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If you can afford alcohol, drugs, iPhone etc you shouldn't get entitlements

Should people be able to get entitlements if they are getting these other things?

  • Total voters
    49
Harry Guerrilla said:
There are many options for advice and assistance.
Free financial planning and counseling services, exist.
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Give us example of "many" options.

Tell us how these many options are available outside large metropolitan areas.

How quickly can someone avail themselves of these services?

How comprehensive are these services?

One, two, three appointments at an hour each?

The services are free? No one pays for them? And the people providing the services are qualified professionals? The building they work in is free? The utilities are free? The phones are free? The receptionists are free? No one pays anyone anything and these free services are available to anyone who needs them? Who knew? I always thought someone had to pay for all this free stuff. You are saying it just happens? Magic? :lamo

Wallowing in misery, does not fix misery.
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Oh, that's helpful. :shock:
 
specklebang said:
No, I paid my divorce settlement many years ago.

She's the mother of my one and only child and she's not realistically employable. Her health is poor, she's diabetic and has had a stroke which still leaves her with balance problems. She had a job working for my company for many years. After I sold my shares, they continued to employ her but within a few years, they drove the company into the ground.

She lived with her boyfriend for most of the last 30 years but in 2001 I adopted a cat that had been hit by a car. Because of her mangled face, nobody wanted her. My boy cat just hated her and she lived on top of a bookcase because he would attack her. Too sad.

So, when she (ex-wife) approached me about getting a place of her own since Mr. Boyfriend is an alcoholic who knows everything (but he loves her dearly and does many things for her so he's aces in my book) I bought her a townhouse on condition she adopt the cat. That was in 2002. The townhouse was next to my ex-girlfriends house and we've (ex-GF) remained close friends over the years. Ultimately, I bough another townhouse for a cat shelter and then another one that I moved into. Silly, huh? I now own 8 townhouses in this complex, 6 for rentals, one for her and one for me and Team Meow.

In return for the house and an allowance, she (ex-wife) does all my food preparation so it's an OK deal all the way around. I never remarried, had 20 pretty hot girlfriends over the years and I'm now content to live with the cats. So, WTH, I support her (and the cat) and I really don't mind it. I'm 69 so my next life stage involves turning into dust, so I might as well be nice.
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you're pretty awesome, mate
 
If you can get massive income from investments and still get SSDI or SS, (after not paying into it) then actually the poor should get 2x SSDI or SS.

refering to the cap on SS taxs on wages and no SS taxes on unearned income.
 
edeneen said:
you can't use food stamps to buy anything but food
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Well, theoretically you are correct. I did have the misfortune of giving a crack ho a ride one day who seemed like a nice person at first who had missed the bus by my doctor's office and wanted a ride to the shopping center up the road. Once she got into the car, it was a whole other thing. She offered to do things if I had a food stamp card since I told her I had no cash, and I do know that people will trade you their credits for cash at a discount--say I buy $50.00 worth of your groceries on my card and you pay me $35.00 cash type transactions.
 
I think people look at welfare a little too closely and stereotypically. My friend has 4 kids, hasn't had gas in her home for a year, gets $135 every 2 weeks and is paying down a $600 electric bill her edex left her with with the money. Her ex pays all but $100 if her rent and she makes it off of that and foodstamps each month including diapers for 2.babies, wipies, and all.
I get TANF ($513/mo), foodstamps ($749/mo),
have 3 kids and pay $950/mo in rent plus utilities.
Its a lease weve aad since before losing our jobs. My sons have no beds, there are two rooms in our home with nothing (not a dresser,piece of clothing, bed etc) in them. I have a literal 7 pieces of furniture in m: home and a crappy 03 Chevy Cavalier that the breaks, shocks and struts, and AC need fixed on. (n Nv AC isn't just a luxury in 120 degree heat. My kids own nothing more than a gamecube that I refuse to sell. Ill be damned if I can't have my soda, cigarettes that I usually bun off other people to.complete a pack, and my occassional $1.50 mikes hard lemonade. And we make nothing extra a month, there are no utility subsidies in NV, its a one time payment of $100 that doesn't cover my ****ing $260 downpayment on my electric o" $165 on gas ir $125 on water. I go out and panhandle or sit for hours on the Vegas strip, sometimes days, making palm flowers and trying to sell them for $5 a pop to make our bills. even if we move to a month to month if we break this lease a one bedroom costs nearly $800 a month and we couldnt get a deposit for a cheaper apartment (for those of you who would ask why we don't change our cost of living) and there is nowhere we can live for the $513 we get a month.
 
