Why should my hard earned money go to those less fortunate?

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You guys are right. Why should I complain. 8 have everything I could ever imagine. I got a decent wage working a crappy job, a running truck, just got married 6 months ago and am planning to build a new house. Dam I got it good

[Tonus]

Why bust my ass at work 60+ hours a week when I could work part time and get Medicaid and foodstamps?

Don't use the example of the guy who buys booze with food stamps to encourage you to live off of welfare.  Use his example as motivation to avoid becoming that guy.

[Autumnlicious]

Dam I got it good

A lot more than most people can say they have

[Whateverist]

Wait, really?  I think this may not have come out right.  Did you mean:

"..when faced with a choice between seeing children and the disadvantaged starve and allowing a few that abuse the system do so, I choose the latter.."

?

Yep,  derp.   I'm an idiot.

But a big-hearted idiot.  Best kind.

[Cecelia]

Why bust my ass at work 60+ hours a week when I could work part time and get Medicaid and foodstamps?

Well, why haven't you quit then?

I mean obviously you seem to hate your job.  You think it'd be much easier to live on food stamps and medicaid.  Why post here, instead of quitting your job and living the life?  I mean it's that easy, right?  What's stopping you?  Obviously there's something, or you'd have quit your 60-hour a week job before ever creating this topic.

[Amarok]

A freaking house!

hell I can't even afford a house

A shitty job

I deal with battered wife broken homes and worst

dependence

I have 2 one being disabled(my second girlfriend she's chair bound) and likely will be trying for children in 2 years with my second

and at the end of all that with taxes I still have it good

[PETE_ROSE]

OP, if you have a viable solution for welfare reform I'd love to hear it. For most of the recipients I know, they are barely getting by. I don't know a single person abusing the system. Maybe I need to get out more.

Although I agree most are barely getting by, I would state many are kept in this place by their own hand. As for not knowing anyone abusing the system, I do. My job brings me into daily contact with people abusing the system. Able and heathy people that live in free public housing, have EBT cards for groceries, and a free Cell phone; yet they do not have money for the necessities in life? They do somehow manage to have very nice cars (I drive a 1997 F150), have big screen LED televisions and 700 channels of satellite or cable (I do not have television at home), and plenty of cash for their drug habit as evidenced by the drug paraphernalia often left on the coffee table. (I've never used any illegal drug).

A constant reminder of where our tax dollars go. Of course it is only my opinion that this is an abuse of the system. I suppose many would argue against that.

[LadyForCamus]

Yes this thread has turned into a white male supremacist debate.

Did you actually ready any of the many thoughtful responses it got?

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OP, if you have a viable solution for welfare reform I'd love to hear it. For most of the recipients I know, they are barely getting by. I don't know a single person abusing the system. Maybe I need to get out more.

Although I agree most are barely getting by, I would state many are kept in this place by their own hand. As for not knowing anyone abusing the system, I do.  My job brings me into daily contact with people abusing the system.  Able and heathy people that live in free public housing, have EBT cards for groceries, and a free Cell phone; yet they do not have money for the necessities in life?  They do somehow manage to have very nice cars (I drive a 1997 F150), have big screen LED televisions and 700 channels of satellite or cable (I do not have television at home), and plenty of cash for their drug habit as evidenced by the drug paraphernalia often left on the coffee table.  (I've never used any illegal drug).  

A constant reminder of where our tax dollars go.  Of course it is only my opinion that this is an abuse of the system.  I suppose many would argue against that.

No one is saying that abuse of the system isn't happening.  Of course it is.  Any ideas on how to cut down on that abuse while still providing assistance to those who need it?

[PETE_ROSE]

Some general thoughts... 1. Prosecution of those found abusing the system through fraud, or falsification of eligibility.

2. A much better screening process to evaluate and identify those in need. (I am all for offering substantial help to the less fortunate, especially those willing to give an honest effort)

3. Drug screening! No need to elaborate.

4. Some form of limit on benefits, either through time or amount of benefits. Though this is a tough one as every case is different.

I work more hours than anyone I know. I enjoy helping others, and support social programs. We all will benefit from others prospering. That said, funds are limited. Those truly in need will benefit most by having these programs remain funded by weeding out the riff raff.

[J a c k]

As a social worker I have to say... I can't stand the thought of someone going hungry, and for those that legitimately need it, I'm proud to share my money. No problem. Go eat.

Yes, I have seen the lies and those that take advantage. Shame on them. I can guarantee, though, that most of the people who use those benefits are hard working, but pay is low and shelter cost is high.