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Post by Rare_Commodity on Jun 21, 2011 9:56:26 GMT -5
How do you feel about it? I was reading this article www.star-telegram.com/2011/06/20/3166840/man-kills-ex-girlfriend-her-friend.html and some of the comments made were about how that's what they expect from black woman. Living on public assistance and settling for past criminals. Personally I am against it. Each person should set goals and have to struggle to get where they need. Why should they be handed a "get by" card because they choose to take the easy way out? I understand that not everyone possesses the skills or capacity to want or obtain more but no excuse.
Have you ever bought food stamps lol?
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Post by Noble Work on Jun 21, 2011 15:34:10 GMT -5
This incident is really unfortunate more so for the kids and the psychological impact this may have on them.
But to answer your food stamp question, I don't think any one will answer that one lol. That's like admitting to buying knowingly stolen goods......lol
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Post by QUIET As Kept on Jun 21, 2011 17:47:51 GMT -5
At the bolded...when you say things like this, it makes me really curious to know how old you are. (OMG...I feel so old for what I'm about to say) If you live long enough, you might come to develop a different outlook (either through your own personal experience or that of someone close to you)...sometimes life has a way of knocking you flat on your a$$ when you least expect it, despite how smart, driven, hard-working, and educated you are. Everybody on public assistance isn't lazy & mooching...and in fact, many folks at one time were gainfully employed and paid into that very system, and plan to eventually be gainfully employed and again paying into it. Things aren't always as black & white as they seem...and I would guess that the percentage of people abusing the system is nowhere near as high as we would think...those are just the only stories we hear. How do you feel about it? I was reading this article www.star-telegram.com/2011/06/20/3166840/man-kills-ex-girlfriend-her-friend.html and some of the comments made were about how that's what they expect from black woman. Living on public assistance and settling for past criminals. Personally I am against it. Each person should set goals and have to struggle to get where they need. Why should they be handed a "get by" card because they choose to take the easy way out? I understand that not everyone possesses the skills or capacity to want or obtain more but no excuse.
Have you ever bought food stamps lol? |
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Post by QUIET As Kept on Jun 21, 2011 17:53:32 GMT -5
And furthermore, I find it interesting how folks get soooooo worked up about the system being "abused" by immigrants, and the poor, and whoever else is a convenient punching bag at the time...but no one talks about the individuals & corporations who pay little to nothing in taxes...legally. If your argument is that abuses of the system is a drain on the nation's finances, then fight them all...not just the ones you don't like.
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Post by Rare_Commodity on Jun 21, 2011 21:39:01 GMT -5
@ Level I know right lol!
@quiet I understand what you are saying. Really this article had so many major issues that I could have addressed and I chose to take only that minor detail and discuss. I didn't point out a specific race as the majority or only ones taking aid I referenced what a poster said. I never said that EVERY one on assistance was lazy or mooching. My short paragraph may have implied or seemed that way but that's not what I said. I said I was against the system that is my opinion. I know of a few people family, friends, old,middle age, and young that are on assistance some because they need it others because they just want it and have found ways to get it. I have first hand experience with dealing with public assistance as I have been an issuing FS caseworker and a section 8 housing caseworker so I have seen internally both systems. Currently as a CPS employee I see how the effects from having a lack of resources cause cases of child abuse. Externally I also have been knocked on my azz down and out with no help and still didn't take public assistance-that was my choice. If I took or got something from someone I made all attempts to try to repay in some way. Actually the percentage of people attempting to abuse the system is as high as we expect but as far as Texas is concerned for 2010 the state actually received additional federal aid for having a food stamp issuance error rate lower than the national average. So caseworkers are doing their best to "weed out" the abuse.
By no means am I worked up over systems that have been in place longer than I have been alive. I can either go with the flow or spark change. Discussion=possibility of change. Ultimately, my argument was I am against the current methods of public assistance. Why? Because better systems could be implemented to help those that truly need the help.
