and assets.

Originally posted by jrod

Originally posted by the4thhorseman

If I sound bitter maybe I am, do I sound jealous maybe when I needed help I was denied because I would not lie and because I am the wrong race..

Race has NOTHING to do with being eligible for food stamps. It is based on your income and assets.

Really? Tell it to someone that was denied food stamps. Yes I know its based in income and assets, I had to provide documents on everything birth certificate, SS#'s for members of my family. Proof of this proof of that and because I took the high road I was denied. Mind you I was unemployed with a with and two children and very little unemployment benefits. Thankfully I had family and friends to help us with food and other bills.

If I was a foreign national I could walk in with zero paperwork request assistance and I would get same day no questions asked. Plus it would help if I didn't speak English.

So please don't tell me race has nothing to do with it. Ask anyone working in those places if they are tired of how it works. I can guarantee they will say YES.