Oooh boy - Facebook and welfare.

[TrickyBob]

I saw this post on my facebook;

"WRITTEN BY A 21 YEAR OLD FEMALE.

PUT ME IN CHARGE . . .

Put me in charge of food stamps. I'd get rid of Lone Star cards; no cash for Ding Dongs or Ho Ho's, just money for 50-pound bags of rice and beans, blocks of cheese and all the powdered milk you can haul away. If you want steak and frozen pizza, then get a job.

Put me in charge of Medicaid. The first thing I'd do is to get women Norplant birth control implants or tubal ligations. Then, we'll test recipients for drugs, alcohol, and nicotine. If you want to reproduce or use drugs, alcohol, or smoke, then get a job.

Put me in charge of government housing. Ever live in a military barracks? You will maintain our property in a clean and good state of repair. Your home" will be subject to inspections anytime and possessions will be inventoried. If you want a plasma TV or Xbox 360, then get a job and your own place.

In addition, you will either present a check stub from a job each week or you will report to a "government" job. It may be cleaning the roadways of trash, painting and repairing public housing, whatever we find for you. We will sell your 22 inch rims and low profile tires and your blasting stereo and speakers and put that money toward the "common good.."

Before you write that I've violated someone's rights, realize that all of the above is voluntary. If you want our money, accept our rules. Before you say that this would be "demeaning" and ruin their "self esteem," consider that it wasn't that long ago that taking someone else's money for doing absolutely nothing was demeaning and lowered self esteem.

If we are expected to pay for other people's mistakes we should at least attempt to make them learn from their bad choices. The current system rewards them for continuing to make bad choices.

AND While you are on Gov't subsistence, you no longer can VOTE! Yes, that is correct. For you to vote would be a conflict of interest. You will voluntarily remove yourself from voting while you are receiving a Gov't welfare check. If you want to vote, then get a job. "



It is not that simple. To a 21 year old, it's black and white. To the rest of the world, there are so many shades of grey. There are people out there who are working 1, 2, and possibly 3 minimum wage jobs and still need government assistance. I can agree that the system needs an overhaul. Yes, there are people out there who ruin it for everyone else and give off the impression that people want government assistance because they simply don't want to work but there are so many more who need it...because they need it. 

This is like..what's the saying...no skittles for the poor? 

And honestly, jobs are kind of hard to come by. People are being laid off, places of business are closing, people are coming out of retirement to make ends meet, those jobs that are typically teen jobs are being applied for by adults as well. And those who have jobs, are generally praying they get to keep them. It's not as simple as "go get a job and you can have it all", because even the jobs some people would get, they'd still qualify for government assistance anyway. 

Admittedly, I don't know a whole lot about the subject of welfare, but I know enough that this girl rubs me the wrong way. 

And really..tubal litigation because you are on assistance? What happens when things get better? "Ooops sorry, for a year you were poor so no kids for you ever."  

[Deleted]

I saw this the other day and had to refrain myself from responding. I get so ragey on FB. Justified for most things of course lol

[TrickyBob]

Sept 5, 2013 21:29:18 GMT -5 kevin arnold said:

Wait, somebody made a dumb rant on Facebook?!

Apparently it is one of those things that people pass around agreeing to and adding their commentary of "Yes! This should be law!" 



I also realize my comment could be very wrong, again, I don't really know much about the workings of welfare. 

[bornbaker]

There is just so much wrong with that post. SO much.

[stephm0188]

Sigh.
I just can't anymore. Why are people so dumb?

[fuckyourcouch]

No. I just can't with this dumb shit anymore.

[shostakovich]

Yeah, the sterilization for the poors section is where the vein in my forehead began to throb.

[Deleted]

Hoooo boy.

[sineadorebellion]

We were on food stamps a few years ago. I always get so disappointed when I see my friends post these things. Being on public assistance sucked - everyone looks at you like a freakin' addict or criminal. I used to shop in the middle of the night, for fear I'd run into someone I knew.

[MrsAxilla]

Why would anyone take advice from a 21 year old girl anyway?

[thatgirl2478]

As a property owner who's property was just fucked up to the tune of 10k by someone on section 8 (realizing full well that not everyone on section 8 destroys property), I can understand the sentiment behind this.

Yes, there are LOTS of reasons people go on welfare. No, not everyone who is currently on welfare was on it when they got their nice tv's/cars/etc. However, I saw first hand multiple receipts for $250 worth of 'food' all bought with food stamps (no steaks, but lots and lots of processed crap). Again, I get that this is anecdotal evidence, but there's some truth to this.

Tubal ligation? No. Too far. Having to help your community (picking up trash/painting over graffiti/ etc) to help 'earn' your welfare - not necessarily a bad idea.

