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Discussion Boards => Off-Topic => Debate & Discuss => Topic started by: o2bnocn on April 03, 2016, 06:12:40 pm
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I already know it's a huge debate. Are there things you think should not be covered versus covered? I know there are always different stories, debates, opinions. I know anything edible is covered. I do believe that we shouldn't judge because we are not in their shoes. However, I also know and have seen it gone way too far.
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In October of 2010, I was at Dollar General, standing in line behind a woman buying big bags of Halloween candy. So far, so good. Then I saw her bring out that SNAP card to pay for them. I had to bite my tongue to keep from screaming. Food stamps are supposed to be for FOOD! The "N" in SNAP stands for nutrition. There's nothing nutritious about candy! I was so angry, and still am. As a taxpayer, I pay for those cards. They're supposed to help poor people feed themselves and their kids. They're for food, not fun. Or so I thought. Nobody wants to "judge" others without knowing all the facts, but I've known of people on food stamps who mysteriously had enough cash to regularly buy cigarettes, get their nails done, or pay for smartphones. Those people give a bad name to everyone on the program. I suggest skipping food stamps and starting a garden, if possible; plus stop bad habits like smoking and use that cash to buy very inexpensive food at dollar stores to supplement your garden. That, not depending on Uncle Sam, is real empowerment. Just my two cents.
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I'm opposed to using food stamps for cigarettes and booze. But I want poor kids to have Halloween candy too.
"Of all the preposterous assumptions of humanity, nothing exceeds the criticisms made of the habits of the poor by the well-housed, well-warmed, and well-fed." - Herman Melville.
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I agree with bremer51 and DwanaMR.
I don't think Food stamps should be allowed to be used for booze and cigarettes. Kids do deserve holiday fun too (ie: Halloween or Easter Candy); but I know it happens where VAST quantities of candy is purchased with the food stamps with little or no food purchased at all.
Trying not to judge, but that isn't feeding the kids or treating them with a little holiday spirit either.
That doesn't make for nutrition.
And like DwanaMR mentioned, I see people with no job, no money with smartphones, free medical care, food stamps, etc.
Often these people are receiving better health care than people working one and two jobs who have to pay for their own health insurance---big premiums AND big deductibles; so high that the people will delay or just not go to see a doctor because they cannot afford to pay the deductible.
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"...but I know it happens where VAST quantities of candy is purchased with the food stamps with little or no food purchased at all."
That's the situation I was describing, jkhanson. The woman I saw had bags and bags of candy and no food. That's not what food stamps are for!
And bremer51, with all due respect to Mr. Melville, it's perfectly right to criticize "the habits of the poor" when the poor are doing stupid or dishonest things, especially at the taxpayers' expense. The purpose of programs like food stamps is to provide for NEEDS, not fun. If a relative, family friend, or a charity wants to bring some holiday fun to some low-income kids, great. But it's not the government's job to make anybody feel good.
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If you have never had to ask for help or go without treats for your kids you don't know what it is like. Also it is not as easy to get ffod stamps as some people think, at least not here in NC.
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The amount of abuse that occurs with respect to food stamps is so utterly disgusting. I understand that there are those that legitimately require it. However, because the abuse so widespread and extensive, I believe we should do away with entirely and help these individuals find employment or some other alternative. I am tired of having to pay for other people's laziness.
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Food stamps can't be used to buy booze or cigarettes. Or bath tissue or laundry detergent, or shampoo or any other non-food item.
Food stamps buy food. Period.
Why is it anyones business what kind of food a person buys?
We have become a nation of nosy Nellies.
A smart phone can be picked up on craigslist for 20 dollars.
Most of the people who benefit from food stamps are children and elderly people.
Should we tell Gramma to get a job?
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The funds for the food stamp programs all come from public funds raised by tax payer dollars. When the government gives away money it is going to be a concern to the public. Not to mention the burden of healthcare costs have been shifted with the ACA, now those unhealthy habits will likely hit the pockets of the taxpayers again.
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If you have never had to ask for help or go without treats for your kids you don't know what it is like. Also it is not as easy to get ffod stamps as some people think, at least not here in NC.
Nannycoe, going without treats is not the same thing as going without food. If you're in a certain financial situation, whether you're on gov't aid or not, you have to have your priorities straight. Food first, treats, if there's money for them, second. Yes, kids may feel embarrassed or sad if they don't have the same goodies and gadgets their friends have, but gov't assistance is NOT meant to remedy that. Instead, gov't help is to provide for needs. Family, friends, and/or charities can supply treats, but no one should expect the gov't to secure their wants.
Oh, and when I was going through my cancer treatment a charity paid for my $200-per-pill anti-nausea medicine. So yes, I know what it's like to ask for help.
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Paints, if someone buys groceries with his own money then it's no one's busy what he gets. But if he's on the gov't dole then what food he buys IS my business because I'm paying for it. And I have a perfect right to be upset if someone's buying junk like Halloween candy with funds intended for nutritious food.
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If we start to pass judgement on what types of food people on Food Stamps are purchasing, can't it stand to reason that we could ask for medical records of people on Medicare/Medicaid to make sure our tax dollars are being spent on things we approve of? That's a scary slippery slope to me.
I do think that a overhaul needs to be done though, with processed foods generally being cheaper than healthier foods, it's hard to make the monthly allowance last. And some other 'non-food' essential items I think should be added to the list, no one should ever have to be without toilet paper.
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If we start to pass judgement on what types of food people on Food Stamps are purchasing, can't it stand to reason that we could ask for medical records of people on Medicare/Medicaid to make sure our tax dollars are being spent on things we approve of? That's a scary slippery slope to me.
Whether it's medicare or some private agency, when you submit a medical claim it has to be approved. That's nothing new. Not every medical cost is covered by every health insurance plan.
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Everyone has their own opinions about this debate. I agree that it needs to be food only. However, when we start saying what type of food, I think we go a little too far. Just my two cents.
