You realize that doesn't mean anything, right? I have to have an iPhone and internet in order to do my job. They are requirements. That doesn't mean I've got tons of money. In fact, the iPhone was a gift so I could get this job.
Hunger in America
- Thread starter phildonnia
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You realize that doesn't mean anything, right? I have to have an iPhone and internet in order to do my job. They are requirements. That doesn't mean I've got tons of money. In fact, the iPhone was a gift so I could get this job.
DragonLady
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Seems to me if you're chronically poor, things like cable TV and internet are the last bastion of sanity. They can allow one to at least feel like they're still part of the functional world, give one the ability to communicate with others and have a social life, and even provide some opportunities for improvement. Forums like this one are filled with people willing to give advice, eBay is a great if one suddenly loses their income and start selling off their possessions, places like Etsy and Zibbet can be the gateway to starting small businesses. I would be willing to make the internet a public benefit available to all.
Another thing that gripes me a bit: everyone talking about "welfare queens" with expensive cars and toys like Iphones. It seems they're looking right past an obvious point: people buy these things when they have money. When they lose the money and need public assistance, they sell what they can. But they still have to be able to drive, they still need phones, clothing, etc. What are they supposed to do? Do they have to just give those things away because being poor means they're no longer "allowed" to own the things they've bought and paid for?
Let's not start on the fact that some of those things may well be gifts from wealthier relatives or purchased used and repaired. Poor people become bargain shoppers fast, and they are forced to get as much value from every dollar as they can. Should one pass up a bargain on a used 'expensive' car because it's just "too nice" for them to own?
If the recipient is getting SNAP because they are unemployed, I think it means something.
If it's a gift, I suppose that's in line with the SNAP client driving to the office in a porsche that someone gave to her as well.
I should clarify. I live in Hawaii. Over here, many people (not all) live rent free with their parents or family, thus their SNAP or Cash Welfare benefits are used for spending money or to buy the premium steaks for the weekend BBQ.
We don't have actual food stamps anymore, but people were routinely selling the food stamps for cash, perhaps 50 cents on the dollar. Now they sell their SNAP cards.
Again, not all people but there are quite a few.
If the recipient is getting SNAP because they are unemployed, I think it means something.
If it's a gift, I suppose that's in line with the SNAP client driving to the office in a porsche that someone gave to her as well.
*blink*
You don't have to be unemployed to qualify for SNAP.
kellyb
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What's the source of your data?
Yes, SNAP can be had by the working poor, or even folks with decent jobs but have 12 kids.
But you do have some folks who don't really need the benefits who don't really need it because they are being supported by their parents.
Personal observations.
In college I worked at a supermarket. Some of my co workers had food stamps.
We sometimes were treated to a weekend BBQ by co-workers who bought steaks with food stamp benefits. They lived comfortably because they lived rent free with their well off parents.
These last few posts illustrate a point.
A social safety net system is either going to be too generous to some people who don't need it or fail some vulnerable people who do need it.
I think the second of these is unacceptable.
A social safety net system is either going to be too generous to some people who don't need it or fail some vulnerable people who do need it.
I think the second of these is unacceptable.
DragonLady
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Yes, SNAP can be had by the working poor, or even folks with decent jobs but have 12 kids.
But you do have some folks who don't really need the benefits who don't really need it because they are being supported by their parents.
Hmmmm.... There's quite an intensive sign up process, with lots of questions about living conditions and who is paying for what. I suspect that the amounts they were allotted took into account the support they received from their parents.
Here we are with the "welfare queen" thing again: poor people aren't allowed to eat steaks, and certainly not BBQ. They also shouldn't share -especially if they're part of a group that routinely hosts meals for each other on weekends. Nor should they be allowed to have parents who are wealthier, and -sakes alive- they shouldn't be allowed to live with said parents.
No. Absolutely not. Poor people should all cut ties with friends and family, throw away their gay apparel, subsist on beans and rice, and hide under bridges at night. The rest of this mortal life is only for those who can afford it; those who cannot should never even aspire to pretending to be part of it.
gumboot
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A far more meaningful comparison is how your welfare recipients live compared to rank and file residents in your own country.
That wasn't my point at all. My point was that there are quite a number of recipients who don't need the level of benefits they receive. There's no exact way to police it obviously, save for workers doing home visits.
I believe there are simply too much/too many entitlements doled out in the US.
Public assistance should be a temporary hand up, not a way to make a living.
(And I don't believe this applies to the elderly and disabled, only the able bodied)
kellyb
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Personal observations.
In college I worked at a supermarket. Some of my co workers had food stamps.
We sometimes were treated to a weekend BBQ by co-workers who bought steaks with food stamp benefits. They lived comfortably because they lived rent free with their well off parents.
So, you're talking about how many people? 2-5?
phildonnia
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Just stumbled across a new article about the lifestyles and spending habits of panhandlers. This bit was relevant to the present discussion:
http://www.portlandmercury.com/portland/the-millionaire-panhandler/Content?oid=10627133
RandFan
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Your co workers committed fraud. SNAP specifically asks questions about total household income.Personal observations.
In college I worked at a supermarket. Some of my co workers had food stamps.
We sometimes were treated to a weekend BBQ by co-workers who bought steaks with food stamp benefits. They lived comfortably because they lived rent free with their well off parents.
KoihimeNakamura
Creativity Murderer
Also, if people split cost of a BBQ it actually can be decently cheap. Sometimes.
WildCat
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RandFan
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That woman desperately needs to watch the following video with Craig T. Nelson railing against government aid.
"I've been on welfare and food stamps...did anyone help me?"
You have to admit, Nelson's got a point... I'm just not sure what it is.
So, let's make fun of the idiots and that way we can advance the discussion.