There Is No Hope.....

[SunshineMama]

This thread irritates me because we can't afford to do any of those things. We pay our taxes, all of our bills, and have a very tight food budget. If we go to a movie (once a year maybe), we have to plan ahead and budget for it.

We do not qualify for government assistance because my dh makes over the limit- it is so stupid because he makes commission and they go by "gross" income when calculating assistance- BUT- his commission is taxed like a corporate gift, at a rate of 40%, so we net very little, and his base pay is pathetic.

The system is totally corrupt. I am so sick of the loopholes. He works at a bank and sees people all the time coming to cash their government checks, only to literally smoke it up on drugs and come back the next day looking for more. But we are feeding our family of 4 on $50 a week... Sorry but this thread really hit a sore spot.

[My3cents]

That's the funny thing, they still are unable to really read English. They are still working the same factory job they started with more than 30 years ago. They have worked there long enough to be capped out on the salary (at around $40,000 each), but they have saved a lot along the way, paid off their house, purchased other houses (that are rented out), and have a few vending machines. You don't have to be brilliant or even above average intelligence to have a decent salary in this country. The main thing is that you have to be willing to make some sacrifices. In today's society (and I'm guilty of some of it too )), we are made to believe that we need so much "stuff," but if we thought about our purchases, we would realize that most of the things we spend money on are wants and not needs.

This is so true- I love my stuff, but honestly I could do with out more then half of it!!!

[My3cents]

I agree 100%. Also—and I realize that the family in question is a whole different league than this and I do not agree with what they are doing. However, I don't think children whose parents are on welfare should completely be denied a few enjoyments in life. Should a child whose parents receive welfare benefits not ever have a treat? Should that child never be allowed to go to the swimming pool with his friends? Never see a movie? I think that would be unfair, too. Now, the parents who use all the money to buy things for themselves are just jerks.

I don't think they should be denied them anymore then I think anyone should be. I just feel they should have to work for them!!! Not get them from the taxes that we all pay!!! Welfare is looking better then jobs to many- they get more and get to sit on the tush too! UGH!

[My3cents]

This thread irritates me because we can't afford to do any of those things. We pay our taxes, all of our bills, and have a very tight food budget. If we go to a movie (once a year maybe), we have to plan ahead and budget for it.

We do not qualify for government assistance because my dh makes over the limit- it is so stupid because he makes commission and they go by "gross" income when calculating assistance- BUT- his commission is taxed like a corporate gift, at a rate of 40%, so we net very little, and his base pay is pathetic.

The system is totally corrupt. I am so sick of the loopholes. He works at a bank and sees people all the time coming to cash their government checks, only to literally smoke it up on drugs and come back the next day looking for more. But we are feeding our family of 4 on $50 a week... Sorry but this thread really hit a sore spot.

It hits many sore spots for many people but nothing is being done about it! More programs are created to give more out. I can remember one year we were down $ and my husband made dollars short of being able to get reduced lunch for our kids. We were asking for reduced, not free. UGH!!! Hard working, truly hard working families can't get help, but have a child and be single or live with the father and get endless....... this is not do down anyone that receives help, but to down anyone that abuses the system and chooses to live off it forever!!!

[delferka]

Conversation overheard between the kids at lunch:

DCB 1 (9yrs) When my mom gets the money on her card, we're going to the movies.

DCB 2(6yrs) What does that mean?

DCB 1 My mom gets money put on a special card and when it gets there, we go do special stuff like movies, and swimming and skiing and get fun stuff......

He's talking about his mothers Horizon card....her welfare card.

Nice to see my tax dollars providing life's necessities for the needy.........she bought a new iphone with the last deposit.

Given the benefit of the doubt. This family is still doing things together. I'm not an advocate of milking the system in any way, but maybe they do something once a month? IDK

[delferka]

Given the benefit of the doubt. This family is still doing things together. I'm not an advocate of milking the system in any way, but maybe they do something once a month? IDK

Sorry about that, I didn't see the IPhone thing. We make decent money and it took me YEARS to justify the smart phone. (which I just got and I'm 52 yrs old)! With MY money.. I know food stamps are monitored. Why can't the welfare check be as well?

[dave4him]

Just thought it was funny, one of my friends shared it with me. Stop taking me so seriously! OY

[dave4him]

Correct me if I am wrong, but on our judgement day, are we not first judged on if we fed the poor?
.