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Post by Chal™ on Jun 22, 2011 9:03:18 GMT -5
@ Level I know right lol! @quiet I understand what you are saying. Really this article had so many major issues that I could have addressed and I chose to take only that minor detail and discuss. I didn't point out a specific race as the majority or only ones taking aid I referenced what a poster said. I never said that EVERY one on assistance was lazy or mooching. My short paragraph may have implied or seemed that way but that's not what I said. I said I was against the system that is my opinion. I know of a few people family, friends, old,middle age, and young that are on assistance some because they need it others because they just want it and have found ways to get it. I have first hand experience with dealing with public assistance as I have been an issuing FS caseworker and a section 8 housing caseworker so I have seen internally both systems. Currently as a CPS employee I see how the effects from having a lack of resources cause cases of child abuse. Externally I also have been knocked on my azz down and out with no help and still didn't take public assistance- that was my choice. If I took or got something from someone I made all attempts to try to repay in some way. Actually the percentage of people attempting to abuse the system is as high as we expect but as far as Texas is concerned for 2010 the state actually received additional federal aid for having a food stamp issuance error rate lower than the national average. So caseworkers are doing their best to "weed out" the abuse. By no means am I worked up over systems that have been in place longer than I have been alive. I can either go with the flow or spark change. Discussion=possibility of change. Ultimately, my argument was I am against the current methods of public assistance. Why? Because better systems could be implemented to help those that truly need the help. you were able to choose. some are not |
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Post by T-Rex91 on Jun 22, 2011 10:20:52 GMT -5
Did I not read the correct article? I'm looking for the connection between the murder/suicide, some medical papers, and the topic of this thread. Help a senior out....LOL
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Post by QUIET As Kept on Jun 22, 2011 10:29:21 GMT -5
Ok...I hadn't looked at the article at all until I saw this. I'm with 91...what does an article about a murder/suicide have to do with public assistance?? Did I not read the correct article? I'm looking for the connection between the murder/suicide, some medical papers, and the topic of this thread. Help a senior out....LOL |
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Post by QUIET As Kept on Jun 22, 2011 10:30:16 GMT -5
you were able to choose. some are not ^^^This |
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Post by T-Rex91 on Jun 22, 2011 10:38:35 GMT -5
y'all know I have my republican leanings but if commenters are ASSUMING based on the events that the victims/perpetrators are on public assitance, then THERE'S the problem. I didn't see anything in the story that indicated that and even if they were, that's not an automatic prescription for violence. Sounds like crazy folk, financially blessed or not.
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Post by QUIET As Kept on Jun 22, 2011 10:51:40 GMT -5
@quiet I understand what you are saying. Really this article had so many major issues that I could have addressed and I chose to take only that minor detail and discuss. I didn't point out a specific race as the majority or only ones taking aid I referenced what a poster said. Huh? I didn't address anything race-related. You said... Why should they be handed a "get by" card because they choose to take the easy way out? You didn't specify a subset (that I recall), so who is the "they" you referred to? |
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Post by Rare_Commodity on Jun 22, 2011 11:06:56 GMT -5
you were able to choose. some are not ^^^This I don't agree with that but ok that's your opinion. |
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Post by Rare_Commodity on Jun 22, 2011 11:08:10 GMT -5
y'all know I have my republican leanings but if commenters are ASSUMING based on the events that the victims/perpetrators are on public assitance, then THERE'S the problem. I didn't see anything in the story that indicated that and even if they were, that's not an automatic prescription for violence. Sounds like crazy folk, financially blessed or not. Yes that is what the commenter did was assume which that was wrong.I'm familiar with that area but they can't generalize and say everyone in the area is on some type of assistance especially bc their black. I didn't see a thread talking about this issue so I made this one up. I thought it was very sad about what happened to the lady and her friend. Creepy how people react |
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Post by Rare_Commodity on Jun 22, 2011 11:17:03 GMT -5
