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To Heck With the Food Stamps, I'm Mad about the Manicures!

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To Heck With the Food Stamps, I'm Mad about the Manicures!

Messed Up Priorities

from JoeUser Forums
There has been a lot of talk about the rules and regulations regarding food stamps. A lot of us seem to experience the same observation, these women tend to have beautiful nails! *Notice I didn't say they all have* I would love to have beautiful nails. I don't. You know why? I don't have the time because I am taking care of my home and family!

Before children, I would get acrylic nails because I have a hard time growing my own. It is expensive and very time intensive. You have to sit there for at least an hour every week to two weeks. You have to make it a priority. Once I had kids, it simply wasn't a priority anymore.

I am wondering A)How do these women afford it? and B)Why is it they have time to sit on their butts getting their nails done?

I am sure I will get the "They deserve to feel normal too" argument. Manicures are another luxury item. Not a necessity at all! Designer clothes and coiffed hair, more luxuries. Seem to see a lot of those accompanying food stamps too.

Even seeing an example of this once (which I have seen much more than that) is enough to make you feel a bit bitter about paying for these peoples' groceries. People who deserve the assistance can feel defensive about people citing these instances, but it is one of those frustrating flaws in the system. I have so much respect for the woman with the calculator and pile of coupons in tote as she shops. She plans out a list, estimates the cost and sticks to her plan. I can't say I have ever seen a food stamp user ever reference a list or use a coupon. That is just my experience though.

Another thing I can't figure out is the cell phones. How is it they have cell phones too? Example I saw yesterday, leather coat, designer glasses, manicured nails, talking on the cell while yelling at 3 kids to stay out of the candy. All 3 kids had new sneakers, designer clothes and new coats.

I'm all for helping the needy. I am all for seeing kids get the nourishment and clothing they need. I am not for paying for luxuries I don't even have for myself or my family. My family is buying sneakers from Pay-Less and they are wearing Nikes. That just isn't right.

I am not sure how we are going to get there, but I think somehow our society needs to return to the times when people were proud to make the best of what they could with what they had. They would do anything they could to avoid hand outs. Anyone who doesn't believe that government assistance is a handout is fooling themselves. It used to be people were fine working their way up. Now any job other than the top is beneath them. Why work for less than you can make getting assistance? I'll tell you why, you can start a work record and work toward better jobs. Gain experience. Learn new things. Do for yourself and see how rewarding it is. That is how I was raised and it has worked out pretty well so far.
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Reply #76 from JoeUser Forums Top

Statistically, the poor don't work full time. That's why they're poor.  Why they don't work has many reasons. But no, I don't think society has a responsbiility to ensure that non-producers are enabled to live a illusatory middle class lifestyle.

Reply #77 from JoeUser Forums Top

These people have very little , sometimes nothing. The lift in their esteem , especially for the children , when they are fed , and get a nice new pair of shoes - cannot be measured. The smiles and the tears are proof enough.


Goddammit, my husband busts his ass serving his freakin country, and me and mine don't always get to wear brand new, name brand clothing.  If we wear name brands it's because we got them used (yard sales, thrift stores and ebay).


It's not costly if there's no labor.
 


Gonna have to beg to differ here.  The supplies alone are $20+ dollars, and that's if you buy the cheapest tips and the cheapest fill-in materials.  $20 may not seem like much to you, but at certain times of the year $20 can be a big deal to me.


We're talking pennies here, folks.


would you like me to show you how much we paid in taxes last year? We didn't contribute pennies, it was a darn sight more than that.  Draginol states repeatedly that his tax bill was into six figures last year.  That's millions.  Of dollars, not lira or yen.  That's not pennies.


The percentage of people I see abusing the system isn't that small...and the thing that pisses me off is that I know someone who's on the verge of being made homeless and who really needs the help but can't get it.  I have no problem helping someone get on their feet again, but when people take advantage of the system (and thereby make it harder, almost impossible for theose with a real need to get any assistance at all)...well, that infuriates me.

SoundPackager - Customize the Windows sound scheme
Reply #78 from JoeUser Forums Top
It is nearly impossible to cheat the system. It is actually rather difficult to even get in the system. The blanket judgments need to stop.
Reply #79 from JoeUser Forums Top

t is nearly impossible to cheat the system.


Ok, let me re-phrase my blanket judgement I'm tired of seeing people manipulate and play the system.  It does happen, I see it daily.

Reply #80 from JoeUser Forums Top
*pokes head in door, then quickly shuts it and runs away*
Reply #81 from JoeUser Forums Top

pokes head in door, then quickly shuts it and runs away*


Yeah, that's a good idea...things have gotten pretty heated in here in the past.


WiseFawn, please don't take offence at my 'blanket judgement' comment.  i meant no harm by it.  you and I just off to a decent start, and I don't want to ruin that.....

