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Quote: Originally posted by justxploring on Dec 10, 2007
Thanks, rcb. Sometimes I forget to quote someone too.
Those hillbillies on the porch, drinking booze and whatever, for the most part, don't even see doctors until its too late. A great deal of public health care money goes to paying for such people near the end of their lives. Meaning, they walk in and see a doctor for some ailement, and find out they have end stage cancer. Something that requires surgery, hospital stays, etc. One of the great aims of national health insurance is to promote preventative medical care in order to reduce costs with end of life issues.
Fastball, I'm not sure if you were referring to my post or someone else's, but I never said the people drinking and smoking on the front porch down the road were hillbillies. That's a stereotype. They're from New York and well educated.
I agree with you about public health care and end stage illnesses. But it's not only the poor people on Medicaid that need to worry about that. What about the working class who can't afford health insurance? I had a job with benefits, the store closed, and I got a letter offering me the group plan under COBRA for over $550 a month. (for one person) How can I afford that? In fact, from what I've seen, many people who feel they should get everything for free take full advantage of the system and milk it to death. I know a very compassionate man, an EMT, who says he is sick of showing up at homes where people have a cold or just want a free ride to the hospital. Some people use the ER for everything from minor cuts to headaches. Why? Because (a) everything is paid for and (b) if they get a bill and don't pay for it, they don't care because they have lousy credit anyway.
BTW, I am not just talking about people who don't work or get food stamps. I was talking to a woman the other day who said "I don't understand why anyone would pay for health insurance. After all, medical care is free in this country. I just go to the hospital." The woman next to her nodded. She doesn't know why I paid for eyeglasses either. On the other hand, FJA mentioned apartments in which people on a limited income reside. Last year I worked with dual eligibles (recipients of both Medicare & Medicaid) and visited people living in HUD housing. Some people were living on as little as $600 a month social security. It's sad, but there's no way of separating the needy from the abusers without revamping the whole system.
So how can we possibly monitor who should or shouldn't play the lottery? It's impossible.
I agree it would be most impossible to monitor who and who shouldn't play the lottery or who or who shouldn't repay after a big win. It was just a theoretical question that was address and people were able to give their opinions.
The greedy will never attempt to repay the government for putting a roof over their head or food in their stomachs when they were/are having hard times.
There are lots of people who abuse the system and when turned in as Fraud... nothing is done.
I know people who go to doctors and get prescription drugs to sell on the street for gas money so they do not have to sit around the house.
I know people who sell their food stamps below $1 amount in order to buy cigarettes.
I know people who get a check started on their children for disabilities.. Some students pretend not to be able to read.. Until it is time for that "permit" (learner's permit) Then a huge miracle happens... they can read only for that one test.. Then back to drawing the check..
Our government is not wealthy enough to provided hundreds of thousands of dollars per person per year. So paying back any assistance from a huge jackpot would not even be a drop in the bucket.
I enjoyed the conversation although many feathers were ruffled...
Anyone who believes that all who are receiving assistance truly needs it, is a fool and probably would qualify for a check themselves.
WAKE UP people.. As LittleOLDLady suggested we need to vote and watch what is going on.. Those who don't acknowledge what is going on, are the ignorant who will continue to stand up for the lazy who does not want to work. In person, the only people who disagreed with the conversation were those who don't want to work, nor share any found wealth.
I help out those in need constantly. I am the one they come to when someone is about to lose their utilities, need groceries, needs clothes, needs gas to get back in forth to treatments, etc. I don't expect a pay back for any of this. I know the people I am helping, and yes they do have needs even the government is not addressing. On the other hand, I know of people who would like to take advantage of my husband's and my generosity. They will come up and ask for money. These are well bodied individuals who do not want to work. We offer them a job for whatever their need is, and they turn us down. Many saying they "don't want to work" they just need some gas money to hold them over until their checks come in.. These are people who are able to wash a few cars for $50 but refuse to because they don't want to get out of their cars.
nashville United States
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June 8, 2004
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Haven't posted anything in quite a while now, but wanted to voice my thoughts.