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Paints, if someone buys groceries with his own money then it's no one's busy what he gets. But if he's on the gov't dole then what food he buys IS my business because I'm paying for it. And I have a perfect right to be upset if someone's buying junk like Halloween candy with funds intended for nutritious food.
Dwana, I understand what you're saying.
The thing that bothers me about it is that someone who gets food stamps is already having a hard time. Why make it harder?
One of my neighbors has an autistic son. He will only eat certain foods. Right now, the only thing he will eat is french fries. Not the easy kind that you can make yourself. It has to be Ore-Ida thin fries, the ones that look like McDonalds fries. She buys huge bags of them every month, because that's all he will eat.
Not at all nutritious, but he won't starve.
She buys these huge bags of french fries with food stamps. She has endured nasty comments and dirty looks from strangers who know neither her nor her son. Or how much anguish she has gone through to find something to feed her child that he will accept.
That's my reasoning for not judging what someone buys with food stamps. You can't know what struggles they have.
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Paints, if someone buys groceries with his own money then it's no one's busy what he gets. But if he's on the gov't dole then what food he buys IS my business because I'm paying for it. And I have a perfect right to be upset if someone's buying junk like Halloween candy with funds intended for nutritious food.
Dwana, I understand what you're saying.
The thing that bothers me about it is that someone who gets food stamps is already having a hard time. Why make it harder?
One of my neighbors has an autistic son. He will only eat certain foods. Right now, the only thing he will eat is french fries. Not the easy kind that you can make yourself. It has to be Ore-Ida thin fries, the ones that look like McDonalds fries. She buys huge bags of them every month, because that's all he will eat.
Not at all nutritious, but he won't starve.
She buys these huge bags of french fries with food stamps. She has endured nasty comments and dirty looks from strangers who know neither her nor her son. Or how much anguish she has gone through to find something to feed her child that he will accept.
That's my reasoning for not judging what someone buys with food stamps. You can't know what struggles they have.
Paints, I thoroughly sympathize with your neighbor but even in that situation she's buying food, i.e. French fries, w/food stamps. I would not give dirty looks to someone buying French fries with food stamps. No, fries might not be the most nutritious food out there, but they're not junk like candy. And buying junk with food stamps is what angers me. That, and the situation I described previously, where you have food stamp recipients who somehow manage to have plenty of cash for cigarettes, smartphones, and regular trips to the nail salon. In those situations there's almost certainly some kind of fraud going on, and it burns me up!
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I really don't see the problem. Candy is "food". I doubt the person in question lives solely on candy. As long as they use it on a food item and only on a food item, who cares?
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I have to chuckle...seriously,the money thats wasted on war,over-paid politicians and false religeon <EX building an expensive dead concrete statue of Mary>.........
BUT NOOOOOOOOOOOO candy for you or french-fries......Gimme a break!!
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I have to chuckle...seriously,the money thats wasted on war,over-paid politicians and false religeon <EX building an expensive dead concrete statue of Mary>.........
BUT NOOOOOOOOOOOO candy for you or french-fries......Gimme a break!!
Nice strawman. Has nothing to do with the topic.
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The funds for the food stamp programs all come from public funds raised by tax payer dollars. When the government gives away money it is going to be a concern to the public. Not to mention the burden of healthcare costs have been shifted with the ACA, now those unhealthy habits will likely hit the pockets of the taxpayers again.
You said in an earlier post something about the government giving the money?If the examples i gave arent just that then i guess you just dont see it like i do.
I wouldnt worry about everyone getting diabetes or high cholesterol if they want french fries or candy either.Concentrate more on the injuries many have contracted fighting DUMB wars and living with them and they might be justified getting FS and enjoying what they wanna eat!!
OK Batman?
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The funds for the food stamp programs all come from public funds raised by tax payer dollars. When the government gives away money it is going to be a concern to the public. Not to mention the burden of healthcare costs have been shifted with the ACA, now those unhealthy habits will likely hit the pockets of the taxpayers again.
You said in an earlier post something about the government giving the money?If the examples i gave arent just that then i guess you just dont see it like i do.
I wouldnt worry about everyone getting diabetes or high cholesterol if they want french fries or candy either.Concentrate more on the injuries many have contracted fighting DUMB wars and living with them and they might be justified getting FS and enjoying what they wanna eat!!
OK Batman?
Those would be separate issues. This topic has to do one single issue of government spending. No one is claiming that their aren't other issues concerning government spending. No one is claiming that it is more important than other issues. Throwing a red herring into the discussion only makes you look foolish.
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The food stamp budget is less than 1 percent of the total budget.
It costs the average taxpayer 10 cents a day.
It's not a welfare program. It's a nutrition assistance program that comes under the farm bill, run by the USDA.
Most of the people who use food stamps are working.
Food stamps feed people who would otherwise go without. And if occasionally someone buys something that's not nutritious, in your view, so what?
10 cents a day doesn't give anyone the right to be a bully.
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This guy stops short of crushing Obamacare and i threw in the Red Herring!!LOL!!
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This guy stops short of crushing Obamacare and i threw in the Red Herring!!LOL!!
You really can't be that dense, can you?
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The food stamp budget is less than 1 percent of the total budget.
It costs the average taxpayer 10 cents a day.
It's not a welfare program. It's a nutrition assistance program that comes under the farm bill, run by the USDA.
Most of the people who use food stamps are working.
Food stamps feed people who would otherwise go without. And if occasionally someone buys something that's not nutritious, in your view, so what?
10 cents a day doesn't give anyone the right to be a bully.
So, what do you think about Michelle Obama's lunch policy? We've got teachers potentially being fined for giving out candy because it doesn't promote healthy food choices. Is she being a bully?
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Can you imagine Publishers Clearing house knocking on Hawks door?
Id hope they had a runner-up!!
If you dig any deeper you will be promoting Uncle Bens!
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Hmm...Ok.
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Should only be used for food and NOT cigarettes and alcohol.
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The food stamp budget is less than 1 percent of the total budget.
