Yep, all the slackers were out in force today, spending their..... I mean, MY, hard earned cash. For those of you who don't know, the third is the day when the government relief checks come in. LOL

Don't get me started on peole on welfare. :irked: I do want to say, I work my ass off at my job and insurance costs a fortune for me. I tried to get some health coverage through the goverment but can't because I make too much. But I don't make enough to pay close to $300 a month for insurance. My mistake is not going out and having 4 babies by 4 different men and sitting at home mooching off the goverment.

There are alot of people in my area who are out looking for work but there isn't any....three of our plants have closed down within the last 4 years. The correctional center 30 min. from here is getting ready to shut down...I wouldn't call a good majority of those who need to government relieft around here "slackers" ...there just isn't the work.

I know that it's hard to get around the stores during the first week of the month---but some have been stretching that check/Link card/whatever...for about the last week and a half.

It's scary when you don't have an income coming in, you have kids to feed, bills to pay, the food is getting low.

There are plenty of jobs around here....but MOST of the people on welfare don't want to work. I'm not saying that's true everywhere, it just seems that way in this area. About a week ago I was behind a lady in the grocery store who used a Food Stamp card thingy to purchase a bunch of junk food, then I saw her loading groceries into a brand new VW Passat (those aren't cheap!). I just don't understand how some of these people can't afford food, but can afford new cars :confused:

There are plenty of jobs around here....but MOST of the people on welfare don't want to work. I'm not saying that's true everywhere, it just seems that way in this area. About a week ago I was behind a lady in the grocery store who used a Food Stamp card thingy to purchase a bunch of junk food, then I saw her loading groceries into a brand new VW Passat (those aren't cheap!). I just don't understand how some of these people can't afford food, but can afford new cars :confused:


I've seen that a TON of times!! One lady in particular stood out to me last winter. She was wearing a fur coat, she bought lobsters and filet mignons with her foodstamps. And she was driving a brand new BMW. :no:

I know what you all mean, but don't forget there are some people who legitimately need this money--not all these people are lazy or whatever. I was on welfare for a while when we hit a bad streak--my husband contracted an intestinal disease that left him bed ridden, directly after smashing our car into a moose that ran out in front of him. I got injured at work but kept working through it anyway, I just couldn't work as much because the pain was so bad it literally blurred my vision.

We needed welfare to get by for a few months. I was ashamed of it at first because I grew up on welfare and I didn't want to go back to it, but you know, I paid into it, so drawing from it for six months, until I could get back on my feet didn't seem so bad.

I know some people are ridiculous--buying a fifty dollar birthday cake and chips and soda, and when you run out of food stamps, go to the town you live in to feed you because they can't legally turn you away. I am not saying a little kid should be without a birthday cake, but how about making one and frosting it yourself?

I have to go to 2 different banks to deposit checks for work. I dread this time of the month. I wait in such long lines it isn't funny. Not to mention I have to hound these same people for rent. :rolleyes:

I know what you all mean, but don't forget there are some people who legitimately need this money--not all these people are lazy or whatever. I was on welfare for a while when we hit a bad streak--my husband contracted an intestinal disease that left him bed ridden, directly after smashing our car into a moose that ran out in front of him. I got injured at work but kept working through it anyway, I just couldn't work as much because the pain was so bad it literally blurred my vision.

We needed welfare to get by for a few months. I was ashamed of it at first because I grew up on welfare and I didn't want to go back to it, but you know, I paid into it, so drawing from it for six months, until I could get back on my feet didn't seem so bad.

I know some people are ridiculous--buying a fifty dollar birthday cake and chips and soda, and when you run out of food stamps, go to the town you live in to feed you because they can't legally turn you away. I am not saying a little kid should be without a birthday cake, but how about making one and frosting it yourself?

I totally agree with you because I've been there myself. Many people need the assistance just until they get back on their feet, and then they actually do the work and make it on their own. We were on assistance when I was a kid because my dad was disabled and I would have been mortified if anybody at school knew (they probably did, but oh well). My mom has worked all her life and my brothers and I started working as soon as we were old enough. We all went to college and got good jobs, so I'd say we're some of the few who actually DO it.

However, you would be amazed at how many people roll up in their Escalades to drop their kids off at Head Start or to pick up their food. It happens where I work (we have Head Start here) and my mom sees it all the time where she works (Head Start, emergency food & utility assistance, etc.). Unfortunately, it's pretty easy to cheat the system and lie about how much money is coming into your house. People 'forget' to include their live-in boyfriends of the month or they get paid under the table and don't put it down on their forms. In college, I'd help out at my mom's work over Xmas break, usually packing and loading food in people's cars. I always wondered about the people in their new Caddies, crying about how they have to eat cat food because they're soooo poor. Some people just want sympathy and handouts for as long as they can get it with no plans to improve themselves.

