Thousands in Metro ATL to lose food stamps

[samiwas1]

Originally Posted by Ant131531

Well this doesn't affect people who have jobs or children. Only able-bodied adults who don't have jobs or don't volunteer and have NO children.

So, probably like 8 people?

if you don't work by choice, then okay...let's talk. But there are many reasons people don't or can't work. But this blanket "Yeah! People on food stamps are lazy takers" BS that is rampant in the comments of the OP article are what really get to me. The vast, vast majority of people on food stamps do need them. The abusers are a minute fraction. But, the typical Georgia way is to screw everyone to prove a point to a few.

[ATLTJL]

It's kind of interesting...

We all hear stories of that person behind someone in line at the grocery store, complaining that the person on food stamps is buying filet mignons and other things that they, the hardworking society contributing person, can't afford.

But if the average benefit is $190 per month, That means that the food budget is less than $50 per week. That's tough, definitely not a filet mignon budget.

I don't like people who abuse the system, but I also feel like food, shelter, and medical care are basic human rights in a country where it is financially possible. No matter how lazy, stupid, or horrible a person is, I just really don't think that we should be able to allow them to starve to death. I'm not sure that I trust the government to determine what qualifies as "able-bodied."

[samiwas1]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

It's kind of interesting...

We all hear stories of that person behind someone in line at the grocery store, complaining that the person on food stamps is buying filet mignons and other things that they, the hardworking society contributing person, can't afford.

I hear these stories constantly. Seems that everyone who is against welfare has stood in line behind these people buying lobster and steak, then heading out to their BMW or hummer to drive home. Oddly enough, I've never witnessed this, even when I was a checker at a store (although that was 23 years ago). Maybe it's because I don't follow people at the store to their cars, nor pay attention to how they are paying or what is in their basket. But I find it hard to believe that this is so rampant that every detractor has personally seen it, or has a relative/friend/acquaintance that lives like a king off their welfare benefits.

[wasel]

Another compassionate way to look at it: I think it's great that the state has programs to help people find work, and if this is incenting those who can work to seek the help, it's a good thing. Employment is much better for one's self esteem and sense of well being vs being on public assistance. I don't want to see people forever trapped in a situation where they can't stand on their own. I was a tutor to an adult who was completely illiterate and he taught me a lot about this.

[Mattie]

Originally Posted by wasel

Another compassionate way to look at it: I think it's great that the state has programs to help people find work, and if this is incenting those who can work to seek the help, it's a good thing. Employment is much better for one's self esteem and sense of well being vs being on public assistance. I don't want to see people forever trapped in a situation where they can't stand on their own. I was a tutor to an adult who was completely illiterate and he taught me a lot about this.

It's a nice idea, but without a mass transit means of transportation, all the job training in the world will not help. Outside of Gainesville, Hall County doesn't have any, and even in Gainesville it's only available Mon-Fri until 6:00 pm.

[wasel]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

I'm not sure that I trust the government to determine what qualifies as "able-bodied."

Normally I would agree with you, but the AJC article in the original post speaks about one man who has a lot of issues that don't make him employable, and he received a notice about his benefits being cancelled. He went to the meeting that was held with state officials, he explained what his limitations were, and they exempted him from having to fulfill the job search requirement on the spot, keeping his benefits intact.

So it seems there is an earnest effort to be fair and reasonable.