It costs the average taxpayer 10 cents a day.
It's not a welfare program. It's a nutrition assistance program that comes under the farm bill, run by the USDA.
Most of the people who use food stamps are working.
Food stamps feed people who would otherwise go without. And if occasionally someone buys something that's not nutritious, in your view, so what?
10 cents a day doesn't give anyone the right to be a bully.
So, what do you think about Michelle Obama's lunch policy? We've got teachers potentially being fined for giving out candy because it doesn't promote healthy food choices. Is she being a bully?
It's not just her policy.
The USDA has been working on getting nutritious, healthy food into schools since 1966, with the Child Nutrition Act.
Setting standards and guidelines for schools is necessary for the health of our children.
Pushing institutions to raise standards and do better is not bullying. It's what any mother who loves her children would do.
But in the grocery store, commenting on what an individual puts in their cart, as if you have the right to dictate their choices, is bullying.
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The food stamp budget is less than 1 percent of the total budget.
It costs the average taxpayer 10 cents a day.
It's not a welfare program. It's a nutrition assistance program that comes under the farm bill, run by the USDA.
Most of the people who use food stamps are working.
Food stamps feed people who would otherwise go without. And if occasionally someone buys something that's not nutritious, in your view, so what?
10 cents a day doesn't give anyone the right to be a bully.
So, what do you think about Michelle Obama's lunch policy? We've got teachers potentially being fined for giving out candy because it doesn't promote healthy food choices. Is she being a bully?
It's not just her policy.
The USDA has been working on getting nutritious, healthy food into schools since 1966, with the Child Nutrition Act.
Setting standards and guidelines for schools is necessary for the health of our children.
Pushing institutions to raise standards and do better is not bullying. It's what any mother who loves her children would do.
But in the grocery store, commenting on what an individual puts in their cart, as if you have the right to dictate their choices, is bullying.
As I mentioned, it didn't just raise standards, it restricted what could be sold or given out in schools. Can't sell soda/candy in vending machines anymore. Sure sounds like dictating ones choices.
No one is judging what others put in their cart or dictating their choices, it's just how they pay for it. They can still by anything with their own money. Food stamps are only meant as a supplement to a portion of a the food costs.
If the government giving you something for free but placing restrictions is now considered bullying, I think this might be a new low for the hypersensitive and entitled.
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The food stamp budget is less than 1 percent of the total budget.
It costs the average taxpayer 10 cents a day.
It's not a welfare program. It's a nutrition assistance program that comes under the farm bill, run by the USDA.
Most of the people who use food stamps are working.
Food stamps feed people who would otherwise go without. And if occasionally someone buys something that's not nutritious, in your view, so what?
10 cents a day doesn't give anyone the right to be a bully.
So, what do you think about Michelle Obama's lunch policy? We've got teachers potentially being fined for giving out candy because it doesn't promote healthy food choices. Is she being a bully?
It's not just her policy.
The USDA has been working on getting nutritious, healthy food into schools since 1966, with the Child Nutrition Act.
Setting standards and guidelines for schools is necessary for the health of our children.
Pushing institutions to raise standards and do better is not bullying. It's what any mother who loves her children would do.
But in the grocery store, commenting on what an individual puts in their cart, as if you have the right to dictate their choices, is bullying.
As I mentioned, it didn't just raise standards, it restricted what could be sold or given out in schools. Can't sell soda/candy in vending machines anymore. Sure sounds like dictating ones choices.
No one is judging what others put in their cart or dictating their choices, it's just how they pay for it. They can still by anything with their own money. Food stamps are only meant as a supplement to a portion of a the food costs.
If the government giving you something for free but placing restrictions is now considered bullying, I think this might be a new low for the hypersensitive and entitled.
I didn't say the government is bullying anyone. That was your statement.
Telling Coke that, no you may not profit at the expense of a childs' poor choices, is not bullying.
It's backing parental choice for their children.
And no matter how you slice it, 10 cents a day doesn't give you the right to comment on someone elses' food choices. No matter how they pay for it, it's none of your business.
The food stamp program is one of the most studied and regulated programs that exist in the federal government.
The fraud rate is less than 3%, with most of that being the retailer, not the person using the stamps.
And, if you know anything about using food stamps, you'll know that it has always restricted what can be purchased with stamps. Food. Period.
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The food stamp budget is less than 1 percent of the total budget.
It costs the average taxpayer 10 cents a day.
It's not a welfare program. It's a nutrition assistance program that comes under the farm bill, run by the USDA.
Most of the people who use food stamps are working.
Food stamps feed people who would otherwise go without. And if occasionally someone buys something that's not nutritious, in your view, so what?
10 cents a day doesn't give anyone the right to be a bully.
So, what do you think about Michelle Obama's lunch policy? We've got teachers potentially being fined for giving out candy because it doesn't promote healthy food choices. Is she being a bully?
It's not just her policy.
The USDA has been working on getting nutritious, healthy food into schools since 1966, with the Child Nutrition Act.
Setting standards and guidelines for schools is necessary for the health of our children.
Pushing institutions to raise standards and do better is not bullying. It's what any mother who loves her children would do.
But in the grocery store, commenting on what an individual puts in their cart, as if you have the right to dictate their choices, is bullying.
As I mentioned, it didn't just raise standards, it restricted what could be sold or given out in schools. Can't sell soda/candy in vending machines anymore. Sure sounds like dictating ones choices.
No one is judging what others put in their cart or dictating their choices, it's just how they pay for it. They can still by anything with their own money. Food stamps are only meant as a supplement to a portion of a the food costs.
If the government giving you something for free but placing restrictions is now considered bullying, I think this might be a new low for the hypersensitive and entitled.
I didn't say the government is bullying anyone. That was your statement.
Telling Coke that, no you may not profit at the expense of a childs' poor choices, is not bullying.
It's backing parental choice for their children.
And no matter how you slice it, 10 cents a day doesn't give you the right to comment on someone elses' food choices. No matter how they pay for it, it's none of your business.