[thatgirl2478]

Sept 5, 2013 21:36:53 GMT -5 sineadorebellion said:

We were on food stamps a few years ago. I always get so disappointed when I see my friends post these things. Being on public assistance sucked - everyone looks at you like a freakin' addict or criminal. I used to shop in the middle of the night, for fear I'd run into someone I knew.

See - this is a shame.  Even my own DH wouldn't go on food stamps - when he was fully qualified for them - because he didn't think he was in that bad of a situation.

And legitimately, it's people who fuck with the system who ruin it for those people who need them.

[MrsAxilla]

Sept 5, 2013 21:43:13 GMT -5 thatgirl2478 said:

Having to help your community (picking up trash/painting over graffiti/ etc) to help 'earn' your welfare - not necessarily a bad idea.

How does one look for a job if they are busy "volunteering"?  Who pays for their child care?  Or transportation?  

[Deleted]

That sounds like something evee would write.

[W.T.Faulkner]

I often wonder if these people realize how quickly their savings could dwindle, how quickly their lives could literally be turned upside down by a single stroke of bad luck.

Having money is not a sign of moral superiority.

Even though many of us can't even fathom needing public assistance to get by, most of us aren't as far away as we think.

[jane6672]

I like skittles!

[TrickyBob]

Sept 5, 2013 22:24:22 GMT -5 Que? said:

Sept 5, 2013 21:43:13 GMT -5 thatgirl2478 said:

As a property owner who's property was just fucked up to the tune of 10k by someone on section 8 (realizing full well that not everyone on section 8 destroys property), I can understand the sentiment behind this.

Yes, there are LOTS of reasons people go on welfare. No, not everyone who is currently on welfare was on it when they got their nice tv's/cars/etc. However, I saw first hand multiple receipts for $250 worth of 'food' all bought with food stamps (no steaks, but lots and lots of processed crap). Again, I get that this is anecdotal evidence, but there's some truth to this.

Tubal ligation? No. Too far. Having to help your community (picking up trash/painting over graffiti/ etc) to help 'earn' your welfare - not necessarily a bad idea.

Someone with a job could have trashed your apartment.
People with jobs eat processed foods.
Everyone should take pride in their community, and the poors shouldn't have to work harder for it.

Thank you. And a lot of people who have jobs also live in section 8. It's just low income housing, low income housing does not mean crappy people who trash their homes. Shitty people are everywhere, you got shitty people as tenants. 

And processed food is, sadly, generally cheaper when trying to feed a family. I know our produce and fresh foods at the local grocery store are not 10 for 10 or buy one get one or an other combo deal. Where as lots of chips/cookies/processed foods are. Even people with money eat lots of processed foods. It makes me sad that this 21 year old wants to feed people off of rice and beans, as though poor people are only allowed the bare minimum. 

And some people abuse it. I worked with a woman who had 3 kids and was a single Mom. She made enough to receive food stamps and she received a lot of them - so she would buy food for other people instead of going in and having them adjust the amount for her. 

[Deleted]

Well if they had bought steaks then they wouldn't have been able to get "lots and lots" of things for $250.

[lissaholly]

I bet this person's stance on guns is also for a heavily involved big brother. As well as all other issues of civilian life.

I tried to google to see this woman's opinion on gun control and it showed that this article was actually written by a 56 year old veteran male from Texas. The guess is that the newspaper that originally printed this email changed the author to a young woman to avoid the dismissal that the original author was just a typical conservative.

[bonquiqui]

Facebook is free for the peoles!

[kayl84]

Sept 5, 2013 21:43:13 GMT -5 thatgirl2478 said:

As a property owner who's property was just fucked up to the tune of 10k by someone on section 8 (realizing full well that not everyone on section 8 destroys property), I can understand the sentiment behind this.

Yes, there are LOTS of reasons people go on welfare. No, not everyone who is currently on welfare was on it when they got their nice tv's/cars/etc. However, I saw first hand multiple receipts for $250 worth of 'food' all bought with food stamps (no steaks, but lots and lots of processed crap). Again, I get that this is anecdotal evidence, but there's some truth to this.

Tubal ligation? No. Too far. Having to help your community (picking up trash/painting over graffiti/ etc) to help 'earn' your welfare - not necessarily a bad idea.

I'm shocked at the fact that you had "10k worth of damage" yet had the time to go through all these supposed receipts I guess they had lying around. What about people who are on it because they are sick/injured? Should they be cleaning trash and painting over graffiti, too?

I'm sure while this 21 year old had taken out student loans to pay for school that NONE of that went to ramen noodles or alcohol, right? Also since teenagers can't afford to have babies really, should we be giving them tubal ligations when they start their period?

I can't stand stupidity like this.

[vamoose]

I used to think the same way. I was young and very sheltered and had never been stretched to my max. I am still very lucky. I cannot imagine how exhausting it could be to live in poverty. I am a stay at home mom to two great kids in a very nice area with plenty of money for everything we need and many things we want, and STILL by the end of the day I am DONE. All out of fucks to give. Sure kid, throw that salad on the floor an eat shredded cheese and Cheerios for dinner. Whatever.

