There Is No Hope.....

[JenNJ]

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.

Yes, he is a lot of people's god. He may even be my god, but that doesn't change the fact that the laws of this country aren't based on personal religious beliefs. So bringing a personal religious belief into a political thread does nothing but add another controversial subject to the thread.

And I am offended to see Christian scripture being spouted off and no one says anything but if anyone offers another side of the coin suddenly things "turn ugly." I am backing my side with a personal experience, not religion. I am simply trying to say that our welfare system has NOTHING to do with religion. And my opinion is just as valid as a religious based one.

[Country Kids]

Yes, he is a lot of people's god. He may even be my god, but that doesn't change the fact that the laws of this country aren't based on personal religious beliefs. So bringing a personal religious belief into a political thread does nothing but add another controversial subject to the thread.

And I am offended to see Christian scripture being spouted off and no one says anything but if anyone offers another side of the coin suddenly things "turn ugly." I am backing my side with a personal experience, not religion. I am simply trying to say that our welfare system has NOTHING to do with religion. And can we please leave religion out a political thread.

Dave's was the only one that said anything about the Bible/religion so its not like its was being spouted off. In fact his would have been the "other side of the coin" as his was a totally different take on what was being said. Then he was suddenly "the bad guy". I really don't see why he can't say his say even if it has to do with a religious belief. Thats his opinion and the laws of this country says he can have one, even if there religious.

OK, off to other things-

[JenNJ]

Dave's was the only one that said anything about the Bible/religion so its not like its was being spouted off. In fact his would have been the "other side of the coin" as his was a totally different take on what was being said. Then he was suddenly "the bad guy". I really don't see why he can't say his say even if it has to do with a religious belief. Thats his opinion and the laws of this country says he can have one, even if there religious.

OK, off to other things-

Sorry. That last part came out wrong. I don't mean leave religion out of it. But to say things turn ugly because I said "your god" is crazy when no one has said a word about it until then. I have a right to my opinion as well even if it isn't religion based.

I edited my other post for clarity.

[AmyLeigh]

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...

Don't go flaming Dave, I was the one who brought up scripture. It seems to me that the only scripture anyone knows is about condemning judgement. He isn't judging anyone. Obviously this is a sensitive subject for you, and for that, I am sorry that I brought it up.
The fact of the matter is religious beliefs effect political views. No where did anyone say that everyone on assistance is lazy. But I think you would agree that it is not fair to take funds that could feed children and give them to individuals who could be self sufficient, but choose not to.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Jen NJ, I agree with you. Crazy as it sounds, some politicians DO THINK that only charities and churches should be the ones to feed the hungry and shelter the homeless. They use this reasoning to speak and vote against welfare programs. Churches and other charities do wonderful work, but they CANNOT replace government assistance.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Dave, you seem like a truly great guy, and I'm not flaming you either. But the very first comment you posted on this thread compared people on welfare to feeding stray animals. That was un-called for, and franky, not the response I expected from you. Like I mentioned before, are we not first judged on Judgement Day on whether we fed the poor?

[Blackcat31]

Dave, you seem like a truly great guy, and I'm not flaming you either. But the very first comment you posted on this thread compared people on welfare to feeding stray animals. That was un-called for, and franky, not the response I expected from you. Like I mentioned before, are we not first judged on Judgement Day on whether we fed the poor?

In Dave's defense the statement he made about feeding animals/people is a sign that is all over facebook and pinterest. It is about irony.

Not saying I agree or don't agree just sayin'

[Meeko]

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.

While I adore the kids...I still have a very hard time with the fact they assume that the money is just fun money. They have season ski passes, season pool passes...the mom now has TWO very expensive phones. They have everything Comcast offers in the way of TV. The kids have ipods, Playstations....you name it...they have it. They eat out all the time. They drive a Suburban. The list goes on. Welfare is supposed to provide necessities, not numerous luxuries.

At Christmas she puts her name on every charity list and brags about the huge haul her kids get while it doesn't cost her a dime. Meanwhile, I watch other parents struggle to pay me, put food on the table and hope they can scratch enough together to buy their kids a few things at Christmas. One of my daycare families applied and were told they earned something stupid like $3 too much to qualify for help. All while the big family goes skiing on the tax payers dime.......