The food stamp program is one of the most studied and regulated programs that exist in the federal government.
The fraud rate is less than 3%, with most of that being the retailer, not the person using the stamps.
And, if you know anything about using food stamps, you'll know that it has always restricted what can be purchased with stamps. Food. Period.
Considering the government is only one who can place restrictions on the use food stamps, not sure how I can be the bully. I've never commented on what others put in their cart. In fact, I haven't even gave an opinion whether one should be allowed to use them on soda/candy. Only suggested that taxpayers have the right to an opinion.
The 10 cents a day argument is joke written by someone who clearly doesn't understand tax law or it's application. He starts his argument by subtracting the SS/Med off the Federal Income Tax. That's wrong. The SS/Med tax is collected in addition to Federal Income Tax, so there is no to subtract it. So taking that 3.7% times the total bill of $3820 would be about $0.39/day or $141.43/year.
But that propaganda assumes a married taxpayer with $50,000 in income with a child and leaves out the fact that the spouse must not have worked for that example to work. A single taxpayer with no kid with those same facts is looking at about twice that. And that still leaves out state funding.So, in reality the average taxpayer is actually paying hundreds of dollars a year on fund stamps. They have a right to an opinion.
But, despite your believe that it's no ones business, the USDA has "how to improve nutrition among program participants" on its agenda for the next Farm Bill in 2017. These restrictions could very well become a reality when the SNAP program is renewed.
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The food stamp budget is less than 1 percent of the total budget.
It costs the average taxpayer 10 cents a day.
It's not a welfare program. It's a nutrition assistance program that comes under the farm bill, run by the USDA.
Most of the people who use food stamps are working.
Food stamps feed people who would otherwise go without. And if occasionally someone buys something that's not nutritious, in your view, so what?
10 cents a day doesn't give anyone the right to be a bully.
So, what do you think about Michelle Obama's lunch policy? We've got teachers potentially being fined for giving out candy because it doesn't promote healthy food choices. Is she being a bully?
It's not just her policy.
The USDA has been working on getting nutritious, healthy food into schools since 1966, with the Child Nutrition Act.
Setting standards and guidelines for schools is necessary for the health of our children.
Pushing institutions to raise standards and do better is not bullying. It's what any mother who loves her children would do.
But in the grocery store, commenting on what an individual puts in their cart, as if you have the right to dictate their choices, is bullying.
As I mentioned, it didn't just raise standards, it restricted what could be sold or given out in schools. Can't sell soda/candy in vending machines anymore. Sure sounds like dictating ones choices.
No one is judging what others put in their cart or dictating their choices, it's just how they pay for it. They can still by anything with their own money. Food stamps are only meant as a supplement to a portion of a the food costs.
If the government giving you something for free but placing restrictions is now considered bullying, I think this might be a new low for the hypersensitive and entitled.
I didn't say the government is bullying anyone. That was your statement.
Telling Coke that, no you may not profit at the expense of a childs' poor choices, is not bullying.
It's backing parental choice for their children.
And no matter how you slice it, 10 cents a day doesn't give you the right to comment on someone elses' food choices. No matter how they pay for it, it's none of your business.
The food stamp program is one of the most studied and regulated programs that exist in the federal government.
The fraud rate is less than 3%, with most of that being the retailer, not the person using the stamps.
And, if you know anything about using food stamps, you'll know that it has always restricted what can be purchased with stamps. Food. Period.
Considering the government is only one who can place restrictions on the use food stamps, not sure how I can be the bully. I've never commented on what others put in their cart. In fact, I haven't even gave an opinion whether one should be allowed to use them on soda/candy. Only suggested that taxpayers have the right to an opinion.
The 10 cents a day argument is joke written by someone who clearly doesn't understand tax law or it's application. He starts his argument by subtracting the SS/Med off the Federal Income Tax. That's wrong. The SS/Med tax is collected in addition to Federal Income Tax, so there is no to subtract it. So taking that 3.7% times the total bill of $3820 would be about $0.39/day or $141.43/year.
But that propaganda assumes a married taxpayer with $50,000 in income with a child and leaves out the fact that the spouse must not have worked for that example to work. A single taxpayer with no kid with those same facts is looking at about twice that. And that still leaves out state funding.So, in reality the average taxpayer is actually paying hundreds of dollars a year on fund stamps. They have a right to an opinion.
But, despite your believe that it's no ones business, the USDA has "how to improve nutrition among program participants" on its agenda for the next Farm Bill in 2017. These restrictions could very well become a reality when the SNAP program is renewed.
I will agree that the taxpayer has a right to an opinion.
Voice that opinion to the person who writes the laws, NOT to the person who is in such a bind that they need help to feed themselves.
Attacking the low man on the totem pole, the person with the least amount of power, is bullying.
And no one has the right to do that. Period.
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I have never said anything to the low man totem pole. This topic isn't saying anything to the low man on the totem pole. The OP just asked opinions. Opinions were given. This nonsense about being a "bully" seems like some rush to be offended. Hypersensitivity at its finest.
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I have never said anything to the low man totem pole. This topic isn't saying anything to the low man on the totem pole. The OP just asked opinions. Opinions were given. This nonsense about being a "bully" seems like some rush to be offended. Hypersensitivity at its finest.
Hi Hawkeye. You're spot on with paints but I don't think she gets it. It's startling how progressives like paints get so outraged at the comments of private citizens yet see no bullying or coercion whatsoever in gov't forcing people into its desired actions or behaviors. Talk about sheeple!
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To be honest, I kind of can't believe that energy drinks are covered on it. I don't really have a problem with anything being covered except the energy drinks.
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My point is simply this: No one has the right to make another person feel "lesser than."
Have you ever heard the expression, "strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel?"
That's what this is.
Directing your outrage at the person who has the least is a cheap shot.
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I was on food stamps one time when I was on unemployment and there were nothing but part-time jobs for high-schoolers taking minimum wage. I never used it to buy any junk food. I bought the cheapest things I could that were healthy. I didn't abuse the system to score massive junk food to throw at a bunch of kids to get them quiet... lol.