My sister recieves some government aide she is a copd patient and unable to work, however she does buy a scratchoff or 2 here and there. Could the money be put to better use, maybe, but it buys her a dream and a moment of excitement and hope,which is quite priceless. I'm sure there are a lot of people who take advantage of the system but on the other hand there are just as many that don't and would much rather be self reliant, so if a few bucks spent here or there offers a moment of a dream to change your life, I say money well spent. We all blow our money to some degree on things that bring us pleasure, and those who recieve assistance should be allowed a few moments of the same. When you are broke and everything looks hopeless and you see no way out, you need a pleasure or two in your life. Thats just my two cents worth Hope everyone has a great day.
Michigan United States
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October 4, 2003
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WAKE UP people.. As LittleOLDLady suggested we need to vote and watch what is going on.. Those who don't acknowledge what is going on, are the ignorant who will continue to stand up for the lazy who does not want to work. In person, the only people who disagreed with the conversation were those who don't want to work, nor share any found wealth.
I help out those in need constantly. I am the one they come to when someone is about to lose their utilities, need groceries, needs clothes, needs gas to get back in forth to treatments, etc. I don't expect a pay back for any of this. I know the people I am helping, and yes they do have needs even the government is not addressing. On the other hand, I know of people who would like to take advantage of my husband's and my generosity. They will come up and ask for money. These are well bodied individuals who do not want to work. We offer them a job for whatever their need is, and they turn us down. Many saying they "don't want to work" they just need some gas money to hold them over until their checks come in.. These are people who are able to wash a few cars for $50 but refuse to because they don't want to get out of their cars.
Then the world is full of ignorant people, including you! I hope you didn't break your arm patting yourself on the back for all the great things you do for people in need. Do you call those people you choose to help, lazy, stupid or slobs? Or do you reserve those names for people you don't know a damn thing about, other than they are getting assistance? People suffer from mental illness and look good and healthy physically. But, people also live on limited incomes, live outdoors, and can't have the luxuries of a bath and temperature appropriate meals, like you and me. Does that make them deadbeats, lazy, stupid, ignorant?
You, are disgusting and narrowminded. There are Vietnam and Iraqi vets who fall into this mode. Some walk up and down the streets of town talking to themselves and haven't bathed in years. Most people are afraid to approach them, so who would consider hiring them. So, do you look at them too and decide, the heck what they've been through, they look strapping and strong and able bodied? Or do you and that narrowmind of yours scoff at them, and turn your back? You are shameless. But when you have no heart, you can't feel anything. So, Ill feel your ignorance for you.
Idaho United States
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November 21, 2007
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Isn't Todd the only person who has the power here to say end of post? I don't believe you can just tell others to quit posting whether you started the thread or not.
Michigan United States
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Quote: Originally posted by ThatScaryChick on Dec 10, 2007
Isn't Todd the only person who has the power here to say end of post? I don't believe you can just tell others to quit posting whether you started the thread or not.
Only a heartless coward like Tntea likes to end a post when she can't take the heat of her own stupidity.
Wandering Aimlessly United States
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November 5, 2005
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Time*Treat writes: I'm saying there would not be any fraud in the program if there was no program to commit fraud in.
Yes, I went back and read the posts again and see we're sort of on the same page. That's what I meant when I said we need to take care of ourselves. However, I don't know if that's possible. I used to believe strongly in a society where each person would contribute his/her fair share of work. I'm no longer a believer in a Marxist type government "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need." Communism doesn't work.
Interesting story - many years ago I worked with woman who volunteered at night at a food bank that distributed food throughout NH. One day she came in and said she was shocked at how many communities in the northern part of the state said they didn't need any help. In fact, they were some of the poorest regions. She told me they all said "we're a small community and take care of our own." I'm not sure if this was a food bank or a church (she was a member of a local Catholic church) It's just something I remember. But large cities are very different. People will walk over someone on the sidewalk without noticing if he's alive or dead.
NY United States
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October 16, 2005
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Quote: Originally posted by Jorli D on Dec 10, 2007
Do you think one should spend money on food while receiving food
TnTea, can you explain the title to your poll question?