Reply #82 from JoeUser Forums Top
There's a Church here that serves the homeless , and they do it in style . They are amazing. They ask for donations from Corporations , and clothing. BUT , they don't want used clothing , they want new, name brand clothing - and they get it. WHY?

As their Pastor says : These people have very little , sometimes nothing. The lift in their esteem , especially for the children , when they are fed , and get a nice new pair of shoes - cannot be measured. The smiles and the tears are proof enough.


There's a more important element to it than that, though. If someone is homeless that is looking to move up, they need decent clothing for job interviews.
Reply #83 from JoeUser Forums Top
It is nearly impossible to cheat the system. It is actually rather difficult to even get in the system. The blanket judgments need to stop.



I can attest to that.
Reply #84 from JoeUser Forums Top

If someone is homeless that is looking to move up, they need decent clothing for job interviews


There are organizations that will happily provide good quality used business attire to people looking for something to wear to job interviews.  There was one in the small town where we used to live; I donated a bunch of stuff over there.


I don't care that people are getting stuff for free, it just burns me that guys coming home after being injured in Iraq are getting used clothing to wear (a lot of them got med-evac'd out with nothing but a hospital gown) whilst others who have done nothing but take from the system are getting brand new, name brand clothing.


Gideon, I was referring to you in my comment.  I cannot begin to tell you how bad it chaps my ass that you're not getting the help you need...you're not getting any help at all....whilst Suzy Welfare down the street is getting her house, food, car, insurance, and fingernails paid for.

Reply #85 from JoeUser Forums Top

If someone is homeless that is looking to move up, they need decent clothing for job interviews


There are organizations that will happily provide good quality used business attire to people looking for something to wear to job interviews.  There was one in the small town where we used to live; I donated a bunch of stuff over there.


I don't care that people are getting stuff for free, it just burns me that guys coming home after being injured in Iraq are getting used clothing to wear (a lot of them got med-evac'd out with nothing but a hospital gown) whilst others who have done nothing but take from the system are getting brand new, name brand clothing.


Gideon, I was referring to you in my comment.  I cannot begin to tell you how bad it chaps my ass that you're not getting the help you need...you're not getting any help at all....whilst Suzy Welfare down the street is getting her house, food, car, insurance, and fingernails paid for.

Reply #86 from JoeUser Forums Top



Yes , Gideon , you are so right.

They also have a program where they ( and many other offshoots of them ) have little "shops" wher a man or woman can come in and borrow an outfit or two , just to go to a
job interview. This program has been so successful , they have been able to get many people off the street.

They also have a program where they train you in all areas you can imagine , and fit you into jobs at other non profits , so that you can learn and go out in the real world.

They have my utmost respect and gratitude.
Reply #87 from JoeUser Forums Top

They have my utmost respect and gratitude.


mine too.  I fully respect anyone who tries to better themselves despite adverse circumstances, and my hat's off to anyone who can help them get there.

Reply #88 from JoeUser Forums Top

Wisefawn has no idea what she's talking about.  You ever apply for aid in Michigan, Wisefawn? No, then don't make such blanket statements.

 

Reply #89 from JoeUser Forums Top


dharma .

When I say we are talking pennies here , it seems you don't even understand where your taxes go. YOU ALONE are not footing the bill for welfare. It is spread over millions of people. Therefore, it's pennies. You probably pay more for road work. Or the town hall.

You seem so angry at someone you don't even know , and don't know their story. YOU dream it up yourself , and you know what they say about people who assume.

What if , and this is happening with a great deal of regularity : You have a nice life , and nice clothes, and you rent a home. One day , the husband dies , with no insurance,
and the wife , who already works full time , is forced to try to make ends meet , alone. Problem is - the only thing she can't cover is the food. She's barely making ends meet.

So, she has to decide - food or heat in the winter? Maybe there's hope - she can apply for food stamps. Please don't say " find another job " - that's risky and often not available.

What if this woman walked into your grocery store , maybe the third time she's been there , and she still has some nice clothes, and she still tries to dress her kids right,
and everyone thinks she is a welfare queen when she just needs a little help?

I've worked hard all my life, too ,but I have always been able to say NO to all these silly things in life where clothes make the person , or the label makes you better.

That's why I am where I am. I have developed a system where almost everything I get is free. You don't pay for it , either. I haven't paid for much in years , and it's not stolen.
I told myself when Bush was " elected " that I would buy nothing but essentials , and I haven't.

I can't tell you about it , because then everyone would do it. The point is, no matter WHAT point you are in life , and what situation you are in , with a little brainpower and maybe some help , EVERYONE can be a success. Then you don't have to begrudge someone their "handout ".
Reply #90 from JoeUser Forums Top


crazy lady ,

Hooray for you! You are a perfect example of what a little help can do. It gets you on your feet.

You made some mistakes when you were young - wow, getting married at that age!