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My point is simply this: No one has the right to make another person feel "lesser than."
Have you ever heard the expression, "strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel?"
That's what this is.
Directing your outrage at the person who has the least is a cheap shot.
Your "point" isn't relevant to the topic. I know it probably makes you feel good about yourself, but no one has suggested anything to contrary of your point.
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My point is simply this: No one has the right to make another person feel "lesser than."
Have you ever heard the expression, "strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel?"
That's what this is.
Directing your outrage at the person who has the least is a cheap shot.
Paints, in this post you really nailed the difference between liberals and conservatives, though I doubt that was your intention. You, like most liberals, reject holding "the least" accountable for their actions. You're like Mama Keller, who refused to discipline her daughter Helen because of her handicaps. Conservatives, on the other hand, are like Annie Sullivan, who held Helen to the same standards as everyone else. Which woman did the most for Helen Keller? Her indulgent mother, or her no-nonsense teacher? We know the answer. So, calling out irresponsible food stamp recipients is perfectly fair. It's the bigotry of low expectations that's the real cheap shot.
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My point is simply this: No one has the right to make another person feel "lesser than."
Have you ever heard the expression, "strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel?"
That's what this is.
Directing your outrage at the person who has the least is a cheap shot.
Paints, in this post you really nailed the difference between liberals and conservatives, though I doubt that was your intention. You, like most liberals, reject holding "the least" accountable for their actions. You're like Mama Keller, who refused to discipline her daughter Helen because of her handicaps. Conservatives, on the other hand, are like Annie Sullivan, who held Helen to the same standards as everyone else. Which woman did the most for Helen Keller? Her indulgent mother, or her no-nonsense teacher? We know the answer. So, calling out irresponsible food stamp recipients is perfectly fair. It's the bigotry of low expectations that's the real cheap shot.
And yet, for all her teaching, Helen Keller was a socialist.
So tell me, dwana, do you call out irresponsible bankers and businessmen with the same level of outrage that you direct at the food stamp recipient?
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This seems to be hotly debated subject. I love debate; however, many of the respondents to the question posited are acting like politicians attacking their opponents to gain favor for themselves.
Please FCers, don't be attacking one another with your viewpoints. Just state your case and let others state theirs. I love intelligent discussion, but abhor people bashing one another. Don't play the shame game. :angel11:
Food stamps is probably a necessary evil since charities can no longer help all the people who need helping. And personally, I believe there is abuse in all situations where the government gives out free stuff. It's a fact of life. That's my take on it and I hope it doesn't offend anyone. However, being offended is a fact of life too. No sense taking your ball home and not playing at all.
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Oh yes, paints, I know Helen Keller was a socialist, but that wasn't my point. My point, which you conveniently ignored, was that she would never have been educated, or even learned simple table manners, had it not been for her teacher who, unlike her mother, passionately rejected using Helen's handicaps as excuses for failure and bad behavior. Again I ask you, what did Helen Keller the most good? Your kind of "oh you poor baby" low expectations, or Annie Sullivan's conservative "you're gonna learn and behave like everyone else" high expectations?
And as for bad bankers and businessmen, I'm appalled by all wrongdoing regardless of the offender's race, class, or sex. Unlike liberals, I do not believe in a two-tier system of morality and accountability. Rather, I believe the Bible's command to judge all people fairly, with no favoritism for the rich nor the poor (Lev. 19:15; Exodus 23:2-3; Deut. 1:17). It's a revolutionary idea; maybe you should try it sometime.
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Helen Kellers' parents hired Anne Sullivan. She didn't just show up on her own. So Kellers' parents clearly weren't as irresponsible as you paint them.
Nor are most food stamp recipients.
And as was the case with Helen Keller, education is what makes the difference.
Educate people as to what foods are better for health, and then leave them alone to make their own choices.
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Helen Kellers' parents hired Anne Sullivan. She didn't just show up on her own. So Kellers' parents clearly weren't as irresponsible as you paint them.
Nor are most food stamp recipients.
And as was the case with Helen Keller, education is what makes the difference.
Educate people as to what foods are better for health, and then leave them alone to make their own choices.
Paints, I didn't say Helen Keller's parents were irresponsible. I said her mother was indulgent, and she was. And my point was that it was Anne Sullivan's no-nonsense attitude, not her mother's indulgence, that saved Helen. Anne Sullivan held Helen to a standard and expected the most from her. That's the lesson. The poor are not helped by excusing their bad behavior. They should be held to account like everyone else. And if they're on the gov't dole, then there are certain rules they have to follow. People are free to buy any kind of food they want, so long as they're using their own money. But when your food dollars come from the taxpayers, what you buy is the taxpayers' business because we're paying for it.
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Helen Kellers' parents hired Anne Sullivan. She didn't just show up on her own. So Kellers' parents clearly weren't as irresponsible as you paint them.
Nor are most food stamp recipients.
And as was the case with Helen Keller, education is what makes the difference.
Educate people as to what foods are better for health, and then leave them alone to make their own choices.
Paints, I didn't say Helen Keller's parents were irresponsible. I said her mother was indulgent, and she was. And my point was that it was Anne Sullivan's no-nonsense attitude, not her mother's indulgence, that saved Helen. Anne Sullivan held Helen to a standard and expected the most from her. That's the lesson. The poor are not helped by excusing their bad behavior. They should be held to account like everyone else. And if they're on the gov't dole, then there are certain rules they have to follow. People are free to buy any kind of food they want, so long as they're using their own money. But when your food dollars come from the taxpayers, what you buy is the taxpayers' business because we're paying for it.
We'll just have to agree to disagree, Dwana.
The poor behave no more badly than anyone else. As for myself, I'd rather subsidize poor people than have my tax dollars go to fund billionaire bonuses.
Give a poor man a hundred dollars, and he'll spend it to survive.
A rich man will take that same hundred and put it in his pocket.
