2 vents for the price of 1 (kinda long)

[jonette5]

UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I am so aggravated today! I am trying to fill out the paper work to appeal the decision of Social Security turning down my disability claim. Government paper work is so stupid! It so does not make sense! I guess they do that hoping you will just give up and not do it! But I won't do that. I will just keep calling them to ask "stupid" questions till I get the answers I need to fill this crap out! I may lose my mind in the mean time though! LOL!:D

Next vent....

Yesterday, went to grocery store, people in front of me were putting their food on counter, looked good....steak, beer, all brand name stuff (as opposed to less expensive store brand that was in my cart), they were talking to someone on their cell phone (thought this was rude to cashier but whatever) then the icing on the cake..........THEY PAID WITH FOODSTAMPS!:mad: :mad: :mad:
Now this just gripes my butt...they were buying all this expensive food and using a cell phone but they "NEED" foodstamps? I don't think so!!!!! People like this is why the system is in the trouble it is. I so wanted to rip that cell phone out of their hand and give them a piece of my mind! If they can pay for a cell phone then they sure don't need foodstamps!
Oh lord I could rant about this for ever, so I guess I will just shut up for now!
Wait a minute....RANT,RANT,RANT,RANT,RANT,RANT,RANT,RANT, RANT!
LOL...now I feel better!
Thanks for letting me get this off my chest!
:D

Hope everyone is having a good day!:) :) :)

[Lizerella]

I hear ya. I have no problem with people using the system to get back on their feet, but taking advantage until they get caught irks me.

[feliciac]

I hate to be the one to say this, but maybe that cell phone is the only phone they have. Alot of time it is easier and cheaper to get a cell phone than it is a home phone. Especially with all of the prepaid plans out there now.

I know I'll probably get in trouble for this, but I think sometimes we need to give people the benefit of the doubt.

[Anthill]

They might have bought those food stamps off someone else. I have seen that happen. BUT I have also seen where peopel on Foodstamps, were allowed to buy Vegetable tray, Fruit Tray and when the cashier asked if they were having a party. (it was a man and women w/ an infant in the cart), the women replied, NO it is easier to buy the vegetables and fruit already cut up than to have to buy the items. I wanted to scream!!! When I asked the cashier if they were allowed to buy items of that nature, she replied, "Well NO, but I felt sorry for them, since they have a newborn and all."

[Lizerella]

I Just want to clear up what I meant...like in your case Ravenlost, you were bettering yourself by going back to school. I totally applaud that!:) What I mean is people that I know are using the system because they are too lazy or whatever to do anything about it. I'm not saying all people on assistance are lazy. I just know some people that use it as an easy out. Personally, I think WIC is an awesome program and if you qualify for help with school, go for it. College is so expensive anyways never hurts to have help with that. I remember when I was on the greyhound out to washington, some woman was bragging that welfare bought her bus ticket because her and her boyfriend decided they needed a break and left her kids with her parents and left state, so welfare bought her ticket to go back home. That kinda stuff upsets me.

[1busymomma]

I was really rather offended by reading your post. You got all ticked cause of government paperwork to help aid you financially....then got all mad because of some lady who is on foodstamps and has a cell? Yeah, I know she bought brand name stuff, big deal.

Give me a break. I HAVE a cell phone and I HAVE FOODSTAMPS.

Looks are so decieving. I got my cell phone prior to losing my job. I lowered my plan once I lost my job to the bare minimum and yes, YES...I have had food stamps all along. Do you really want to know why?

I have a loser ex who does not pay child support (and that is part of the divorce settlement). I have two kids to raise, ages 3 and 4. My cell phone was the only phone I had for well over a year. I continue to keep it because my CONTRACT is not up for another year. I'd rather pay a small monthly fee then a huge amount and have my credit f*cked up.

Gee, I'd hate to think of what people think of me simply because I have food stamps AND a cell phone. :rolleyes:

[jonette5]

Originally posted by Fireball
There's some lovely irony here.

You're trying to get the government to pay your way, but don't think the government should pay other people for their food.