Not sure what's worse. The dynamics of poverty...or the ignorance about it. Right now...after reading through this thread...looks like ignorance about the genuine dynamics of poverty is winning out.

The first place people start their arguments relate to "abuse of the system" rather than examining the root causes and generational effects. Of course the easier path of least resistance is the standard bull**** perspective that all people on welfare are low-life lazy folks who live to extort taxpayer money.

Children and the indigent elderly are the largest groups who are recipients. Yep, thoses badass kids and old ****ers who cleverly plot to steal from the government...thus the taxpayers.
 
specklebang said:
No, I paid my divorce settlement many years ago.

She's the mother of my one and only child and she's not realistically employable. Her health is poor, she's diabetic and has had a stroke which still leaves her with balance problems. She had a job working for my company for many years. After I sold my shares, they continued to employ her but within a few years, they drove the company into the ground.

She lived with her boyfriend for most of the last 30 years but in 2001 I adopted a cat that had been hit by a car. Because of her mangled face, nobody wanted her. My boy cat just hated her and she lived on top of a bookcase because he would attack her. Too sad.

So, when she (ex-wife) approached me about getting a place of her own since Mr. Boyfriend is an alcoholic who knows everything (but he loves her dearly and does many things for her so he's aces in my book) I bought her a townhouse on condition she adopt the cat. That was in 2002. The townhouse was next to my ex-girlfriends house and we've (ex-GF) remained close friends over the years. Ultimately, I bough another townhouse for a cat shelter and then another one that I moved into. Silly, huh? I now own 8 townhouses in this complex, 6 for rentals, one for her and one for me and Team Meow.

In return for the house and an allowance, she (ex-wife) does all my food preparation so it's an OK deal all the way around. I never remarried, had 20 pretty hot girlfriends over the years and I'm now content to live with the cats. So, WTH, I support her (and the cat) and I really don't mind it. I'm 69 so my next life stage involves turning into dust, so I might as well be nice.
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Nice. :) :thumbs:
 
MaggieD said:
Yeah, I get it. But the phones are often free. Minimum service at $40/month isn't outrageous.

I know the program is abused. I get that. I'm talking, not about the people who abuse it, but about the people who genuinely need it. If we are giving welfare to people who don't deserve it, that's on "us." But people on welfare shouldn't have to live like peons. That's not the purpose of the program, in my opinion.
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And don't forget that most job notifications are done online. People who are unemployed can search for jobs online. They can also apply for jobs online as well. So having a smartphone allows them to do that.

And for those who are poor and have a job they still need phones, and most people prefer cell phones to land lines. Especially since cell phones can be used for emergencies.

And welfare isn't just to get people from unemployed to employed. A lot of welfare is "workfare" - it provides various necessary subsidies to the working poor. This is because those working poor can't afford to pay for all the things they need on just the wages they earn, so welfare entitlements provide them with extra support.
 
People should be free to use the entitlements how they wish. If they want to buy all the drugs possible or spend it all on hookers or booze or gambling, that is their business. If they make bad choices and demonstrate an inability to use the entitlements more or less responsibly then that's another story.
 
I voted "other: simply because I am not sure you can base welfare or food stamps on what someone has in hand. A grandparent or other family member could be paying for the item or given it as a gift. And I am sure there are other legitimate instances where a person who is living on the system could have these type of items. I do have an issue with $30,000 cars being parked in front of government housing day in and day out. I do believe there is cheating and deceiving in the system, only a fool wouldn't think there is. I do think that more needs to be done to single out these people and put a stop to it. I have had certain family members and past friends who were on the system and I saw the abuse of the system with my own eyes as I am sure, if we think about it, we all have.