There are lazy idiot poor people and lazy idiot rich people, but I have to believe that most people are trying their best to get through the day and live a good life. And if frozen pizzas and skittles help you not run out of your house screaming then have at it. Life can be very hard sometimes.

[melindafelinda]

Sept 5, 2013 21:43:13 GMT -5 thatgirl2478 said:

As a property owner who's property was just fucked up to the tune of 10k by someone on section 8 (realizing full well that not everyone on section 8 destroys property), I can understand the sentiment behind this.

Yes, there are LOTS of reasons people go on welfare. No, not everyone who is currently on welfare was on it when they got their nice tv's/cars/etc. However, I saw first hand multiple receipts for $250 worth of 'food' all bought with food stamps (no steaks, but lots and lots of processed crap). Again, I get that this is anecdotal evidence, but there's some truth to this.

Tubal ligation? No. Too far. Having to help your community (picking up trash/painting over graffiti/ etc) to help 'earn' your welfare - not necessarily a bad idea.

You should deactivate. Your time here will not go well.

[Deleted]

Sept 5, 2013 23:47:47 GMT -5 melindafelinda said:

Sept 5, 2013 21:43:13 GMT -5 thatgirl2478 said:

As a property owner who's property was just fucked up to the tune of 10k by someone on section 8 (realizing full well that not everyone on section 8 destroys property), I can understand the sentiment behind this.

Yes, there are LOTS of reasons people go on welfare. No, not everyone who is currently on welfare was on it when they got their nice tv's/cars/etc. However, I saw first hand multiple receipts for $250 worth of 'food' all bought with food stamps (no steaks, but lots and lots of processed crap). Again, I get that this is anecdotal evidence, but there's some truth to this.

Tubal ligation? No. Too far. Having to help your community (picking up trash/painting over graffiti/ etc) to help 'earn' your welfare - not necessarily a bad idea.

You should deactivate. Your time here will not go well.

For real.

Listen to Melinda.

[skittlesforme]

I get food stamps and medical. And unfortunately I will have to go on cash aid soon. My boyfriend and I both work. But our jobs suck and do not offer medical either.
These fb posting upset me. We work full time, and are actively seeking jobs. We have both been to college and I have an advanced degree. We just unfortunately chose careers that there are not a lot of openings in. We are both looking for positions outside of our field.
But if you knew us or met us on the street you would never know.
We live in a nice house.... That has cheaper rent than anywhere else we could find. And we keep it nice.
I have a newer car... On loan from my parents. Who remind me quite often that its THEIR car.
We have a almost 1 year old DD... Who is well dressed and doesn't look like a "welfare baby." But her clothes are all gifts, clearance items or used. Her bedroom furniture and jumperoo are from my parents.
DD wasn't an accident, and we are not preventing another. I know people do on agree, but our child-bearing years are limited. We are both 34. Just because we are poor doesn't mean we don't deserve kids. If we waited until we had jobs and were totally on our feet we would be nearly 40. It took us 2 years to get pregnant with DD. I went to college and got an education like I was told you are "supposed" to do. And while we would rather not be poor, we still want a family.
And even if we had great jobs, we are still going to be poor. Going to college like I was "supposed to" wasn't cheap. I went to a state college and worked the whole time too. One semester I had 27 units (with special permission) and two jobs. But I still have student loans to pay back.

We have cut every possible corner and coupon, but just need help. And don't think we are not stressed. If you are poor and actually want to change you are stressed.

[amellis2]

Sept 5, 2013 21:43:13 GMT -5 thatgirl2478 said:

As a property owner who's property was just fucked up to the tune of 10k by someone on section 8 (realizing full well that not everyone on section 8 destroys property), I can understand the sentiment behind this.

Yes, there are LOTS of reasons people go on welfare. No, not everyone who is currently on welfare was on it when they got their nice tv's/cars/etc. However, I saw first hand multiple receipts for $250 worth of 'food' all bought with food stamps (no steaks, but lots and lots of processed crap). Again, I get that this is anecdotal evidence, but there's some truth to this.

Tubal ligation? No. Too far. Having to help your community (picking up trash/painting over graffiti/ etc) to help 'earn' your welfare - not necessarily a bad idea.

I am normally a lurker, but as someone who used TANF (Temporary Assistant for Needy Families), this is the case in Florida.  For 6 months I did 22 hours of "work" (in my case cleaning up cat poop at my local SPCA) and doing job search for another 18 hours per week.  You do 40 hours of work activities per week.  I received $198/month for 160 hours of work a month.  My daughters had to be in childcare and my subsidized co-payment for childcare had to come out of the $198 and gas to and from my worksite had to come out of that.  That didn't include the diapers and other things I needed to provide for my newborn twins.  (I was on TANF because I was terminated from my job when I came back from Maternity Leave).  It is a good idea in that it will prevent some from abusing the system, but I don't know if this is a nationwide thing or just in a few states.  I really didn't appreciate being away from my daughters for 40 hours a week for ~1.16/hr, though.