If you're really in need, maybe you can understand that the other people are as well.



OK I want to clear something up...I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP GETTING IT!
My problem was that they were buying the most expensive types of food in the store. I think if you are having financial problems you should try to be frugal as much as possible. The steak they were buying was not chuck steak (not so expensive) but Filet mignon ($15 a pound). My mother had to get commodities (before food stamps) when her and my father first divorced and I don't think anything was wrong with that, but I can tell you we did not eat like royalty! I just feel these people were obviously using the system. They had no milk, cearal or other "staples" it was all expensive stuff and junk food (i.e. chips, dip, soda, cookies etc..). They were dressed to the nines in all name brand clothing and such.
Maybe looks can be deceiving and I shouldn't judge these people but it just didn't seem right.
I can agree that I should not have thought much about the cell phone...maybe cheaper than house phone, but if money is tight, I'd save my minutes for important calls not just chatting with someone while I was in the grocery line! That is what they were doing I could here conversation.


As far as me trying to get the Gov. to pay my way...I am not asking for foodstamps, or any such benefits....just the Social Security I am entitled to cuz I have worked for 25 years and paid into it!

[schsa]

If that's how they want to use their food stamps then that's fine. And at the end of the month when they are living on peanut butter and saltine crackers, they might learn. As for high end clothing, all I have to do is go to the Goodwill and I can get all of the high end clothes I want and not pay full price.

Don't assume that these people are living well. She may have a cell phone and buy filet mingon but she might also be living in a rat trap apartment without electricity. You never know. If someone wants to spend their money that way, fine with me. But don't complain when it's the 25th of the month and the cabinets are bare.

[1busymomma]

They had no milk, cearal or other "staples" it was all expensive stuff and junk food (i.e. chips, dip, soda, cookies etc..). They were dressed to the nines in all name brand clothing and such.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Still looks are very decieving. I purchase mostly fresh fresh meats/fruits/veggies. I make the money last, but I will be honest with you and tell you that I make a junk food run once a month. Yep, I do it. Fruit snacks, chips, etc....this has to last the whole month once it is gone, it's gone I do not purchase any more until the next months run. I don't see the point in makeing my kids completley going without considering they had this stuff before I left my ex. I think it would be cruel and heartless. As it is, they already think I am cruel lol, because of the once it's gone...it's gone rule.

If they want to buy filet mignon that is their choice. Once the money is gone and they are lving in pb&j/saltines and the crumbs from their cupboards that is their problem, not yours.

[Missysmom]

Originally posted by jonette5
UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I am so aggravated today! I am trying to fill out the paper work to appeal the decision of Social Security turning down my disability claim. Government paper work is so stupid! It so does not make sense! I guess they do that hoping you will just give up and not do it! But I won't do that. I will just keep calling them to ask "stupid" questions till I get the answers I need to fill this crap out! I may lose my mind in the mean time though! LOL!:D

Next vent....

Yesterday, went to grocery store, people in front of me were putting their food on counter, looked good....steak, beer, all brand name stuff (as opposed to less expensive store brand that was in my cart), they were talking to someone on their cell phone (thought this was rude to cashier but whatever) then the icing on the cake..........THEY PAID WITH FOODSTAMPS!:mad: :mad: :mad:
Now this just gripes my butt...they were buying all this expensive food and using a cell phone but they "NEED" foodstamps? I don't think so!!!!! People like this is why the system is in the trouble it is. I so wanted to rip that cell phone out of their hand and give them a piece of my mind! If they can pay for a cell phone then they sure don't need foodstamps!
Oh lord I could rant about this for ever, so I guess I will just shut up for now!
Wait a minute....RANT,RANT,RANT,RANT,RANT,RANT,RANT,RANT, RANT!
LOL...now I feel better!
Thanks for letting me get this off my chest!
:D

Hope everyone is having a good day!:) :) :)

I understand what you are talking about!