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Nahhh Paints, that rich man will go buy a hooker and hide it from his wife.
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Nahhh Paints, that rich man will go buy a hooker and hide it from his wife.
LOL! But what makes you so sure the poor man wouldn't do the same thing?
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"We'll just have to agree to disagree, Dwana." Game, set, match.
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"We'll just have to agree to disagree, Dwana." Game, set, match.
Was it a game??
Not to the 65 year old woman who has to chooses between food or medicine.
Nor to the 30-something who works 3 jobs, and has to choose between food and paying the rent.
Empathy is not a sin.
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Nahhh Paints, that rich man will go buy a hooker and hide it from his wife.
And then, after his high profile divorce, he'll write a book, marry a couple more times, and run for president.
Only in America! LOL
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"Empathy is not a sin." Ok, ok, paints, I admit it! You're more righteous than anyone else!
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And this whole thing started because someone bought Halloween candy with food stamps? :o
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And this whole thing started because someone bought Halloween candy with food stamps? :o
Yep.
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And this whole thing started because someone bought Halloween candy with food stamps? :o
No, it came about because of someone judging someone who bought Halloween candy with food stamps.
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I dislike when people judge. If that is what someone wants to, or has to use to keep them alive. Let them be. ::)
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I dislike when people judge. If that is what someone wants to, or has to use to keep them alive. Let them be. ::)
I never judged people for being on food stamps, but for using them irresponsibly. If you're so poor that the government has to cover some or all of your food bill, then you should use that allowance to buy as much real food for yourself and your family as that allowance will get. You should not be buying junk like candy. That's being irresponsible with the taxpayers' money, not to mention your family's well-being, and that's wrong, period. You don't get a pass on bad behavior/judgment just because you're poor.
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i think candy should be banned from food stamps. food stamps are for nutritious foods and not junk food like candy or cookies or even soda
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Food stamps should only cover food items only.....
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can help you get food when your parents are broke
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The issue here seems to be what is considered food. Candy is NOT a food. It's candy and candy is not nutritious (except dark chocolate according to research).
What was also missed was that this woman buying the Halloween candy wasn't buying it for HER kids. She was buying it for any kid who came to her door (unless the kids got to it first-lol). Same with soda and other junk food. I was never on food stamps but I only bought junk food (chips, soda, candy) for a treat and the boys were lucky if they got that junk once every 3 months.
Anything that isn't nutritious shouldn't be allowed NOR should they be allowed to buy lobster as someone complained on another site. Lobster is fish but very expensive and I would think they would spend those taxpayer dollars on more nutritious foods. At $19.95 in my area, I could buy a enough fresh veggies to last a month through freezing and canning. So, you say, they don't know how to can? Easy...buy CANNED veggies. At $1 a can (and there are often sales for 50 cents or 75 cents), that's a lot of veggies. Meats are expensive but there's such a thing as Pick 5 for $19.95 in my area, too, and they include chicken, ground beef, cheap steaks (good when marinated), sausage, even family-size packages of hot dogs, ham steaks, hash browns, etc. (examples only).
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If it has a nutrition label, it's food.
Part of the reason they changed from actual paper booklets of food stamps to a plastic card was to make it less obvious that a person was using stamps.
Apparently, people have always been nasty to others less fortunate.
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Paints that is an excellent point.What others dont know is best sometimes.
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I think only food and drinks ought to be covered by food stamps.
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My mother worked two jobs and we still did not have enough money to buy food and pay bills ... Yes we got foodstamps and i hope People can understand there are good hard working people out there that just can't make ends meet ... MY mother always tried and now I am an adult with kids of my own, i work, i don't get foodstamps, but i know there are people that need this services and i am happy that our government can provide it.
This is just my thoughts .... Stop judging one day you may need Foodstamps too
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Candy is food. You ingest it and it goes to your stomach and it keeps hunger away for a time. I still remember the year I was giving out Halloween candy and several of their parents came with the kids and asked me for more of what I was giving. It really made me think of how bad off people can be. :dontknow:
Candy is empty calories and it it not nutritious, but people can and do eat almost anything if they're hungry enough. Dirt, garbage, etc. is fair game for true hunger.
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I think they should allow the purchase of pet food with the ebt card....limited amounts however like one bag a month etc....I know some people will be like if you cant afford to feed your pet then you shouldnt have one....however these pets are the only thing keeping some of these people going everyday. And for me personally Id share MY food with my pet before I even thought about giving her up. :cat:
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I agree with bremer51 and DwanaMR.
I don't think Food stamps should be allowed to be used for booze and cigarettes. Kids do deserve holiday fun too (ie: Halloween or Easter Candy); but I know it happens where VAST quantities of candy is purchased with the food stamps with little or no food purchased at all.
You are limited to food items, no Cigarettes, no Toilet Paper...the Booze I'm not sure about. There had been some debate about removing Soda's since ppl buy them with food stamps, then return the cans for cash (in some states). The other debate about the Sodas is how unhealthy they are...but they are cheaper than buying cases of water :(
I've been on food stamps myself. My family depends on it. I'm a disabled veteran so finding jobs that I can do is tough. The state, in fact, just denied us our extension request because my disability puts me over the income limits
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I think that the food stamp program is needed by the poor, especially with unemployment so high..
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In today's economy food stamps are greatly needed.
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In my opinion, food stamps are necessary for some families. NOT ALL. But for those who desperately do need them, I disagree that they should be forced to buy healthy food. People are mentioning Halloween but what about birthdays and Christmas? Should a kid who grew up in a family who can't afford to spend money for a birthday cake
Or a stocking full of candy just end up with nothing? No.
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I have some thoughts on food stamps. I think food stamp coverage ought to be limited to food and beverages.