@quiet I understand what you are saying. Really this article had so many major issues that I could have addressed and I chose to take only that minor detail and discuss. I didn't point out a specific race as the majority or only ones taking aid I referenced what a poster said. Huh? I didn't address anything race-related. You said... You didn't specify a subset (that I recall), so who is the "they" you referred to? This is commendable...I have also been knocked down and chose not to take public assistance. But as Chal mentioned earlier...everyone doesn't have that choice. I had family that could help me out. I didn't have kids to feed. I didn't have medical issues/bills to take care of. Everybody doesn't have that, though. And for the others who did take assistance b/c they were knocked on their a$$...they "repayed" that before they even took it (by paying into the system with their taxes), and continue to "repay" it once they're on their feet again. So I don't understand what point you're making here. Just curious, do you have any stats on this? Not for argument's sake...I would just be interested to see the numbers. Is it that you're against the current method, or you're against the existence of public assistance period? Because everything that you've said (until this very quote) implied "scrap it" rather than "fix it." Keep in mind, I'm only addressing the folks using public assistance the way that it SHOULD be used. I don't deny that people abuse it, and I don't think the system is perfect. But I also don't believe in throwing out the baby with the bath water. I can't even break this paragraph down to respond I can't quote a quote while ensuring I responded to everything lol. We received an update about the abuse percentages I will find it and try to post. At least we found our disconnect so we both had valid points but for different reasons. You are speaking of people the "theys" that are using the system properly I am speaking of the "theys" that are abusers. Overall my opinion is I don't approve of public assistance bc the current system is set up for fraud and abuse and based on stats (I'll find and post) there is alot of it going on. With the budget constraints in TX they are finding ways to reduce this though. |
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Post by T-Rex91 on Jun 22, 2011 11:50:55 GMT -5
y'all know I have my republican leanings but if commenters are ASSUMING based on the events that the victims/perpetrators are on public assitance, then THERE'S the problem. I didn't see anything in the story that indicated that and even if they were, that's not an automatic prescription for violence. Sounds like crazy folk, financially blessed or not. Yes that is what the commenter did was assume which that was wrong.I'm familiar with that area but they can't generalize and say everyone in the area is on some type of assistance especially bc their black. I didn't see a thread talking about this issue so I made this one up. I thought it was very sad about what happened to the lady and her friend. Creepy how people react Ah gotcha. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something. Ok back on topic (ignoring the link). I believe that there should be safety nets to help people through hard times but think there should be time limits. Assistance should be offered for a "season" but not be a permanent lifestyle. Raising revenue is a different side of the equation from reducing expenditures. Entitlement programs classify as expenditures and are out of control. I too am baffled though at how a GE can post a 14 billion dollar profit and pay no taxes. There should be caveats attached to these loopholes for job creation. The Republican myth of trickle down economics is bunk; people only redistribute wealth when they are forced to, not because they want to. That's where TARP and the bank bailout went wrong. There were no requirements that the money flow through to the people who needed it and the rich just kept it for themselves. Reform is needed on both sides. |
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Post by T-Rex91 on Jun 22, 2011 11:52:37 GMT -5
Have you ever bought food stamps lol? [/b][/quote] Why did this question immediately make me recall the Tami/Jen dispute on BW. damn, I'm infected. |
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Post by Rare_Commodity on Jun 22, 2011 11:55:06 GMT -5
Yes that is what the commenter did was assume which that was wrong.I'm familiar with that area but they can't generalize and say everyone in the area is on some type of assistance especially bc their black. I didn't see a thread talking about this issue so I made this one up. I thought it was very sad about what happened to the lady and her friend. Creepy how people react Ah gotcha. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something. Ok back on topic (ignoring the link). I believe that there should be safety nets to help people through hard times but think there should be time limits. Assistance should be offered for a "season" but not be a permanent lifestyle.Raising revenue is a different side of the equation from reducing expenditures. Entitlement programs classify as expenditures and are out of control. I too am baffled though at how a GE can post a 14 billion dollar profit and pay no taxes. There should be caveats attached to these loopholes for job creation. The Republican myth of trickle down economics is bunk; people only redistribute wealth when they are forced to, not because they want to. That's where TARP and the bank bailout went wrong. There were no requirements that the money flow through to the people who needed it and the rich just kept it for themselves. Reform is needed on both sides.[/quote] I agree and I agree. |
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Post by Rare_Commodity on Jun 22, 2011 11:58:44 GMT -5
Have you ever bought food stamps lol? [/b][/quote] Why did this question immediately make me recall the Tami/Jen dispute on BW. damn, I'm infected.[/quote] LOL I asked jokingly only bc I remember several times as a CW many of my clients would imply they would be willing to sell theirs to someone even me if needed. LOL really you just gone tell the state employee you would commit fraud and actually proposition me!!? My managers always told me you are not apart of OIG or the fraud unit just give the people their benefits that "the system" says they are entitled---------ughhhh I dislike that word. Yeah I thought about that episode as well. |
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Post by T-Rex91 on Jun 22, 2011 12:06:21 GMT -5
Any system or privilege will be abused. Too many people out there treating it like a FT gig trying to figure out how to do so......and that's on both sides.