If one can't buy food with their food stamps, what should they buy with them? You obviously comprehend your half-brained comments better than most. People should mind their own business about their money. If it doesn't bother you that politicians spend more tax dollars on useless pork, it shouldn't bother you that someone on assistance uses their money for wasteful things, according to your elitist world.
Now, I have read the question several times, as did my dog and we both comprehended it as you posed it.
Do you think one should spend money on food while recieving food? The dog and I also assumed the word stamps was left off the post. But, if we assumed wrong, your speech is worse than mine, and I'm a foreigner.
"People should mind their own business about their money."
I can only assume you mean that people should mind their business about other people's money? If so, you've done an excellent job of indirectly bringing up a point that many don't seem to grasp: If the money came from a government assistance program then it's my money, and it is my business. That there are other ways that I'm taxed and that more of my money is wasted or spent foolishly on other things doesn't mean that what is done with public assistance is any less of my business.
Plain and simple, if you're getting public assistance and you can spend a dime on anything that isn't essential it proves that you're getting more than you need. That doesn't mean I'm opposed to public assistance offering a little more than what is necessary to keep somebody from starving, but I'm going to be pretty hard-nosed about how much. If you don't want your spending habits to be my business then don't take my money.
Maryland United States
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July 30, 2006
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Wow. I have a suggestion people: Don't take it so personally. Maybe if the title of the post was:
"Should perfectly healthy, mentally capable, but lazy people living off the backs of others play the lottery by using given/stolen money from friends, realtives, charities, local/state/federal govts.?"
Would that be more on point and less offensive? Tntea sure pushed some peoples' anger buttons, it is only a poll on a forum.
Everybody benefits from our great country, when you walk outside, look at the street and ask yourself: How did that get there? Or when an ambulance flies by: Who paid for that ambulance? Etc.
Michigan United States
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Quote: Originally posted by KY Floyd on Dec 10, 2007
"People should mind their own business about their money."
I can only assume you mean that people should mind their business about other people's money? If so, you've done an excellent job of indirectly bringing up a point that many don't seem to grasp: If the money came from a government assistance program then it's my money, and it is my business. That there are other ways that I'm taxed and that more of my money is wasted or spent foolishly on other things doesn't mean that what is done with public assistance is any less of my business.
Plain and simple, if you're getting public assistance and you can spend a dime on anything that isn't essential it proves that you're getting more than you need. That doesn't mean I'm opposed to public assistance offering a little more than what is necessary to keep somebody from starving, but I'm going to be pretty hard-nosed about how much. If you don't want your spending habits to be my business then don't take my money.
I agree with you to some point. However, those of us fortunate enough to not be on public assistance are not so perfect that we should not be held to scrutiny for something. I don't care about how people spend their money, as long as they don't tell me how to spend mine. It amazes me when people think it is only their taxes that pays for a specific kind of people to live a certain way. If you take the taxes some people actually pay, they're not paying too much towards anybody living high on the hog. Look at how smokers are being targeted. Non-smoking is becoming an absolute, yet isn't that the government and non-smokers telling smokers they have to live healthier, they can't spend their money on cigarettes and smoke in public places, yet smokers pay a tax on the pleasure and freedom to smoke, but are being limited to where they can smoke.
I don't smoke, but I don't shun smokers either. My taxes pay for the health care of some smokers without insurance. Who am I to tell them I don't appreciate their choice to live unhealthy eating away at the taxes I pay? None of us are so perfect that somewhere in life we are getting a handout in someway or another. Taxes pay for something we all do, be it smart, stupid or otherwise.
TnTea can feel anyway she wants about certain types, but to call people names as if she is so above them, doesn't say much for her character either.
Michigan United States
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Quote: Originally posted by jarasan on Dec 10, 2007
Wow. I have a suggestion people: Don't take it so personally. Maybe if the title of the post was:
"Should perfectly healthy, mentally capable, but lazy people living off the backs of others play the lottery by using given/stolen money from friends, realtives, charities, local/state/federal govts.?"
Would that be more on point and less offensive? Tntea sure pushed some peoples' anger buttons, it is only a poll on a forum.