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when people buy food off of food stamps they don't know what to do with it they rather get cash for it
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Food Stamps are always tricky for me. The program technically has a requirement that you have children, or a work waiver, or have been employed within a certain amount of time. When the economy tanked, most states applied waivers to the work requirements. I am completely in support of feeding children, and helping the disabled, and those who have become unemployed. I think it is our civil duty. There are limits to what can be bought: must be food items, cannot be already prepared( pre-cooked) foods, i.e. You can buy a take n bake pizza, but not a cooked one, and you can actually use them at farmer's markets. But I do cringe when I go to WINCO, and see cases of Soda, Cookies, Junk etc. Yet, I think that by placing limits on what you can eat, or drink, is such a slippery slope. Can we really say no candy, without also sayiing you can't buy things that are nutritionally or culturally specific?
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In my opinion, food stamps are necessary for some families. NOT ALL. But for those who desperately do need them, I disagree that they should be forced to buy healthy food. People are mentioning Halloween but what about birthdays and Christmas? Should a kid who grew up in a family who can't afford to spend money for a birthday cake
Or a stocking full of candy just end up with nothing? No.
You can still buy candy with cash. Food stamps are only meant to supplement some of the costs.
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Food Stamps are always tricky for me. The program technically has a requirement that you have children, or a work waiver, or have been employed within a certain amount of time. When the economy tanked, most states applied waivers to the work requirements. I am completely in support of feeding children, and helping the disabled, and those who have become unemployed. I think it is our civil duty. There are limits to what can be bought: must be food items, cannot be already prepared( pre-cooked) foods, i.e. You can buy a take n bake pizza, but not a cooked one, and you can actually use them at farmer's markets. But I do cringe when I go to WINCO, and see cases of Soda, Cookies, Junk etc. Yet, I think that by placing limits on what you can eat, or drink, is such a slippery slope. Can we really say no candy, without also sayiing you can't buy things that are nutritionally or culturally specific?
Yeah I pretty much agree with you, it's difficult. I understand that it is different for everyone. There is too much abuse, I agree with that. I also agree that limiting what you can buy is a slippery slope, and probably not the best ideas. The reason I say this is because you never know what someone is going through or why they are buying that item.
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??? I am on food stamps. I get a whopping $16 a month. No, I did not leave out a zero. While some people may thing the amount is not worth even trying for, this month that 16 saved me. I was able to go to the dollar store and buy bread, eggs, and dry beans. I still have .85 on my card, but I will be able to eat for the rest of the month. I have been looking for a job since I moved to Florida in April. God blessed me yesterday with a full time job, but it does not start until Aug 30th. Until then I will continue to live off the government. As soon as I get my first check, you bet your but I am calling dfc and cancelling my benefits.
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I don't really talk about that cause a lot of people abuse the food stamp program an there's some that really need it an they don't get approved for it which sucks
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I used to be a cake decorator for a retail chain that rhymes with "fall apart": birthday cakes. Now, I understand using it towards a 1/4 or 1/2 sheet, let's face it - birthdays don't always fall during convenient pay periods and you have to make do sometimes - but people would come in ordering extravagant tiered cakes, both for weddings and for birthdays MONTHS in advance and paying for them with SNAP cards.
On the flip side, when I was a senior in high school my parents separated for a little while and my mom applied for food stamps so she could feed my sister and I AND still pay the bills - I think we got maybe $35 a month. For food. To feed two teenagers (yes, teen girls can put away the food just like teen boys).
So the system is HIGHLY unbalanced.
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i don't think food stamps should allowed for anyone to buy alcohol or any tobacco use . I think they should do a background check , there to many abuse the system , not for the right reason . there people out there that lost there jobs or just plain need help . those the people we should help .. i think they should let or add diapers and stuff to the food stamps . that would help out mom with babies .
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i don't think food stamps should allowed for anyone to buy alcohol or any tobacco use . I think they should do a background check , there to many abuse the system , not for the right reason . there people out there that lost there jobs or just plain need help . those the people we should help .. i think they should let or add diapers and stuff to the food stamps . that would help out mom with babies .
You can only buy edible items. Those items aren't covered.
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I think a lot of people need the food stamps , with single parents and people that are struggling with getting by , i know some people i know lost there jobs . they had to get on food stamps .
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I don't think kids should be able to take the card to the store and buy candy bars and sodas. These cards should be used for foods for baking/cooking or meals. Not buying 8 packs of Pepsi and 4 bags of Doritos. If we want to eat like that, we need to find a job and spend money buying that kind of stuff.
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I really don't think people are using the food stamp card in the right way if they buy candy all 12 months out of the year.They are using the card as a sap card because they are never getting the n for nutrition. I have a food stamp card and I bought halloween candy in 2016 and other years but I buy nutritious things with my card such as yoplait yogurt, popcorn,lean cuisine frozen meals,peanut butter, and rice cakes.I also buy hummus, cheese,and pretzels.I pass the candy out to trick or treaters but some of the candy given out at my parent's house was not food stamp purchased candy because my parent's bought it. I think when people are buying food with taxpayers money, they should have a say over candy issue with food stamps.If I were a taxpayer, I would have no problem with people buying candy with food stamps like for holidays like halloween,christmas,easter,or valentines day but they need to buy other things with nutritional value.
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From my experiecne of having food stamps in the past, I can see how some folks on the outside looking in would view this, but trust me those of us who have/or currently receiving them, if we didn't need them to buy our food until our financial situation changes, we wouldn't use food stamps.
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From my experiecne of having food stamps in the past, I can see how some folks on the outside looking in would view this, but trust me those of us who have/or currently receiving them, if we didn't need them to buy our food until our financial situation changes, we wouldn't use food stamps.
I can agree with you completely!
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yea so people just abuse the system when they can easy fine a job it showed be fore people who work but can afford living like the thing u need food rent just stuff u need to make it a go at in life. it need to change when it should be need buy the people how need it the most
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Nahhh Paints, that rich man will go buy a hooker and hide it from his wife.
And then, after his high profile divorce, he'll write a book, marry a couple more times, and run for president.
Only in America! LOL
Oh this is the best post I seen in awhile. Too funny.