I was in line once and the people in front of me had the same grocery items, expensive meats, Lots of BOOZE, party foods, etc. They were talking about the BIG PARTY they were having that night.
They paid for the food with FOOD STAMPS, then they whipped out TWO CRISP $100 Dollar Bills to pay for the liquor!!

[ttistin]

I know people that have {and still does} use the system to their own advantage. one person I know was getting over $600 a month in food stamps that is with both her and dh working, 2 kids both in school {no day care bill} and never had any food by the middle of the month, got their phone shut off with a $500 bill, power was shut off more times then you could count and then got kicked out of the house. But they always had money to go out and party, or buy the latest PS2 games and the newest DVD's :rolleyes:

I could go on and on about how the people that dont "need" the help is getting it and the ones that really do need it cant get it.


that is why I do most of my shopping at Aldi, save a lot of money and when we were on Food stamps they took that also.

[cinnamonch]

There seems to be quite a lot of assumptions going on here.

1) That the people who were using the stamps werent entitled.
How do you know they dont need the stamps. If you look at the news you should know that thousands upon thousands have been laid off and they are now turning to the government for help. And why shouldnt they? They have been working and its not their fault they find themselves without a job. If I ate steak once a week when I was working, why shouldnt I continue to eat it when Im getting food stamps?

Also, as its been pointed out, they could have bought the stamps off of someone.


2) People getting assistance shouldnt have cell phones.
Wonder what this is based on. With so many plans, you can get a cell phone way cheaper than you can a phone through your local phone service. Not only that, most cell phones now have unlimited minutes so they really dont have to save their minutes for "important" calls.

3) Their dress attire determines whether or not someone should be getting assistance.

Do you know what their shopping habits are? Maybe they are like many of us on here who wait for things to go on sale and use coupons to maximize their money. Or maybe someone gave them the clothes. Or perhaps, they know some *boosters* (people who steal and sell things) and got their clothing from them.

Granted there are many who use and abuse the system and probably shouldnt be getting assistance but we arent the ones making the decision as to who should get it. If you dont like how things are done, get involved and get them changed.

[Carlie]

I have a cell phone (tracfone), have good clothes (sales and salvation army) and am on foodstamps. I do not agree with the buying of beer though..but they should be allowed to buy whatever they want to.. and if by the end of the month and they're doing without.. then that's their fault. who knows.. maybe they were celibrating an aniversary or something and couldn't afford to go out..?

[jonette5]

Well, I guess this post stired up more than I intended.

If I offended anyone...I AM SORRY!

We are all entitled to our opinions and I did not mean for my opinion to hurt anyone on here feelings!

I will just do my complaining in private from now on.

Everyone have a wonderful evening!!!!

[bngomom]

jonette5, all exuses and explantions aside, I happen to agree with you. Also, I don't believe disability social security is a govenment handout. It has been earned.

[Dalis]

I can't beleive that you all attacked jonette like that.
I thought this forum was Vent/Whine not Vent/and
be attacked.

Sheesh, all she was doing was EXPRESSING her opinion.
This is why I don't post...It's not worth the aggrivation.

[ebgreen74]

jonette5, I understand the point you were trying to get across. It makes me sick how some of the people jumped all over you for no reason. Supposedly there are rules here but not everyone has to follow them, ya know? Kinda like foodstamps...

[MySonNick1]

Originally posted by jonette5
They had no milk, cearal or other "staples" it was all expensive stuff and junk food (i.e. chips, dip, soda, cookies etc..). They were dressed to the nines in all name brand clothing and such.
Maybe looks can be deceiving and I shouldn't judge these people but it just didn't seem right.
I can agree that I should not have thought much about the cell phone...maybe cheaper than house phone, but if money is tight, I'd save my minutes for important calls not just chatting with someone while I was in the grocery line! That is what they were doing I could here conversation.



Maybe these people weren't buying the "staples" on this day because they had bought them the day before or something. Also, you can buy a lot of name brand clothes at Yard sales and Thrift stores for really cheap. And, the cell phone thing, my mom has a cell phone and she gets 600 minutes per month and unlimited minutes on weekends and evenings.