I am all for help where it's needed. And I don't begrudge a child a trip to the pool. But season passes? Ski lessons? When did these become essentials for welfare recipients, when regular folks can't afford them?

As for "quality family time"...well...if you knew the family like I do you would understand. They've been with me for 6 years. I started off with three of her kids. The Mom is "well known" around the questionable male population in town.....seven kids...various fathers....nuff said. They go to the pool and skiing because MOM wants to go. She neglects the kids basic needs. The kids are filthy, underfed (they live on fast food), they fail school because she doesn't get them there on time most days etc. Social services spend a lot of time talking to me and going over to her house (which is horrifically dirty). She doesn't give a hoot about her kids. She cares about the money and the stuff she can do with it. The kids go along for the ride.

[dave4him]

In Dave's defense the statement he made about feeding animals/people is a sign that is all over facebook and pinterest. It is about irony.

Not saying I agree or don't agree just sayin'

I got it from facebook I wasnt saying i agreed either just thought it was funny

[Sugar Magnolia]

Meeko, that is a shame. This seems like a clear case if misuse of the welfare system. It SHOULD be for necessities, the program is definitely broken. I think every single one of us feels that no child should be hungry, dirty, our otherwise neglected. I went to Miami this past weekend and saw a tale if two cities. Children selling fruit by the side of the road, women walking the streets, old people homeless and begging. This was in Liberty City/Overtown area. Just a few short miles away in South Beach, I saw limos, women dripping in gold walking fancy poodles, nightclubs filled with models, basketball players, the ultra wealthy. Both sides of Miami made me kind of sick to my stomach. I has a hard time digesting the scenes from Liberty City. How can we, as a nation, make sure those living in abject poverty are cared for without free unlimited handouts?
Dave, those people in Liberty City were not lazy. The are, for the most part, unemployable because they are children, elderly, mentally ill or handicapped. THESE are the people for whom welfare was intended. Meeko, this mom you have should try living in Liberty City for a week, then she might appreciate her situation a little more and use that money to stop neglecting those poor kids.

[Sugar Magnolia]

I got it from facebook I wasnt saying i agreed either just thought it was funny

You are definitely entitled to your opinion of what is funny. I personally dont think comparing people to stray animals is funny. Poverty is not funny.

[daycare]

I know this is a touchy subject and I am only going to say a few words, as when this was discussed some years ago, I was put on blast and flamed for my words.

I try not to judge anyone using welfare. We really don't know their story and why they are on it. Yes there are people who abuse it and then there are good people who use it the right way.

I think that if someone actually paid in to it, then when all else fails that it is there to use for emergencies, not as a way to live life.

I really can't blame the people, I blame our government for making it so easy to abuse.

[Sugar Magnolia]

I know this is a touchy subject and I am only going to say a few words, as when this was discussed some years ago, I was put on blast and flamed for my words.

I try not to judge anyone using welfare. We really don't know their story and why they are on it. Yes there are people who abuse it and then there are good people who use it the right way.

I think that if someone actually paid in to it, then when all else fails that it is there to use for emergencies, not as a way to live life.

I really can't blame the people, I blame our government for making it so easy to abuse.

Agree! This!

[dave4him]

Well im done.

[Kaddidle Care]

Wow I can't believe they can use their cards at those places! That is an outrage and i would be totally for that law to be passed cards can't be used there.

I know there is real need out there but also a lot of scamming too.

Zoe,
I understand were you are coming from too! My husband was diagnosed with Esophageal cancer at the beginning of summer he can no longer work. He physically is not able. WE applied for Social Security right away so we could get money well there is a 6 month waiting period! so yes SS says he is Disabled but we will not get paid until NOV 22. We have disconnected the cable, refinanced our house, cut every bill we could and still just don't have enough. We had to apply for snap(food stamps) just so we can keep going and get to Nov 22. Will we abuse it no we need that food. I loose all my kids but 2 in 2 weeks as school starts up. There are those of us out her that don't abuse it and really do need it!

And it's for people like you that this system should be for! Illness (especially cancer) should trump everything else and should put you first in line for benefits.

Please talk to your local Church and Food Pantry. Food and kid's clothing should be readily available to you.