[Saint Monica]

[Deleted]

Sept 6, 2013 6:05:29 GMT -5 amellis2 said:

Sept 5, 2013 21:43:13 GMT -5 thatgirl2478 said:

As a property owner who's property was just fucked up to the tune of 10k by someone on section 8 (realizing full well that not everyone on section 8 destroys property), I can understand the sentiment behind this.

Yes, there are LOTS of reasons people go on welfare. No, not everyone who is currently on welfare was on it when they got their nice tv's/cars/etc. However, I saw first hand multiple receipts for $250 worth of 'food' all bought with food stamps (no steaks, but lots and lots of processed crap). Again, I get that this is anecdotal evidence, but there's some truth to this.

Tubal ligation? No. Too far. Having to help your community (picking up trash/painting over graffiti/ etc) to help 'earn' your welfare - not necessarily a bad idea.

I am normally a lurker, but as someone who used TANF (Temporary Assistant for Needy Families), this is the case in Florida.  For 6 months I did 22 hours of "work" (in my case cleaning up cat poop at my local SPCA) and doing job search for another 18 hours per week.  You do 40 hours of work activities per week.  I received $198/month for 160 hours of work a month.  My daughters had to be in childcare and my subsidized co-payment for childcare had to come out of the $198 and gas to and from my worksite had to come out of that.  That didn't include the diapers and other things I needed to provide for my newborn twins.  (I was on TANF because I was terminated from my job when I came back from Maternity Leave).  It is a good idea in that it will prevent some from abusing the system, but I don't know if this is a nationwide thing or just in a few states.  I really didn't appreciate being away from my daughters for 40 hours a week for ~1.16/hr, though.

Fuck. That's labor camp conditions. I'm so sorry you had to go through that. Florida is a fucked up state.

[themoneytree]

Sept 6, 2013 6:05:29 GMT -5 amellis2 said:

Sept 5, 2013 21:43:13 GMT -5 thatgirl2478 said:

As a property owner who's property was just fucked up to the tune of 10k by someone on section 8 (realizing full well that not everyone on section 8 destroys property), I can understand the sentiment behind this.

Yes, there are LOTS of reasons people go on welfare. No, not everyone who is currently on welfare was on it when they got their nice tv's/cars/etc. However, I saw first hand multiple receipts for $250 worth of 'food' all bought with food stamps (no steaks, but lots and lots of processed crap). Again, I get that this is anecdotal evidence, but there's some truth to this.

Tubal ligation? No. Too far. Having to help your community (picking up trash/painting over graffiti/ etc) to help 'earn' your welfare - not necessarily a bad idea.

I am normally a lurker, but as someone who used TANF (Temporary Assistant for Needy Families), this is the case in Florida.  For 6 months I did 22 hours of "work" (in my case cleaning up cat poop at my local SPCA) and doing job search for another 18 hours per week.  You do 40 hours of work activities per week.  I received $198/month for 160 hours of work a month.  My daughters had to be in childcare and my subsidized co-payment for childcare had to come out of the $198 and gas to and from my worksite had to come out of that.  That didn't include the diapers and other things I needed to provide for my newborn twins.  (I was on TANF because I was terminated from my job when I came back from Maternity Leave).  It is a good idea in that it will prevent some from abusing the system, but I don't know if this is a nationwide thing or just in a few states.  I really didn't appreciate being away from my daughters for 40 hours a week for ~1.16/hr, though.

OMG this sounds too awful to be real. I am so, so sorry they did that to you. I just don't understand how they could give you so little for so much work and keep you away from your kids at the same time. I hope things are better for you now.

[themoneytree]

Sept 5, 2013 21:43:13 GMT -5 thatgirl2478 said:

As a property owner who's property was just fucked up to the tune of 10k by someone on section 8 (realizing full well that not everyone on section 8 destroys property), I can understand the sentiment behind this.

Yes, there are LOTS of reasons people go on welfare. No, not everyone who is currently on welfare was on it when they got their nice tv's/cars/etc. However, I saw first hand multiple receipts for $250 worth of 'food' all bought with food stamps (no steaks, but lots and lots of processed crap). Again, I get that this is anecdotal evidence, but there's some truth to this.

Tubal ligation? No. Too far. Having to help your community (picking up trash/painting over graffiti/ etc) to help 'earn' your welfare - not necessarily a bad idea.

My Mom's house was destroyed by a doctor and his wife. They did more than $10,000 worth of damage.

Does the story of the mother of twins in this post sound like a good idea to you?