[FireFox1973]

I understand how jonette5 may have felt. I also know she had not thought about a lot of the possibilities everyone brought to her attention. Lets face it, there are those who abuse the system. However, since 911, a lot of people who were living well with great jobs are up the creek. So it will look like they are milking the system at a glance.
Prior to becoming disabled in February this year, I had two weeks prior bought a brand new Dodge Ram 1500 so my boys could fit comfortable in the back seat. My other truck was too small for 4 people. Then, I got sucker punched in February when I slipped on the ice and injured my back. I have been out of work since, and loose my temporary disability in 3 weeks. I also just had back surgery, and will be out for 2 more months at least! I go to a food bank, and believe me, I bet people talk when I pull up in a 2003 truck, and get my allotment of food. I am honestly embarrassed by it, but with my husband also on temp disability, and in the process of applying for his permanent disability (Kidney transplant recipient), money is tight and my bank account is getting way small.
I guess what I am saying is I see both sides of the story, and first impressions last!
I am not attacking you at all, jonette5, just agreeing that some things are not always what they seem.
I think wjonette5, we all learned something from this post.
Hey, jonette5, do not stop posting your vents. Just remember the old saying that opinions are like butts, and everyone has one! LOL!!!

[tn2h2]

In Tennessee there is a program called Tencare. It was originally designed for children who had no health insurance. After years of abuse the state has no money because of this program. I live in a rural area and a woman that lives down the road is on Tencare and SS disability. Her husband has a large truck he owns and hauls fruits and veggies from Florida that he sells to vendors at the farmers market. Very hard working man but is always drinking and sometimes drunk. This woman has had 5 surgeries since I've known her and pays nothing for them. Nothing to doctors,hospitals,pharmacies etc. I know this because I have helped her to get back and forth to her appointments. She told me her husband made $60,000 so far this year. They both have 2002 trucks. She buys antiques. They don't pay taxes and he is on Tencare also. It really bothers me that they are ripping off the gov't. Last year she asked me why they did not get a check from gov't like everyone else is getting. I said well did you pay your income tax. She said no they did not pay taxes because everything is on a cash basis. I said "well you don't get tax refunds if you don't pay any taxes"....They are both sort of ignorant can barely read and write. I had to fill out her forms recently at yet again another surgeons office. I can't bring myself to turn them in. She does have a lot of health problems hip replacement that failed just recently. But they are taking money away from people who need the benefits. I just keep telling myself that it isn't for me to judge, and I drive her to her appointments. I have to pay $240 a month for my health insurance after working 30 yr for the gov't and still have to make payments to the hospital/doctors for my surgeries .... and everything is free for them. There is just something wrong with the system. Thanks Anne

[cch]

Last time I checked you couldn't buy alcohol with food stamps, and in Missouri people have to use a card (looks like a credit card) which is supposed to have their picture on it to use their food stamps. They're not the paper food stamps anymore to help prevent people from selling them.

I understand how that couple must have felt with people staring at them! I take part in the WIC program, not to get the formula, I'm going to breastfeed, but haven't before and can use all the help and support I can get! AND I have a cell phone which I always use to call hubby or one of my grandparents, depending on where I'm going when I leave the WIC office to let them know I'm on my way, that way if I'm not there by a certain time they know to come look for me. I'm 7 months pregnant and who knows what could happen! The other people at the WIC office, including some of the workers, always stare at me and give me dirty looks. It p!sses me off! No one knows what another persons situation is and I don't think people have the right to judge unless they're prepared to be judged themselves!

As for your disability, one of my hubby's aunts just had to go to Jeff City to some sort of court to fight to get hers. She has or had breast cancer, I'm not sure which, and other complications, and the judge granted her disability to her.

[Carlie]

I seriously hate it when people assume that people are attacking a poster when they bring up another viewpoint. come on people.. there are people out there with a different opinion than you! It really sounds like the pot calling the kettle black when people start "jumping" on the viewpoints on an oposing side. It's called a Debate, not a fight. We all are grownups are we not?