One issue/topic I've seen flooding the internet between blogs and other social media sites are based on the assistance that states provide to their residents in the times of need. I for one have a strong opinion on this because I've walked the "hard" road and needed assistance to help me get through it. I completely understand those who work are tired of pretty much supporting those who abuse the system. Therefore, I decided to enlighten everyone with my thoughts on this issue as well.
First, I do know that everyone who turns to the assistance office for help isn't always those who abuse the system. I don't like hearing when people take advantage of it. When we came up to our rough time in our life, we needed the food stamps to feed our family because the income just wasn't enough. I've read an article where one person was complaining how she saw people use food stamps to buy steak, lobster, and birthday cakes. This made me a little mad. I don't see how this is even relevant to abusing the system. I would have to disagree. I don't think that anyone on "welfare" as a lesser person than I. They deserve nutrition just as much as the working American. On the other hand, she mentioned seeing a guy who ran a small business and bought the food for this business with his food stamps. So, technically the government is running his business that he's getting a profit from. This I felt was wrong. Yes, that's abusing the system.
I think some people don't realize that no all who are getting assistance, aren't low lives who refuse to work. Some just can't help it. I've also seen people post on their Facebook status's something along the lines of: "Well, just paid 6500 to the welfare bums".... or.... "Welfare bums really need to stop being losers and get a job. I'm tired of paying their way through life." Seriously? How ignorant!!!
I have seen the question arise asking if people think those who are on welfare should take a drug test. This one I would agree to. I don't see a problem with it here. It would help "weed" the system out of those who are only there to abuse the system. If I had to do the drug test when I needed the help, I wouldn't have had a problem with it. I know companies make their employers do drug testing so they can work.... I think it's fair to have those seeking assistance/getting assistance to do the same.
Another aspect I've read is where people are in a check out line with a buggy over flowing with food and they pull out a food stamp card while talking on their iPhone. This by far disturbed me. I know when I was getting assistance, there was no way I would be able to afford the iPhone along with the data package monthly. I feel if someone can afford to pay for a smart phone such as the iPhone, they could be using that money to pay their bills or feed their kids. Therefore, not needing as much help.
Then, there are those people who collect Social Security Income and just enjoy life while relaxing all day long. Now, don't get me wrong on this. I'm not talking about those who actually need the disability. I can understand if a hard working man takes a fall at work and gets injured... and can't work anymore due to this fall. I can't understand where those who have gotten by only because they are to lazy to go to work or make a bunch of excuses (such as I'm depressed, I'm diabetic, I have social anxiety) even when those around them know damn well they are pretty much just sick in their heads. This again, is abusing the system.
When I faced financial hardship and turned to the assistance office, I only used the resources I needed. (Food Stamps and medical for my child). I had WIC offered to me but declined only because I know the food that came in the checks, my daughter doesn't eat. Therefore, I wouldn't be taking food out of a child's mouth who needs it just because I qualified for it. If only everyone thought this way at times.
So, in conclusion this post isn't written to offend. These are just my responses to some of the articles and posts I've read on this subject.
Do you think everyone who applies for assistance should be drug tested? What are your thoughts on those who abuse the system?
I agree 100% on the drug testing, and I know pwople say that its against the constitution to force a drug test but if it was done it would help, as you said, "weed" them out. I personally have never been on welfare and think its a great tool for families in need. But I've also seen a friend of mine abuse it and it saddens me. For someone to look me in the eye and say "thanks for getting me that great job at ur hubbys work, I worked 1 week and quit because I can get more money on welfare" now that upsets me. Its sad that we went from having men who were proud to work and support their families to ones who don't care (and im not saying everyone is this way) these programs were put here to help those truly in need, not ones who choose to not work. =( maybe someday they will figure out a way to make it work properly.
ReplyDeleteLove your post. You speak VOLUMES to me. I cashiered at a grocery store for 5 years, and I can't tell you how many people I saw abusing the system. MANY times I see people overloading their cart with pop and candy bars to sell at the soccer concession stands, I remember vividly getting into it with a grown drunk man, because he was trying to buy 15 (all the store had) bottles of cooking wine, with his food stamp card. I wish there was a better way to give it to the people who actually need it than those who abuse it :(.
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