keyshawn

The food stamp program varies from state to state; as for in Ohio, [afiak] you cannot buy tobacco or alcohol with the Ohio Direction card [aka food stamps]. Furthermore, I qualify for the work study program [in college] and my family sure as hell doesn't get food stamps [we do live comfortably enough to go without food stamps or assistance]. Even if I qualify, hmm...should I get them ? probably Not. I'd like to think I won't need them in the coming months when I start college, but we'll see.

Although I can understand fellow TFP'ers frustrations, remember that the examples you see probably aren't the typical/primary recipients. I've volunteered occasionally on sunday nights with some others from my high school and help feed the various homeless people in downtown cleveland. Those people sure aren't living the same lifestyles as described.


http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/showpos...0&postcount=69
As described above, there is a cycle for the lower class to eat more unhealthy. Also, remember that the food prices in stores where the the poor shop are often more expensive than for suburban/higher socioeconomic status. Why ? First off, the location of 'big box' volume stores [i.e. wal-mart, costco, etc.] are in the suburbs and are only now starting to sprout up in poorer, urban areas. [I don't have the data here, but I know the link's out there...]
Secondly, the costs to maintain a store in poorer/urban areas are often more expensive, because insurance rates and shoplifting rates are higher. Lastly, those who do not have their own automobile are at the mercy of their nearest shop [even an expensive convenience store] because it's not always feasible or available to use public transportation for the grocery shopping. Thus, the cycle continues, and the poor can't stretch their culinary dollar to the capacity of others.

Don't forget about the working poor either.

4 weeks * $5.15 an hour [federal min. wage] * 50 hours of work [which is quite a bit, imho] = $ 1060 a month.

That's before taxes, rent, food, cost of transportation, anything.. Don't forget, sometimes you'll have to take off of work to go pick up your PA check and deal with the admin and bureaucracy there. Employers aren't always understanding that you need to take off for such matters [Asking your boss that you need off for that, it's very difficult and humbling - because of the stigma that is attached to people on PA, a co-worker had to deal with that, plus transportation to everywhere. The co-worker has to walk everywhere - he's surely a healthy lad, at 23, albeit with ulcers]

No matter where you live, if you're trying to climb out of poverty, it's an uphill battle, and sometimes you can't tell if and how you're trying to help you....

/props to everyone's civility thus far in the thread

catcha back on the flipside,
will.

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Vincentt

Why do some people feel the need to crawl face first in a pit of molten glass, when there is a bridge 20 feet to the left?

I know you want to wear your badge, you fought hard to get where you are, and everyone likes to say that.

Most people on welfare and food stamps are extremely embarrassed, or have gone past that and ‘gave up’ the ability to be embarrassed.

Everyone looks down on them; they aren’t laughing their way to the bank.

There are people who are not on PA, that NEED to be on PA, but don’t because of these notions of pride. Their children suffer all because the notion that only the shittyist of people get food stamps, or have ‘free lunch’ at school.

I’m sure some of you would love to have people really starve and actually DIE on the streets. PA keeps gives people a chance; assisted housing gives people a chance.

Like someone else said, if PA wasn’t there, those people would find their way back into the system. If it is down to two choices starve, or steal for food, how many people will make what choice?

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avhg1

I didn't crawl through a pit of molten glass. I worked hard and have pride that I did. That's like asking why someone runs a marathon when they could have driven a car to the finish line. There's nothing wrong with ambition, hard work and not expecting hand outs. I think we could all benefit from a little better work ethic. Shouldn’t we all be able to tell our kids or grand kids how we walked up hill in the snow to school, both ways!

I don't believe in making people suffer, but PA should be a helping hand, not a ride in a carriage through the park. There are those (mentally or physically disabled) who will need help forever and that’s not what I’m referring to. I only have a problem with people who are not looking for a helping hand, but to take advantage of the system. It is really the PA system that is flawed, not those who get help from it when they really need it.

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I shake the devil's hand daily... I'd do it hourly, but my hand gets tired.

vautrain

Others have said it more eloquently in this thread, and elsewhere, but I'll put it more bluntly. You're buying something for your money, and don't think you're not. 8% is pretty cheap, considering the alternatives.

Charlatan

1) I will say this again. For those who think being on PA is a "carriage ride in the park" please be my guest and walk a mile in their shoes. If the lifestyle is so great, why not live it yourself.

2) This is such a pointless argument. (Just about) everyone agrees that PA serves a worthwhile purpose and are generally only upset with those who are "gaming" the system. We all agree that anyone who committs fraud should be dealt with. Considering it is 8% of the budget compared with much worse departments and programs that overspend and scam the system why get so bent out of shape. Let's face it, scams or no, 8% is gonna get spent. If you want to see the less than 1% (a number given above) stop gaming the system come up with a better system and propose it to your local government.

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"My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars."
- Old Man Luedecke