Im pretty sure i have done worse things then forget the feed the poor. Judgment day for us isnt about condemnation though its about rewards for the good works we have done in the act of service to the King. As far as those things which we did to bring glory to Him. I am all for feeding the animals as well as humans alike. Because we are told to take care of the creation!

[AmyLeigh]

Im pretty sure i have done worse things then forget the feed the poor. Judgment day for us isnt about condemnation though its about rewards for the good works we have done in the act of service to the King. As far as those things which we did to bring glory to Him. I am all for feeding the animals as well as humans alike. Because we are told to take care of the creation!

Dave, I was expecting you to bring out the scriptures that do not condone laziness, that say if one does not want to work, let him not eat.
In ancient Israel, there was the provision of gleaning. People were commanded not to strip their fields when they harvested. The poor were to be allowed to glean the fields. They were provided for, but they had to do the work in order to receive the help. This is still followed as tradition in some countries in the Middle East.
No judgement, just remember that the system has set itself up to keep people dependent on it. The welfare system has become the ultimate enabler. Once people start getting the much needed help, it's just that much easier to learn how to take advantage of it. Then the dependents become used to it and begin to demand that they be taken care of, because the system "owes" it to them. Its a textbook co-dependent relationship.

[Crystal]

Dave, I was expecting you to bring out the scriptures that do not condone laziness, that say if one does not want to work, let him not eat.
In ancient Israel, there was the provision of gleaning. People were commanded not to strip their fields when they harvested. The poor were to be allowed to glean the fields. They were provided for, but they had to do the work in order to receive the help. This is still followed as tradition in some countries in the Middle East.
No judgement, just remember that the system has set itself up to keep people dependent on it. The welfare system has become the ultimate enabler. Once people start getting the much needed help, it's just that much easier to learn how to take advantage of it. Then the dependents become used to it and begin to demand that they be taken care of, because the system "owes" it to them. Its a textbook co-dependent relationship.

[dave4him]

[QUOTE=AmyLeigh;254158]Dave, I was expecting you to bring out the scriptures that do not condone laziness, that say if one does not want to work, let him not eat.
In ancient Israel, there was the provision of gleaning. People were commanded not to strip their fields when they harvested. The poor were to be allowed to glean the fields. They were provided for, but they had to do the work in order to receive the help. This is still followed as tradition in some countries in the Middle East.

That is what the book of Ruth talks about

[JenNJ]

However, I don't think children whose parents are on welfare should completely be denied a few enjoyments in life. Should a child whose parents receive welfare benefits not ever have a treat? Should that child never be allowed to go to the swimming pool with his friends? Never see a movie? I think that would be unfair, too.

I was just about to post that. A movie, swimming, and treats are what you complain about but in reality you have NO idea of their situation. If they were approved for that amount it was because they showed the proper paper trail.

Every family deserves a break. I actually commend this mom for spending her money on quality family time together. So many people, even those not on assistance, spend money on things. She is choosing to spend money on experiences which will enrich the life of her child and their family.

And really, I would rather my tax money go to scammers who abuse the system than have even one child go to bed hungry. Because until you have snuck food into a child's backpack so him and his siblings can eat over the weekend, you have no idea how sad it is to see a family who cannot afford to feed their children. It is heartbreaking.

So yes, I am proud to pay into a system that affords families a chance to buy things that they otherwise couldn't afford. Whether that is food, a swimming membership, or new clothes doesn't matter to me. As long as those who do need it have access, I am happy it is there.

[dave4him]

Half the book of Proverbs is written about how important it is to work hard and not be lazy. Throughout the Bible we see stories of God's people who had to get out and get things done for themselves. Jesus says we will always have the poor among us, we are supposed to have a relationship with Him so we can witness to others. It does no good to give clothes and food to a poor man and leave his soul bent toward destruction. It goes the other way too, dont just witness without caring for physical needs too.

[JenNJ]

The great thing about America is that religion has no bearing on our laws. So the people who are hungry can eat without religion being shoved down their throat. If they wanted that, they could go to any number of religious based organizations and ask for meals.

I think bringing religion into a political discussion is an odd choice. Your god has nothing to do with the hungry people in this world. Because let's face it, they aren't poor or hungry just because they aren't Christian. There are just as many hungry Christians.

And categorizing everyone on assistance as lazy is just wrong. I thought your god condemned judging...

[Country Kids]

OK, before this goes any further lets just stop as I see this turning very ugly.

I know everyone has their right to their opinions but I really cringe when I see the "Your God". He's just not one person's God, he's alot of peoples God.