I totally agree with you because I've been there myself. Many people need the assistance just until they get back on their feet, and then they actually do the work and make it on their own. We were on assistance when I was a kid because my dad was disabled and I would have been mortified if anybody at school knew (they probably did, but oh well). My mom has worked all her life and my brothers and I started working as soon as we were old enough. We all went to college and got good jobs, so I'd say we're some of the few who actually DO it.

However, you would be amazed at how many people roll up in their Escalades to drop their kids off at Head Start or to pick up their food. It happens where I work (we have Head Start here) and my mom sees it all the time where she works (Head Start, emergency food & utility assistance, etc.). Unfortunately, it's pretty easy to cheat the system and lie about how much money is coming into your house. People 'forget' to include their live-in boyfriends of the month or they get paid under the table and don't put it down on their forms. In college, I'd help out at my mom's work over Xmas break, usually packing and loading food in people's cars. I always wondered about the people in their new Caddies, crying about how they have to eat cat food because they're soooo poor. Some people just want sympathy and handouts for as long as they can get it with no plans to improve themselves.


My Mom needed it after her and My dad were divorced. I wasn't yet in school. When I became school age she got off of Welfare and went back to work. She was told by a woman that worked at the agency that she should get a job under the table so she could still collect welfare! When My Mom told her that she would rather work the woman told her "why not, everyone else does it!" Unbelieveable! Like I've always said I'm all for the few that don't abuse the system. But in my experience they are few and far between. The ones who abuse it seem to be in higher numbers!!

I work my ass off to support three kids on my own (same daddy, thankyouverymuch, he's a drug addict loser). Drive a shitty '99 Camry that was used when I bought it, don't have any credit cards, because I don't believe in living outside of my means, pay all of my bills on time, and don't get a red cent from the sperm donor. Welfare moochers frost my ASS!

Key word there, is MOOCHERS. I don't begrudge those that truly NEED the assistance some help. Of COURSE not! Damn skippy, I went on WIC for the first 2 months after my 3rd child was born (this was NOT a planned pregnancy, I knew we couldn't afford another, and I was on birth control). But I used it while I needed it ... then got off. I felt very guilty, but like Brandy said, I paid into it for YEARS, 2 months of assistance isn't bad.

I also blame whoever is responsible for regulating who gets welfare, how much, and for how long. They make it too easy for someone to sit on their butts, procreate, and collect a check for it. THAT'S what steams me the most. :grrr:

Dammit :dammit: I'm out of rep for today, but Kim, I owe ya one ;)

I work my ass off to support three kids on my own (same daddy, thankyouverymuch, he's a drug addict loser). Drive a shitty '99 Camry that was used when I bought it, don't have any credit cards, because I don't believe in living outside of my means, pay all of my bills on time, and don't get a red cent from the sperm donor. Welfare moochers frost my ASS!

Key word there, is MOOCHERS. I don't begrudge those that truly NEED the assistance some help. Of COURSE not! Damn skippy, I went on WIC for the first 2 months after my 3rd child was born (this was NOT a planned pregnancy, I knew we couldn't afford another, and I was on birth control). But I used it while I needed it ... then got off. I felt very guilty, but like Brandy said, I paid into it for YEARS, 2 months of assistance isn't bad.

I also blame whoever is responsible for regulating who gets welfare, how much, and for how long. They make it too easy for someone to sit on their butts, procreate, and collect a check for it. THAT'S what steams me the most. :grrr:

I think there's more people who abuse the system than people like you or Brandy or my mom who use it only when they need it and then get off ASAP. My mother now works with people on assistance and she's told me that she's VERY tempted to toss a handful of condoms in with the food and goodies people are more than happy to collect (problem is they wouldn't use them or might not know how). On a side note - what's funnier is that she was a substitute teacher when I was a kid, and a lot of the kids who gave her a hard time in class are now grown up and coming in to ask her for help paying their bills and feeding their kids.

I work my ass off to support three kids on my own (same daddy, thankyouverymuch, he's a drug addict loser). Drive a shitty '99 Camry that was used when I bought it, don't have any credit cards, because I don't believe in living outside of my means, pay all of my bills on time, and don't get a red cent from the sperm donor. Welfare moochers frost my ASS!

