No, because it's a generalized statement about those few who prefer to work the system instead of having the pride to work. They are out there. When a former governor in Michigan made some drastic reforms to our welfare system, we had healthy 55 yr old men who had never worked a day in their lives showing up to look for jobs at my family restaurant. Just ask the public servants in CA who decided to make state assistance money available on a debit card to make it easier to access. Sounds fine, doesn't it? Those without the funds to maintain a bank account don't have to cash a check and carry large amounts of money with them in a bad neighborhood. Except someone pulled the records to see where the withdrawals were being made. $12,000 was withdrawn from ATMs located in California strip clubs. Taxpayer funded lap dance, anyone? And you thought those were just for politicians.... That's not the worst of it, though. 1.8 million was withdrawn from ATMs in casinos!I think those of us who are on it because we don't have a choice would gladly trade places with your friend, rsudock. A trip though the system, where they expect you to account for every cent you spend might make him less enthused about the joys of welfare, too. But the only stories that make the news are the scammers, not people like me. When I first got food stamps, I was in shock. I'd had a budget of about $25 a month for groceries. I lived on ramen noodles and generic frozen veggies. The first month I got my $180 bucks, plus back pay since the time I had applied. I had $285 dollars that I couldn't spend on anything but food. I had my cart loaded with fresh produce and decent meat for the first time in ages.And I went right on clipping coupons and shopping the sales, too.
Today a friend of mine on facebook was writing complaining about paying a deductible for a medical bill. At the end he wrote, "Wish I could be on welfare so I could drink beer, stay home, and get free medical care." Would you be offended?xo,R