-
What exactly IS "abusing the system"?
- Aug 17, 2009 at 11:31 PM
- By
- Comments (34) Total Views (764) Everyone can see this journal post.
I have often wondered what abusing the system is. The public assistance system that is.
To me it is abusing the system if:
*you lie to your caseworker
*you absolutly refuse to get a job if you are able bodied (not if you can't find a job, but refuse to get one)
*You sell or buy benefits
Other than that, I don't think its abusing the system. As far as I know, if you are being honest and you still qualify, there is no abuse going on. Abuse to me is dishonesty.
If you can't find a job, you are not abusing the system.
If you don't make enough, and need help it is not abusing the system.
If you are disabled in any way, it is not abusing the system.
I am so sick of people assuming that MOST people on PA are abusing the system and make RIDICULIOUS assumptions and "rules" for people utilizing any form of PA.
Some that I have heard are:
If you are on PA you can't:
*own nicer clothes, no matter weather you got them at a second hand store or owned them before you needed help. You must now wear rags.
*buy name brand food. You must settle for second best even if name brand is cheaper.
*You can't ever borrow someones nice car to go grocery shopping. Forget about even owning a decent car if you are on PA.
*You are not allowed to EVER have any treats in life. Those are for the privalged.
*You must never have sex. Even if you are married. This could lead to an accidental pregnancy and the only way to prevent it is to never have sex.
*If you have anything of value even if its mostly senimental, you must sell it anyways. People on PA don't deserve nice things.
*You should bow down and kiss taxpayers feet. Doesn't matter if you are a taxpayer. You are scum because you don't pay as much in taxes as the other taxpayers do.
*forget going to school or trying to better yourself on PA. Either do it with no help or dobn't bother.
*Don't you know all PA users are drug addicts? They should all be drug tested!
Obviously *I* don't feel the above rules are even to be taken seriously. Hopefully you can see them dripping with sarcasm.
Please ladies, lets stop making hard working moms and dads feel like the dirt below your feet.
Please share your thoughts.
Comments:
I agree!
When we were on food stamps a few years ago and still trying to learn to eat healthier, it was so asburd to hear the things people said sometimes. If we bought cruddy food (that was CHEAPER) it was "Look at that junk food they're buying with my tax money!" and once we started buying nicer, healthier foods it was "Must be nice to be able to afford healthy food with MY tax money!" The funniest part was that my husband was never without a job, the entire time. People forget about a huge class of people called the working poor. We pay taxes too.
You can't win.
My goodness I've never heard those things but if I did I would tell them to kiss it! Things happen and people need extra help, most of the time these are hard working people where situations have come up and now need help.
You said it honey.
yap. i have my 2 babies in the store with me when im shopping. nearly everything i buy is fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, organic baby cookies, etc, HEALTHY STUFF FOR ME & MY KIDS... then i get one, just ONE coffee drink for myself and slide my card... i hear the lady behind me snort.
single mom, 2 toddlers, their dad is in jail, so no child support... living with my brother cause we dont have a house, driving his wife's old truck cause we dont have a car, wearing nothing but thrift store clothes but HEY they're clean and suprise suprise, some of it was BRAND NEW NAME BRAND! it cost the same as the rags - every piece was a dollar! i think i deserve a freaking frappichino once in a while. i'm a damn thrifty, resourceful, hardheaded, motivated mama.
I agree.
But I will admit I do believe if someone appears to be using drugs (comes to a meeting high, gets caught with paraphenilia, etc.) they should be tested because if they can afford to buy drugs they can buy their own food. Not everyone on PA fits this description though.
I agree! Excellent. Thank you for your post.
I dont abuse pa but damn right i will sell them for rent money or to put gas in the car at the end of the month. And I will help out my mom and dad who are trying to live off of 550 per MONTH social security.
luckybear05, why do you not think selling them for money to pay your rent ins't abusing the system. They are there for food, not your other bills. It is dishonest to sell them for money so how is that not abusing what was given to you in good faith that you will use it the way it is intened?
I agree. People need to mind their own damn business. And I'm very sick of people saying "it's my business because I pay taxes" blah blah, so do most people on PA!
Already a member? Click here to log in
Give & Get Advice
-
Want tips on how to give your home a refreshing new look for summer? Sign up here and learn how to update your space for the season.
-
Do you feel like you're always saying "No" to your kids? Maybe it's time to have a "Yes" day instead.
-
If you're a little (or a lot!) stressed, you'll appreciate these easy tips for sneaking a little relaxation into your day.
I agree!!
- unl3ved
Message Friend Invite