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So in different states the eligibility changes slightly right? I only ask because I live in Michigan and with our economy so weird, I have to apply for food stamps and I am feeling a bit funny about I guess. I am worried that they will literally comb through every document I have and then not give me enough to really feed my family. I noticed one person on the forum who only got $16 bucks a month and that is just outrageous! Who can possibly live off that!????
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If we start regulating what food is bought I think that becomes a bit ridiculous. I see no reason Halloween Candy can't be purchased with Food Stamps, especially if bought at Dollar General obviously she was looking to save but still wanted to participate in the holiday. But beyond that a lot of options at stores are not "nutritious". I knew a friend on Food Stamps who would buy store brand of anything she was looking to buy. She bought canned vegetables over frozen or fresh, because they were cheaper even though they were less nutritious. I agree alcohol and tobacco shouldn't be offered on food stamps, but I have no right to tell an entire family what they can and cannot purchase at a grocery store.
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I don't see a thing wrong with using food stamp to purchase Halloween candy. I feel like the food stamp recipient has the right to buy whatever food items they choose to feed their families. I don't know the food stamp rules in other states but I know in Oklahoma, only food items can be purchased with food stamps. Alcohol and cigarettes can not be purchased with food stamps.
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The Food Stamp program is very important, but it should only be used to purchase food....
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If we start regulating what food is bought I think that becomes a bit ridiculous. I see no reason Halloween Candy can't be purchased with Food Stamps, especially if bought at Dollar General obviously she was looking to save but still wanted to participate in the holiday. But beyond that a lot of options at stores are not "nutritious". I knew a friend on Food Stamps who would buy store brand of anything she was looking to buy. She bought canned vegetables over frozen or fresh, because they were cheaper even though they were less nutritious. I agree alcohol and tobacco shouldn't be offered on food stamps, but I have no right to tell an entire family what they can and cannot purchase at a grocery store.
It's already regulated on what you can buy. More regulations are coming.
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Food stamps are meant for you to get food, i'm on disability and its hard out there for people who really need it, people misuse things like that shouldn't have to get it if they use it to take care of hungry kids. Food stamps are a necessity not a way for you to go out and buy alcoholic beverages or cigarettes, put those stamps you get to good use.
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I am currently unemployed and have applied for disability due to multiple medical issues. I have no income. I had to apply for food stamps and was initially given $194 a month to live on. I also get reduced priced utilities including internet. I recently had to renew my eligibility for my utilities. All my bills came to $500 a month including rent. I was paying $10 for gas and $10 for electric every month. They asked for my income. I told them I had none. Then, how are you paying your bills? My dad helps me. They said we need a notarized statement stating what he helps you with. I got it and presented it to them. BAM! Because of my "income", my gas and electric both went up to $30 a month each and my food card was reduced to $91 a month. I can't win!!! lol
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I am currently unemployed and have applied for disability due to multiple medical issues. I have no income. I had to apply for food stamps and was initially given $194 a month to live on. I also get reduced priced utilities including internet. I recently had to renew my eligibility for my utilities. All my bills came to $500 a month including rent. I was paying $10 for gas and $10 for electric every month. They asked for my income. I told them I had none. Then, how are you paying your bills? My dad helps me. They said we need a notarized statement stating what he helps you with. I got it and presented it to them. BAM! Because of my "income", my gas and electric both went up to $30 a month each and my food card was reduced to $91 a month. I can't win!!! lol
Oh, and to make matters worse, I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease a couple months ago and must be Gluten Free. GF products are 3 times the cost of their counterparts. I buy a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables, rice, etc but even those items are not cheap. I have to buy what ever is on sale for the week.
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Never used food stamps but I think they are very useful
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I was very grateful for my food stamps when I needed them. Actually, I feel I could use them now because just make over the limit.
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yep just food
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Those who are on food stamps have to apply to get it. I do not know what kind of regulations are in place for the recipients of this benefit but it is in the best interest of those who are on food stamps to buy food over cigarettes or alcohol but if food stamps allow these products to be purchased, then it is up to the buyer. Are most people assuming that those who uses food stamps are unable to make the correct choices?
I can also judge those who buy big cars versus small cars because of the environment or I can judge people who buy foreign cars versus domestic cars, etc.This is America, the food stamp recipients have the right to choose what they can purchase with it. And if they make bad choices...they are simply learning to live. Isn't it what life is about? Experiencing and figuring out what make it work for ourselves. Do we need someone to step in to give their two cents when they do not know what the situation is...for that particular person? Is it O.K. to shame them from buying alcohol or cigarette or candies? Should it be a teaching opportunity for those who knows better?
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The state and local governments need a serious overhaul in the welfare department. Too many slimeballs use the system to their advantage (and overinflate their "poorness"). This is why you see welfare families with numerous children driving around in luxury vehicles. And I have witnessed it personally. On the other corner is myself, a law-abiding citizen who works hard for every dollar (despite being in physical pain at times), but has to support slimeballs younger than myself who are too lazy to get a job and take care of their 5 million children.
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I agree with you.
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How safe is your food? The real problem is:
"Not all foods are edible". Watch out for potential
side effects and allergies. Some people get full amounts
while others get little amounts.
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I don't believe that fast food or even pop should be able to be purchased with a food stamp card. I would also like to add that I would completely support food stamp recipients being drug tested. When I was younger, I received these benefits while I was attending college and was very grateful for them. I have also been in the situation of making slightly too much to be eligible to receive them, and see others buying a cart full of junk while I am struggling to have enough to have lunch meat for the work week.
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food stamp will not last for the next generation............
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I believe anything that a child needs, not including toys, should be covered with food stamps if a parent did not have the cash to pay for it. I do not think soda pop and most junk food should be covered with food stamps. I definately feel there should be a way to stop people from selling their food stamps. I know many people that sell their food stamps to support their drug habit and ignore feeding their kids. Anyone that sells their food stamps to buy drugs should be banned for life from receiving food stamps and their kids taking away from them to ensure these kids are being fed and taking care of properly.