But that's in the past , and I hope you have a great future. I also hope that if you need help ever again , that you ask. That's what it's there for.

Keep it up and imagine more and more and more!
Reply #91 from JoeUser Forums Top

You seem so angry at someone you don't even know , and don't know their story. YOU dream it up yourself , and you know what they say about people who assume.


So, the people I see daily, the people who I saw daily, who I got to know, who I had conversations with...I'm assuming things about them?  I don't think so.  I think that you're assuming things about me, and I think that's a bad idea.  I can assure you that what I've seen and had knowledge of wasn't dreamt up by anyone.  And yes, I am mad.  I'm pissed off about it.  I think i have every right to be pissed off about the blatant manipulation that i saw.


 


When I say we are talking pennies here , it seems you don't even understand where your taxes go.


Umm, yes I do understand where my taxes go.  I'm not an idiot, so please don't speak to me like I am. 

Reply #92 from JoeUser Forums Top

Oh, and I don't know how many times I have to say this, but:


I HAVE NO PROBLEMS WITH GIVING PEOPLE A LITTLE HELP WHEN THEY NEED IT.  I THINK THAT IT'S WONDERFUL TO SEE PEOPLE GET A HELPING HAND AND THEN GO ON TO LEAD PRODUCTIVE LIVES.  THAT'S WHY I'M HELPING GIDEON, AND WHY I HAVE HELPED AND WILL CONTINUE TO HELP PEOPLE IF THEY NEED IT.  WHAT I DO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IS PEOPLE MILKING THE SYSTEM FOR ALL IT'S WORTH, AND THEN GOING BACK FOR MORE. 


How can I be any plainer? 

Reply #93 from JoeUser Forums Top


Hey , since we're doing budget recipes - this is really good kinda like Karma's

1 package Kraft macaroni and cheese , prepare as shown , drain, add the cheese packet , margarine and milk given on the box ,

Add one reg can of cream of mushroom soup , one can tuna ( albacore is best ),

mix , and place in a baking dish under the broiler - just until top turns toasty brown.

Serve with veggie on the side. It's tasty...
Reply #95 from JoeUser Forums Top

you have an attitude problem , along with everything else.


Ha!  I have the attitude problem, huh?  Whatever.  Sure I do.  Whatever you say. 


Care to explain the 'everything else' a little further?  That interests me.

Reply #96 from JoeUser Forums Top
Another budget recipe tip....one package of your favorite stir fry vegetables, add ramen noodles (either uncooked or cook them in, depending on how you prefer them), served over rice.

A favorite of the kids' is bean burgers...1 can pork and beans mixed with 1 lb ground meat...served like sloppy joes.
Reply #97 from JoeUser Forums Top
To say that cheating is impossible is just retarded. I know PLENTY of cheats, its called "working under the table" or "daddy has left us" (when he hasnt, and is working under the table as well) its called "im working 50 hours per week so i use that much free daycare" (when shes working 20 hours, but on commission only so no time cards are kept.)


little,

The problem is, those of us who won't steal (which is basically what this is) get left out in the cold because of those who will and do. When welfare reform was proposed, nobody envisioned totally yanking the safety nets out from under the people who needed them, which is what happened. You can give me all the food stamps you want, I can't pay rent with food stamps (well, technically, I could...but then you get back into "stealing", regardless of what you wish to call it).

When we are displaced, however, the fairly high amount of food stamps will come in handy, as we'll have to buy perishables shortly before using them...no electricity means no fridge.
Reply #98 from JoeUser Forums Top

When we are displaced, however,


but that shouldn't have to be the case, Gideon.  You shouldn't be getting displaced.  You and yours are in the kind of circumstance the welfare system was designed to help out with.  You're supposed to have a safety net.  You're supposed to have a place to go to for help when you've exhausted every other possibility, and you're getting nothing from them.  I wish to god that there was something more dave and I could do...I wish that I had money and the power to find you a job up here and pay for you to relocate.  Unfortunately, I don't, or I'd have done it by now.


Don't give up just yet, I know I haven't (and I won't.)

Reply #99 from JoeUser Forums Top



sure dar ,

along with the huge resentment and not getting the clothes you want ,only from Goodwill , and having to be faced with these freeloaders , etc etc etc
Reply #100 from JoeUser Forums Top

along with the huge resentment and not getting the clothes you want ,only from Goodwill , and having to be faced with these freeloaders , etc etc etc


Bwhahahahaah!  That's hilarious!!!!  haha!  That shows how little you know about me and mine. 


If you knew me, you would know that I could give a rats behind about name brands, and I'm happier shopping at yard sales.  Perhaps you should go read my blog before you start assuming things about me. 


It pisses me off that people who are content to find reasons to stay on welfare get better treatment than the service men and women who are putting their lives at risk to protect the way of life in this country.  I'm not resentful of anything.  I'm pissed off.  Big difference.


 Oh, and it's Dhar- MA.