Everybody benefits from our great country, when you walk outside, look at the street and ask yourself: How did that get there? Or when an ambulance flies by: Who paid for that ambulance? Etc.
It was more than just a poll. It was condescending and cruel. TnTea started a poll calling people stupid, lazy and slobs. That took some nerve. I suppose she lives in a glass house and she is obviously a legend in her own mind. She has this miraculous ability to only help people she truly knows aren't screwing the givernment out of money. She seems to think as a teacher she makes so much money, that the taxes she pay goes to the assistance of more than 50% of those on assistance.
If she can word a poll that is that degrading, how far can someone else go? I'm surprised she didn't use some racial stats to go after certain groups for being the biggest abusers of assistance. This isn't about the poll, it's about the offensive wording.
Fughedaboutit (NY) United States
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October 26, 2004
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Something to think about...
Just because an individual has the ability TODAY to pay his/her rent/mortgage, put food on the table, go to the doctor when needed, buy a brand new _____ , put money in the bank for a rainy day, travel to _______ , has a job to go to, etc. does not mean that he/she will be able to do so TOMORROW. Like tomorrow, nothing is promised to anyone.
So many have had so much or even just a little, and lost it all so quickly that they had to reach a hand out for taxpayer assistance (whatever you want to call it). I am sure that they never envisioned themselves needing a hand. Who does? Is it easy not to have the means and the necessities to live a decent life? I don't know the answer to that question and I pray that don't ever find out.
I do know that what ever hand life has dealt an indididual does not make him/her stupid if it's not a good one. I think that if any of us here on LP was faced with destitution, we have some idea and thank goodness, a point of reference for how to rise above the situation. Everyone in the world is not that lucky to have that point of reference or know how to become self sufficient. I consider us all blessed.
Michigan United States
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Quote: Originally posted by LottoChica23 on Dec 10, 2007
Something to think about...
Just because an individual has the ability TODAY to pay his/her rent/mortgage, put food on the table, go to the doctor when needed, buy a brand new _____ , put money in the bank for a rainy day, travel to _______ , has a job to go to, etc. does not mean that he/she will be able to do so TOMORROW. Like tomorrow, nothing is promised to anyone.
So many have had so much or even just a little, and lost it all so quickly that they had to reach a hand out for taxpayer assistance (whatever you want to call it). I am sure that they never envisioned themselves needing a hand. Who does? Is it easy not to have the means and the necessities to live a decent life? I don't know the answer to that question and I pray that don't ever find out.
I do know that what ever hand life has dealt an indididual does not make him/her stupid if it's not a good one. I think that if any of us here on LP was faced with destitution, we have some idea and thank goodness, a point of reference for how to rise above the situation. Everyone in the world is not that lucky to have that point of reference or know how to become self sufficient. I consider us all blessed.
Mercy triumphs over judgement...
Very well said LottoChica! Of course, TnTea could be one of the very people she condemns, and is being pretentious on LP.
Wandering Aimlessly United States
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November 5, 2005
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LottoChica, I wish what you wrote was true about getting "taxpayer assistance." It doesn't work that way. I wasn't going to add anything, but at about 9:15 tonight I got one of my "I think I'll go out and play my Fantasy 5 numbers" cravings. I also needed some groceries, so I went to the supermarket.
At that hour it was pretty empty, so I began chatting with the cashier and asked if she got a dinner break, blah, blah...and she said she eats between her 2 jobs. One job is from 8 to 5 and she begins this one at 6:30 after she gets home and has dinner with her 2 teenagers. She said "I'm a single mom and my husband never paid me anything. I couldn't qualify for assistance because I had a job." This is very typical for a single mom (or dad) who has been left alone to support the family. The reason she doesn't qualify for assistance is she's not broke because she works 2 jobs. Maybe she owns a house too. I think this is what tntea is trying to point out about the people who don't want to work, not those who deserve some help.
The system is very messed up, to say the least. It often punishes people for being responsible and rewards those who aren't. Just because you lose your home or end up living out of your car doesn't mean you get help from the government. Some people on this board seem to think that this is something automatic.