Rude comments people make about those on public assistance

[andrewstx]

I don’t mean to impoy that government aid should be abolished… just set up so it doesn’t twist our pereceptions…

I think the reason that people cannot help at the soup kitchen is because in most states you have to graduate from a food safety/sanitation class that most homeless people cannot pay the tuition.

Soup kitchens can’t use food from the food banks because everything served must have been government inspected.

The government both helps and hinders the poor at the same time. Before I got sick I worked at a group home for the development disabled. We had a vegetable garden, but had to throw the vegs away because they had not been government inspected.

 

[St_Francis]

I think the reason that people cannot help at the soup kitchen is because in most states you have to graduate from a food safety/sanitation class that most homeless people cannot pay the tuition.

Soup kitchens can’t use food from the food banks because everything served must have been government inspected.

The government both helps and hinders the poor at the same time. Before I got sick I worked at a group home for the development disabled. We had a vegetable garden, but had to throw the vegs away because they had not been government inspected.

I have no words…

 

[St_Francis]

Here’s a short article summarizing a book written by a Zambian economist about the bad effects of foreign aid. It’s a little skimpy bit does touch on the book author’s three points: 1. aid keeps Africa in a child-like state, 2. aid increases corruption, and 3. aid stifles economic development.

Some of the same points were made over 50 years ago in a book called The Ugly American.

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

I thought there was something wrong with my post I do not mean to imply that we should never use money, or even that the government should not be involved, but that because we emphasize the money part, we forget about the rest.

So, we give money to the government in the form of taxes; we give money to the church and to charites, but *in addition, *we should *do *things for and with the poor. And those who are too poor can also be involved in helping their neighbors.

If I write a check for $50 to St Jude’s, that will help people. But if i take some food over to a poor family, be it groceries or something I cooked, there is a personal touch that means they can be grateful to a person rather than just nebulously feeling ??? And this might also encourage them to do a little something for someone.

To be honest, I live in an area filled with poor people of all different kinds. Some are sick, some elderly, some decided to ditch the “straight” life and have drug dealers’ babies and live on welfare, and some are the children of these people who know only that type of life. There are boys who are not being taught by their fathers how to fish or fix a car or repair a house or even how to get up no matter how they feel to go to work.

Once there was a bad storm which knocked out the electricity and caused a lot of flooding. There was a lot of damage. The poor young men of the town just wandered around while others were trying to help those who needed help. I am not faulting these young men–they don’t know any better. They may have even wanted to help but not known how to think about it or ask someone if they needed help. In the meantime, my husband took our sons out and they helped others, so my sons learned about these things.

So the only solution I can see is for people to start going around offering help to people and encouraging everyone to help in whatever way we can, whether through money or through prayer (very important which anyone can do!!), or giving, or companionship, or teaching, or helping in other ways.

Emphasis is mine. I agree, and would extend ‘whatever way we can’ to include influencing our politicians, as we are taught by the Church.

 

[cheezey]

…So we talk about helping the poor but often only give money. We should all do more to be personally involved, remembering that poverty is not necessarily material–***there are elderly or ill people who have money but who are very lonely and in need of human contact. ***

It’s hard–for me I tend to feel overwhelmed at the needs and throw my hands up, but we each need to do something.

One sad thing I heard about years ago was that a soup kitchen thought of asking some of the homeless to help out. Not requiring it or anything. This was for reasons I forget forbidden. But what a shame!!! To allow those who had so little to at least help out those who were in worse circumstances than themselves! It is a shame when we make “help” all about money, because then those with no money can’t participate. If instead we made help personal, then one neighbor could share food with another neighbor, who in turn could help another neighbor with a health problem with her housework, who could visit an elderly person a couple of times a week, who could lend some of her yard to the orignal gardener to grow more vegetables to share…

Thank you for this.
I just received needed disability. Found out 6 days ago (for sure).
I was pleased; not excited, but pleased. Not excited because I am realizing just how depressed I really am.
The money will, of course, help with the practical; meds, et al.
Know what I want right now as I type?
A friend. To feel wanted. To live. To love. To participate in this world even though I haven’t had cash.
What I wouldn’t give right now to have an unconditional friend to feel less isolated; marginalized, lonely, and all that that implies.
I received a lot of help getting to this point and I am profoundly grateful to God for these people, many of whom came from right here at CAF.
What I wouldn’t give right now to be tangibly comforted because I am having a really bad day.
Something for which a shoulder, at no cost, would help, and money would not.

