Fifth of Big Isle on food stamps

[Joliefille]

Originally Posted by Balad1

For someone that lives in Hawaii you seem oblivious to the critical state of Hawaii's social services and budget versus residents in need. Take a drive up the Waianae coast and see all the homeless living on the beach and then talk to me about bringing in new people from the mainland.

Living 10 minutes from Waianae, I see plenty crackheads and losers. What I don't see is a lot of disabled people or folks from the mainland. And I guess we all know mainland is code for White.

I usually don't bother with internet arguments, but I do take exception to many of the posts implying all the homeless are people from the mainland.

I sincerely doubt that most homeless people from the mainland have the wherewithal to gather their travel documents, save a couple thousand dollars, book a flight, get themselves to a large regional airport, then fly themselves to Hawaii.

Not to mention, who, except a local, has ever even heard of Waianae?

[Balad1]

Are we reading the same posts?

[alaskangrown]

And honestly, there really haven't been that many people asking about the dole or other benefits...This is the first thread I can remember that directly addresses it, and so far no one has been asking how much they can get...

That said, there is a lot people can do (hello, victory gardens!) to take the edge off of poverty. Especially when you aren't working (provided you aren't disabled).

[UHgrad]

Originally Posted by nullgeo

Yep, I am quite familiar with all kinds of words. I am also a combat disabled (multiple) veteran who has run small businesses, with up to a dozen employees, raised 4 children of my own, and a few children of other peoples, and who has administered aid and nursed and held both strangers and loved ones who have died in my arms. I believe I do know about honor and integrity.

Appreciate your service and sacrifices for the country. I cannot compare to this in life experience.

Originally Posted by nullgeo

And I have learned along that path that some are more fortunate than others -- and that "deserve" has nothing to do with it.

I will agree that some are more fortunate than others, but to say that deserve has nothing to do with it is past where I am willing to go. We make choices, we hedge our bets, try to put ourselves in the best position possible. It doesn't always work out, there is some fortune/luck involved... but that doesn't mean that the choices don't matter as well. To say that deserve has NOTHING to do with it says that we are all wasting our lives doing anything because it makes no difference.

[AlohaHuey]

Originally Posted by Balad1

Are you familiar with the words Honor and Integrity?

Even if "Big People" aren't, there isn't any reason why "Small People" shouldn't be.

Did you see the NY Times article that says a majority of the defaulters on mortgages are the rich?

[ddnoonan]

Originally Posted by AlohaHuey

Did you see the NY Times article that says a majority of the defaulters on mortgages are the rich?

Yes - just saw this article which is sad.

Things are just bad all over - talks about a double dip recession and/or depression are unfortunately true if we just look around our own neighborhoods, etc. - wherever you are. Loads of homeless in SF, lots of families losing their homes nearby and numerous people underemployed or unemployed. These are trying times....

[mdand3boys]

Struggling does not mean that you give up your integrity. If anything, that is the time to increase it.

Balad1 - I can't rep... Must "spread around". LOL

[Balad1]

Thanks, I appreciate it.

After 30 years in the Army, honor and integrity are important to me. I am not perfect but do try and live by the code.

I am all for helping people out, I just get upset when able bodied adults game the disability/welfare/social services systems and think it's acceptable conduct.

[7th generation]

Because this topic crosses into political controversies and because I had to delete posts for personal attacks, we'll put it to bed.
Thanks,
7th