Key word there, is MOOCHERS. I don't begrudge those that truly NEED the assistance some help. Of COURSE not! Damn skippy, I went on WIC for the first 2 months after my 3rd child was born (this was NOT a planned pregnancy, I knew we couldn't afford another, and I was on birth control). But I used it while I needed it ... then got off. I felt very guilty, but like Brandy said, I paid into it for YEARS, 2 months of assistance isn't bad.

I also blame whoever is responsible for regulating who gets welfare, how much, and for how long. They make it too easy for someone to sit on their butts, procreate, and collect a check for it. THAT'S what steams me the most. :grrr:


I'm in the same boat as you Kim. :ghug:

I tried to keep my mouth shut but I can't.
I am a firm believer that it is not the government's responsibility to "take care" of it's citizens out side of national security and infrastructure. It is not the government's job to provide food, housing, health care or retirement.
There is alway work to be found, if someone is willing to work hard and lower their standards from time to time.
I have worked since I was 16. The only time I was out of work was when I wanted to be. When it comes to providing for myself and my family, I will do what it takes. I have dug ditches, painted homes, cut grass, worked on a cattle ranch, delivered pizza and was an electrician before I got blessed with my current job.
I have no sympathy for those who chose to sit back and let the politicians STEAL my hard earned money only to buy votes through "aide" programs. When I hear politicians complaining because someone who doesn't pay taxes didn't get included in the tax refunds it pisses me off.
I work for my money and I don't need any government taking it from me because they don't trust me to spend it properly.
All these "aide" programs are is vote buying and wealth re-distribution and it needs to stop.

OK, I'm gonna stop now. I could go on but I'm pissed right now. I'm gonna go smoke.

I could go on but I'm pissed right now. I'm gonna go smoke.
Is it just me or does this sound really strange coming from a fireman? Just don't ignite bro! :lol:

Kimmy, you are an amazing woman, but I've already told you that a gazillion times. :love:

And to the rest of you who HAD to use it but didn't abuse it and got off and on your own two feet quickly.....my utmost respect. :thumb:

Like Blackdragon I will have to be careful here myself. I saw a completely different side of "Welfare Abuse". I worked in the Emergency Medical Field for almost 9 years. During this time I worked for 5 Different Ambulance services where I started as a Basic EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and progressed up to the Intermediate Level - EMT-I.

What really got my ass was the abuse of the ambulance services that the government allows. 75-80% of our patients were either on Medicaid or Medicare and usually both. A basic Ambulance trip during my time was $500 USD BEFORE any treatments or mileage was added on to the bill. The reason it got to me so bad was a good 50% of these people could of came in by Taxi but didn't want to pay the 2-10 dollars, some even laughed about it... :grrr:

There were instances that it was snowing and they didn't want to drive themselves, a few happened because it was raining or nighttime. We even got called for people that had a scheduled appointment, we were called to take them to the clinic or their doctors office. They didn't want to use the other volunteer driver services, a taxi, or family to drive them much less drive themselves because we were just easier,we would carry them, mind you some of these people were fully able to walk too.

The biggest offenders and abusers of the system are the doctors and nursing homes though. The nursing homes have vans and are fully equipped to transfer these patients to and from hospitals and clinics and in some instances, even if they are bed ridden but they just won't. Instead, the doctor authorizes the ambulance and says it is medically necessary for the patients to be transferred by ambulance. :bs: Just imagine how much this abuse costs the government and tax payers every year :grrr:

Don't get me wrong, I think welfare/disability/Social Security is a wonderful thing for those who need it and I fully support it. There are plenty of people who really need it but for each of them, I bet there is at least 5 that don't!

The abuse of the system just pisses me off to no end. I think what pisses me off even more is the people who have kids, who are on welfare and this time of the month, they are out bar hoping or buying drugs.

As to WIC well, even couples with decent incomes qualify for WIC. We use it but DON'T abuse it. It does make things a little easier for us with our baby and I want her to have the very best of everything. WIC isn't really considered welfare in my book but I can see how some of you consider it to be.

Okay I too need to stop on this thread cause I am getting a little bit rowdy here :dammit:

I've had to use it. I can't understand how people can not be embarrassed when using food stamps. The way people look at you (store clerks included) is more humiliation than I need in a day, thanx. These people who use it for years and years and act like they have it coming to them are the ones that burn my butt. But I can't look down on people who are using it, because unless you know them personally, you don't know which ones need help for a few months and which ones are making a habit of it.