In my opinion, the question of helping the poor and needy, is not even a question. Yes, we need to help them. The question to me is ...where do we draw the line? When do we decided that too much is too much? I realize that the 47 percent that do not pay taxes are not the people who are living on the system? And I didn't research myself to find out that number? I am sure someone out there has it handy. But where do we draw the line? 30 percent? 40 percent? 50 percent? 60 percent? Everything has a limit. And Americans have a limit as to the percentage of poor that we can handle and be fiscally responsible. The answer lies in getting as many people off the system as we can and get them on to better lives. But starting with singling out the cheaters and abusers wouldn't be a bad idea. Just because everyone isn't cheating doesn't mean that we shouldn't be looking for the ones who are a little harder.
 
JohnWOlin said:
An iPhone on contract and a pay as you go phone are two different things. The difference is at least $40 a month.
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it is a bit more than that. the "Obama phone" is 29 bucks a month the cheapest iPhone plan is 89 a month.
 
winston53660 said:
it is a bit more than that. the "Obama phone" is 29 bucks a month the cheapest iPhone plan is 89 a month.
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If you have a demonstrated need an O-phone and an account allowing 250 mins and 250 text messages per month is free.
 
Removable Mind said:
Not sure what's worse. The dynamics of poverty...or the ignorance about it. Right now...after reading through this thread...looks like ignorance about the genuine dynamics of poverty is winning out.

The first place people start their arguments relate to "abuse of the system" rather than examining the root causes and generational effects. Of course the easier path of least resistance is the standard bull**** perspective that all people on welfare are low-life lazy folks who live to extort taxpayer money.

Children and the indigent elderly are the largest groups who are recipients. Yep, thoses badass kids and old ****ers who cleverly plot to steal from the government...thus the taxpayers.
Click to expand...

You are correct that most people start off that way when considering ways to "fix the system". I would think the majority of the people are not blaming the elderly or the children. I think people get really tired of the excuses we hear though. I know I do.

I have a few relatives and long time friends that receive assistance, some that have for a long time, some that have just recently had to start. I have a good job, so does my husband, we also work side jobs ...I sell on online, he does auto body work, we both clean carpets for apartment complexes and we have another small business we are trying to get going. When opportunities arise for people, I let them know, "hey, there is job where I work open that you should apply for" or "hey, I know of an apartment complex looking for someone to clean between rentals" or whatever opportunity arises that I think might help someone. I am forever hearing this....."I don't want to work nights, I don't want to work weekends, I don't want to stand on my feet all day, I don't want to work outside...." I get really tired and frustrated with it.

Some of my family feels that we have just been lucky or blessed. But the truth is, we overcame those obstacles. We worked those jobs with bad hours and tough conditions, so we could qualify for better jobs with better hours and better conditions. We worked our way up in life and we expect others who are capable to do the same. Opportunities are not going to come knocking on your door, you have to get out there around the rest of society to find them.
 
Ack, I meant to amend my vote I had just now placed.

I don't think you should be denied entitlements because you buy some booze and have a $50 smartphone.
 
The iPhone is not the symbol of wealth... so yes, they should receive food stamps if they fit the requirements.
 
melons said:
You are correct that most people start off that way when considering ways to "fix the system". I would think the majority of the people are not blaming the elderly or the children. I think people get really tired of the excuses we hear though. I know I do.

I have a few relatives and long time friends that receive assistance, some that have for a long time, some that have just recently had to start. I have a good job, so does my husband, we also work side jobs ...I sell on online, he does auto body work, we both clean carpets for apartment complexes and we have another small business we are trying to get going. When opportunities arise for people, I let them know, "hey, there is job where I work open that you should apply for" or "hey, I know of an apartment complex looking for someone to clean between rentals" or whatever opportunity arises that I think might help someone. I am forever hearing this....."I don't want to work nights, I don't want to work weekends, I don't want to stand on my feet all day, I don't want to work outside...." I get really tired and frustrated with it.