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Post by Noble Work on Jun 22, 2011 16:03:45 GMT -5
I had the same reaction as most because I didn't see how the article was relative to the question in hand. I think Rare was/is saying what a commenter stated in the reply section.
But anyway I think we figured it out by now.
Let me just say yes people take advantage and some to the point of fraud. At the same time I think some people are just trying to survive. But I do believe that there is a way to take full advantage of those services offered. Some may or may not be extended to you but you have to ask/imply. There are programs set up within the dfacs system to help you get back on your feet. Assistance with school/college, sometimes free (all you have to do is show up), Assistance with work and career training, Assistance with child care and it goes on. Now granted you have to be eligible for this to get that type of deal but still it is up to the individual to ask. You have to want to do better is what it boils down to.
Now what I don't like is when one makes it a career of being on FS. I say take advantage of the programs that will help you with your education or even completing your education/degree. Now I'm not saying education will make you allergic to layoffs, cut backs or what have you because it happened all across the board.
Rare sees a different side of the system, her views are and will be different. My guess is she actually see a LOT of the lazy people who abuse the system instead of taking full advantage of the programs that are DESIGNED to HELP them. My opinion, her points are valid.
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Post by Chal™ on Jun 22, 2011 16:23:17 GMT -5
*post modified*
Nevermind. Shut up, Chal.
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Post by godfirstmelast on Jun 22, 2011 19:16:00 GMT -5
At the bolded...when you say things like this, it makes me really curious to know how old you are. (OMG...I feel so old for what I'm about to say) If you live long enough, you might come to develop a different outlook (either through your own personal experience or that of someone close to you)...sometimes life has a way of knocking you flat on your a$$ when you least expect it, despite how smart, driven, hard-working, and educated you are. Everybody on public assistance isn't lazy & mooching...and in fact, many folks at one time were gainfully employed and paid into that very system, and plan to eventually be gainfully employed and again paying into it. Things aren't always as black & white as they seem...and I would guess that the percentage of people abusing the system is nowhere near as high as we would think...those are just the only stories we hear. ^^THIS |
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Post by godfirstmelast on Jun 22, 2011 19:33:20 GMT -5
In response to your question Rare...
Yes, I have bought food with foodstamps before. And it was one of the biggest blessings that could have come my family's way in 2005 when Katrina left us with next to nothing.
I currently use Medicaid for my son, and that has been another blessing - coming right out of college as a part time employee with no benefits inhibited my ability to care for him during my pregnancy (do you have any clue how much it is to just VISIT a doctor's office, never mind the actual hospital birth, LOL) . However, my job generously offered me a full time position, so I will soon be saying goodbye to dirt cheap prescriptions and seeking private insurance. I don't consider myself lazy/mooching, although I do know folks who could fit that stereotype. At the same time I also know many other folks like myself.
Not sure how it shakes down in other places, but in Louisiana, at least, its pretty hard to scam for free housing, especially when they have access to your annual tax returns. And the food stamp ppl call to check in on your arse and collect your check stubs once every few months like clockwork.