The biggest offenders and abusers of the system are the doctors and nursing homes though. The nursing homes have vans and are fully equipped to transfer these patients to and from hospitals and clinics even if they are bed ridden but they just won't. Instead, the doctor authorizes the ambulance and says it is medically necessary for the patients to be transferred by ambulance. Just imagine how much this abuse costs the government and tax payers every year
Maybe a lot of nursing homes do this, but the only time we call an ambulance to transport is when someone is having severe difficulties and those authorized to drive the appointment van are already gone with patients or gone for the night. And the van isn't equipped with anything but seats. ;) If a nursing home has an ambulance, they should train all employees with it so calling one in wouldn't be necessary. But then, that might make sense or something, so don't expect it anytime soon. :lol:

Granted there are exceptions too. My bad for not pointing that out. I also should of pointed out that not ALL nursing homes are that bad as well.

I tried to keep my mouth shut but I can't.
I am a firm believer that it is not the government's responsibility to "take care" of it's citizens out side of national security and infrastructure. It is not the government's job to provide food, housing, health care or retirement.
There is alway work to be found, if someone is willing to work hard and lower their standards from time to time.
I have worked since I was 16. The only time I was out of work was when I wanted to be. When it comes to providing for myself and my family, I will do what it takes. I have dug ditches, painted homes, cut grass, worked on a cattle ranch, delivered pizza and was an electrician before I got blessed with my current job.
I have no sympathy for those who chose to sit back and let the politicians STEAL my hard earned money only to buy votes through "aide" programs. When I hear politicians complaining because someone who doesn't pay taxes didn't get included in the tax refunds it pisses me off.
I work for my money and I don't need any government taking it from me because they don't trust me to spend it properly.
All these "aide" programs are is vote buying and wealth re-distribution and it needs to stop.

OK, I'm gonna stop now. I could go on but I'm pissed right now. I'm gonna go smoke.

Word, dog! I agree with everything you said. I'm not against helping those in need. On the contrary, I contribute to several charities. If we'd go back to privatized charity, then there would be enough for those that TRULY need it, and those who are milking the system would be out on their butts. And if there's no work where someone lives, pack up and move, like the Joads in "The Grapes Of Wrath". Back in another life, when I was a bus minister at a church, we had a family that sent their kids to church on the bus. These people appeared to be poor. Dirty, stinky, falling-down-around-their-ears house, pitiful clothing, and always asking the church for money for school supplies, groceries, or utilities. BUT, they had three or four pedigreed dogs and four horses, which they paid to board somewhere. The first week of every month, they were always grilling steaks on the hibatchi, as well. It's just pathetic that people can do this stuff and get by with it. I also find it intriguing that those who can't secure steady employment have trouble in other areas of life as well, such as driving. :laugh:

I've had to have assistance also..

My first husband was killed when I was 6 months pregnant AND on bed rest.

I moved in with my mom...the company that he worked for offered a "survivor's insurance" but for about 4 times what he was paying!

We went ahead and paid it..we didn't really have any choice at that time. But stopped after the hosp. bills were paid.

I was able to get into the WIC program and that helped.

I finally got out on my own...with Tom's insurance money, I was able to purchase a nice trailer. Then I started looking for work. Carrie was ill but I thought it was a case of the flu. She didn't really seem to be getting any better after awhile.

Then...at age 19 months..she was diagnosed with the cancer. Those hospital bills were over $5,000 for the first few days--that was before surgery and all.
I was forced once again to seek some sort of help---even though I was drawing social security--it only paid some of the bills. I had to get her a medical card and get her SSI.

I couldn't go to work---we had to drive to St. Louis...up to several times a week and sometimes even leave at a moment's notice. Then went on for almost 9 months.

---------------------------------I do dislike it when people are just buying junk food--but in most cases around here...I see people trying to stretch it as much as possible. My mom is a volunteer at the food pantry and sometimes, people she knows will come in and they are embarrassed about having to ask for free food.

Being disabled, I'll be getting a monthly SSD check, but I'm working my a$$ off trying to find a job. It's very hard to find a job that's in a place where i can easily get to, but I'll do anything and I'll take anything I get.
I've seen the other side of welfare when I worked in a government building where the Social Security office was, and a lot of these people just sat on their asses and didn't want to do anything. I have to admit, I was like that in the past, but what fun is it just sitting around in an apartment doing nothing? I'd much prefer to find a job.
There are people who do need to be on welfare, but those who abuse the system give those who ligitamately give them a black eye.

I've had to have assistance also..

My first husband was killed when I was 6 months pregnant AND on bed rest.