Some of my family feels that we have just been lucky or blessed. But the truth is, we overcame those obstacles. We worked those jobs with bad hours and tough conditions, so we could qualify for better jobs with better hours and better conditions. We worked our way up in life and we expect others who are capable to do the same. Opportunities are not going to come knocking on your door, you have to get out there around the rest of society to find them.
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This post symbolizes what I have been thinking. I believe that most people don't really mind helping, but they do mind that too many who receive assistance seem to have turned it into a lifestyle.
 
melons said:
You are correct that most people start off that way when considering ways to "fix the system". I would think the majority of the people are not blaming the elderly or the children. I think people get really tired of the excuses we hear though. I know I do.

I have a few relatives and long time friends that receive assistance, some that have for a long time, some that have just recently had to start. I have a good job, so does my husband, we also work side jobs ...I sell on online, he does auto body work, we both clean carpets for apartment complexes and we have another small business we are trying to get going. When opportunities arise for people, I let them know, "hey, there is job where I work open that you should apply for" or "hey, I know of an apartment complex looking for someone to clean between rentals" or whatever opportunity arises that I think might help someone. I am forever hearing this....."I don't want to work nights, I don't want to work weekends, I don't want to stand on my feet all day, I don't want to work outside...." I get really tired and frustrated with it.

Some of my family feels that we have just been lucky or blessed. But the truth is, we overcame those obstacles. We worked those jobs with bad hours and tough conditions, so we could qualify for better jobs with better hours and better conditions. We worked our way up in life and we expect others who are capable to do the same. Opportunities are not going to come knocking on your door, you have to get out there around the rest of society to find them.
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I have this:

Noncompaction cardiomyopathy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I'm not supposed to do the kind of work you are talking about any more.
 
winston53660 said:
I have this:

Noncompaction cardiomyopathy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I'm not supposed to do the kind of work you are talking about any more.
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Then you are the exception and not the rule. My mother in law, who is 60, actually has something similar to this or maybe even the same thing...and she used to clean for a living. She no longer works a regular job. I honestly don't have a problem with that at all.

But I do have two healthy sister in laws, one healthy sister and one healthy brother in law who give me the excuses that I listed in my earlier post.

If you really can't work that is one thing but if a person can work and yet refuses to embrace the opportunities that arise for them, it is yet another thing and not a good one. Even people who can't do physical labor can sometimes (depending on circumstances work). Nothing should stop them from working a desk job or selling things online. Though the opportunities are limited they are not null and void.
 
Welfare should be offered in the same manner foriegn aid should be offered. Not in the form of cash but in the form of goods and services.
 
VanceMack said:
Welfare should be offered in the same manner foriegn aid should be offered. Not in the form of cash but in the form of goods and services.
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Just like a republican; increase the size of government to oversee this program.
 
Risky Thicket said:
Give us example of "many" options.

Tell us how these many options are available outside large metropolitan areas.

How quickly can someone avail themselves of these services?

How comprehensive are these services?

One, two, three appointments at an hour each?

The services are free? No one pays for them? And the people providing the services are qualified professionals? The building they work in is free? The utilities are free? The phones are free? The receptionists are free? No one pays anyone anything and these free services are available to anyone who needs them? Who knew? I always thought someone had to pay for all this free stuff. You are saying it just happens? Magic? :lamo
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I figured you'd be astute enough to understand that free, means free to the person in need.
I guess I was wrong.

Risky Thicket said:
Oh, that's helpful. :shock:
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And you've done what exactly?
 
Muddy Creek said:
Just like a republican; increase the size of government to oversee this program.
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no increases necessary. Sorry if you feel your cash cow is being threatened. I believe government assistance ought to be effective and substantial...and given to the right people for the right reasons. But look how cute you are immediately running to your typical partisan ranting. Do you have another soundtrack or is that ALL you know?
 
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