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Post by Rare_Commodity on Jun 23, 2011 9:48:57 GMT -5
In response to your question Rare... Yes, I have bought food with foodstamps before. And it was one of the biggest blessings that could have come my family's way in 2005 when Katrina left us with next to nothing. I currently use Medicaid for my son, and that has been another blessing - coming right out of college as a part time employee with no benefits inhibited my ability to care for him during my pregnancy (do you have any clue how much it is to just VISIT a doctor's office, never mind the actual hospital birth, LOL) . However, my job generously offered me a full time position, so I will soon be saying goodbye to dirt cheap prescriptions and seeking private insurance. I don't consider myself lazy/mooching, although I do know folks who could fit that stereotype. At the same time I also know many other folks like myself. Not sure how it shakes down in other places, but in Louisiana, at least, its pretty hard to scam for free housing, especially when they have access to your annual tax returns. And the food stamp ppl call to check in on your arse and collect your check stubs once every few months like clockwork. Interesting...but congrats on your promotion and the birth of your new baby!!  Like '91 mentioned earlier some people spend all their time finding ways to abuse a system even when rigorous control measures are in place. On another note I find now as I work for CPS, former employees use their past internal knowledge to contract w/the state and become providers so they can work the system but that's a whole 'notha issue lol! |
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Post by Noble Work on Jun 23, 2011 12:37:57 GMT -5
As a husband who's wife was a case worker I genuinely applaud the case manager (food stamps/medicaid worker), CPS workers, TANF and the like. As I know how stressful it is and know matter how hard you try not to leave work at work, your emotions will follow you home. It can't be don it's like you try to leave your feelings of empathy at dfacs by your feeling and emotion has a GPS Navigational system to your house. I never understood why my wife cried sometimes....especially dealing with the babies yall.
I stand up, take my hat off to you and applaud you.
PS: I use to wonder why the metro area clubs have special nights for the teachers and Dfacs workers....Now I know why. Sometimes you/the system are the last hope on whether a family gets to go to the grocery store that day. Real Talk.
Gives Rare a (((hug))).
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Post by Rare_Commodity on Jun 23, 2011 14:02:07 GMT -5
Awww Thanks Level (((E-Church Hug))).
Yeah you haven't seen anything until you walk in someones filthy home and have to drug test them on the spot. Yep just like last time Positive. Ma'am what's going on why are we out here again? Did you sell your FS again to buy crack? Yes but please don't take by babies away. When folks know better they will do better and sometimes they just choose not to. Sometimes I believe parenting should come with a license.
Ughhhhh. I'm no longer a field worker I work in the regional office we go out to monitor providers to ensure they are accurately providing counseling, substance abuse, and other service correctly to the clients but yep it is very tough. You almost have to have a tough heart to get through each day.
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Post by Bunny Hop on Jun 24, 2011 6:42:05 GMT -5
you were able to choose. some are not ^^^This. ITA agree with what Quiet said. Everyone can't choose, especially in this economy, and everyone doesn't have someone else to fall back on. Instead of working yourself to death (especially if you have kids) you get assistance to make ends meet. Most of the people I see using EBT work but you can't really support a family on close to minimum wage even at 40hrs a week. |
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Post by 123Diva on Jun 27, 2011 11:17:23 GMT -5
Wondering if I have the energy to touch this topic...
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Post by Noble Work on Jun 27, 2011 13:49:59 GMT -5
Wondering if I have the energy to touch this topic... Yes. Please do Diva. |
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Post by pearlitica11 on Jun 27, 2011 23:18:34 GMT -5
If public assistance is used on a limited basis as the temporary assistance it is intended to be, then I have no problem with it. Unfortunately, anyone working with the general public knows that a ridiculous number of folks are choosing to live generation after generation on it. Folks are even fighting to have their children declared disabled just so that they can receive an additional couple hundred SSI dollars a month. They are already paying next to nothing in housing, utilities, food, childcare and healthcare.  The system should be reformed with the goal being to end the cycle of dependency, a problem that I believe has had the most detrimental impact on the AA community. |
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