I moved in with my mom...the company that he worked for offered a "survivor's insurance" but for about 4 times what he was paying!

We went ahead and paid it..we didn't really have any choice at that time. But stopped after the hosp. bills were paid.

I was able to get into the WIC program and that helped.

I finally got out on my own...with Tom's insurance money, I was able to purchase a nice trailer. Then I started looking for work. Carrie was ill but I thought it was a case of the flu. She didn't really seem to be getting any better after awhile.

Then...at age 19 months..she was diagnosed with the cancer. Those hospital bills were over $5,000 for the first few days--that was before surgery and all.
I was forced once again to seek some sort of help---even though I was drawing social security--it only paid some of the bills. I had to get her a medical card and get her SSI.

I couldn't go to work---we had to drive to St. Louis...up to several times a week and sometimes even leave at a moment's notice. Then went on for almost 9 months.

---------------------------------I do dislike it when people are just buying junk food--but in most cases around here...I see people trying to stretch it as much as possible. My mom is a volunteer at the food pantry and sometimes, people she knows will come in and they are embarrassed about having to ask for free food.

Your story is very inspiring. I wasn't referring to people who are facing severe adversity, I was speaking of people who think it's a RIGHT to have others foot the bill for their existence.

Wow LOSTNTHE80's what can anyone say to this? I mean I feel for you very deeply and would do anything in my power for you to make it just go away and never happen! I have actually been thinking about this post for a good 1 1/2 hours now, trying to find the right words to say to you. After all this time I highly doubt I have come close to the right thing to say but I felt I needed to say something! Prolly been better if I said nothing at all but it just hit me close to home.

Well first off you didn't comment on if everything worked out okay or not after the surgery, if that is something you rather not talk about please feel free to ignore that part or my entire post.

What I find amazing about you is the fact that you are so strong and always have nice things to say about others. I have only been here a short time (less than 2 weeks) but in that short time, reading a good 50% of all the posts/Threads. You have always been a very nice and pleasant person. In my book that deserves a huge amount of respect from me and all. trust me I am sure there will be days that I can not maintain this cool that I pretend to have :mwaha: I am no angel I promise but, in a way I wish I was more like you on the giving and forgiving side :dammit:

Well as far as this welfare topic is concerned, you are certainly one whom needed it and I am pretty sure MOST will not disagree with me on that!

I truly wish that all this bad stuff didn't happen in your life, I truly wish I could help but I bet all that stuff had something to do with who you are today too.

Good luck to you and peace be with you and yours

I really feel that the government wants to keep these people down. Why would some people want to go out and get a real job when they are getting paid to do nothing?

I have worked two jobs just to raise these kids with no help from their looser father but I did it. I just don't know why some people can't? I have a friend who has been on welfare for a long time and she can't see out of that little box. Some people don't realize that they don't have to live like that. :hammer:
I just feel sorry for the kids since some of them look like welfare kids with their worn out clothes and junk food bodies.

But ofcourse I don't judge peole for being on welfare we have all had our hard times.
If you have kids then I say you should try and get help but what burns me is grown people are on it with no kids? WTF is up with that? I mean if I was alone and didn't have but my mouth to feed I would get two jobs and not get on welfare.
Just doesn't make sense to me.

I remember being in junior college and having a teacher talk about this subject. He was like, "why work for minimum wage and have to pay somebody to watch your kids, when you could sit at home and get paid for it?"

But these people don't get paid enough to really survive.

Everyone needs help once in their lifetime sometimes maybe even three times but what really eats me up is when you are behind a lady with her hubby/boyfriend and child who has more gold on his body than I own buying things with WIC cards and using a Lonestar card then turns around and pays for the balance of her things that are cash ONLY with a checkbook and to top it off she's got a Tommy purse. How in the hell can someone justify being on welfare and also have a checking account!!!! It's one thing when you need the help but I've seen so much abuse with the system here that I am jaded to this subject.

I'm pretty sure they have a cap off where you can only get help for so many years and I think that's great! You have a time limit when you draw unemployment so why not on welfare benefits. It will give those folks a good reason to go back to school and get some job training so they can get a great job to support their families.

We DO have jobs here. I know this because I'm getting laid off soon and must find another job so I've been going through the papers daily. Also schooling is provided for FREEEEEE, they even give you money for gas and pay for daycare so with all that at your fingertips there is no reason to not do something to better ones self.

I'm not saying that we don't need this system because there are families out there that really really need the help and are doing it legally and being legit about it. I am saying those abusers which there are a lot of them should burn in hell for being lazy and stealing tax payers monies!