 

[Deus_tecum]

I knew some church ladies that started a daycare in the church basement and only charged what their expenses were since their labor was entirely volunteer. All was well and good until some moms started showing up with kids with no money of their own at all to pay but they did have a government daycare voucher. So the church ladies naively took in these voucher children. In doing so they had unknowingly signed on to govt inspection requirements. The first inspector wrote them up for minor things in the kitchen (no kids had ever gotten sick) that would cause lots of extra expense to remedy. The expense would have raised their daycare rates. So first they thought to drop the voucher clients and get out from under the government. They could not do that as a majority of the voucher clients were of a particular race, and it would be declared “racist” if they did not accept them (even though the govt was the problem, not the race of the clients). Their final solution was to close the daycare center.

 

[fallow_spirit]

I believe that a lot of people are so angry at all the problems, abuses and deficiencies in the welfare system that they wind up taking out this anger on the recipients. I have also seen plenty of people who forget that there are plenty who aren’t just using it to fund their destructive lifestyles, and they end up heaping the people who need the benefits with those who leech off the system (however many do, I honestly don’t know what percentages of people need the assistance and which do not). I know that I used to overgeneralize those on welfare, but I try to be more careful now.

 

[DarkLight]

3doctors,

As a member of the knuckle-dragging radical right, allow me to echo fhe following wholeheartedly. While none of us like to see people who scam the system, the fault is first and foremost with the system that enables and encourages the abuses that end up being the specific target from time to time.

I make an effort to identify that my frustration is directed toward the enabling system. If that doesn’t get through, I do apologize for my lack of proper written communication skills.

Back in 1891, Leo XIII stated:

The great mistake made in regard to the matter now under consideration is to take up with the notion that class is naturally hostile to class, and that the wealthy and the working men are intended by nature to live in mutual conflict. So irrational and so false is this view that the direct contrary is the truth. Just as the symmetry of the human frame is the result of the suitable arrangement of the different parts of the body, so in a State is it ordained by nature that these two classes should dwell in harmony and agreement, so as to maintain the balance of the body politic.

One of the chief complaints that I have is that the system, as it is designed, helps create and perpetuate this notion. Those who are well-to-do are perceived as “the other” by the people who are struggling in life and those who are struggling and who need some assistance for one reason or another are perceived as “the other” by those who are well-to-do.

Those who are well-to-do have attempted to set up a program of government assistance so they can believe that this amorphous mass that they call “the poor” are taken care of without actually having to get their hands dirty. In other words, they use government money to salve their consciences. These government programs allow them to fool themselves into thinking that they are in full [solidarity](http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/p...ace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#a. Meaning and value) with the “poor”, not recognizing that solidarity without [participation](http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/p...c_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#Meaning and value) is no solidarity at all. As is stated in the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:
Solidarity is also an authentic moral virtue, not a “feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people, both near and far. On the contrary,* it is a firm and persevering determination* to commit oneself to the common good. That is to say to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all”

Or, to put it more plainly, quoting Benedict XVI:

The principle of subsidiarity must remain closely linked to the principle of solidarity and vice versa, since the former without the latter gives way to social privatism, while the latter without the former gives way to paternalist social assistance that is demeaning to those in need.

The point being that this system reduces the perception of the inherent dignity that exists in each of us as human beings. I personally mostly regard those who are struggling and who need to have assistance as ‘victims’ of that system. Frankly, where my chief anger is directed is toward the ‘limousine liberals’ who created and perpetuate that system as a mechanism to salve their guilty consciences while being able to keep their soft, manicured hands clean.

And if that hasn’t come through in my posts…again, I apologize for my lack of communication skills.

As a self-identified liberal I actually quite agree with this. We’ve separated the rich and the poor. We demean low-level jobs as for people who aren’t “good enough” for a better one, and then we wonder why our poor don’t want to take them. Perhaps because we treat them as lesser for not having a college degree and an office job? Start by respecting the men and women who work in fast food or retail or other unskilled jobs.

I think that is the problem of many of these laws. We see laws that are written by men and women who have no idea what being poor is actually like. They probably have the intent to protect the poor (and giving the poor the things we would never want can be a real problem), but they end up causing more problems due to not knowing how it works.

I am reminded of a story our priest told us, about their spiritual formation director. After Mass, this nun would go to the homeless that gathered at the back of the church, and ask them for their prayers. It was a reminder both to the asker and to those asked that God does not see us by our finances - a homeless man or woman’s prayer is as valuable as that of any other person.

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

Pope Francis: My advice is always “dialogue, dialogue, dialogue

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis met with leading members of Brazilian society on Saturday and stressed the importance of constructive dialogue, saying this was essential at the present moment. “Between selfish indifference and violent protest," he said, "there is always another possible option, that of dialogue.” The Pope also called for more inclusive and humanistic economic and political process, eliminating “forms of elitism” and eradicating poverty.

…

A second element which I would like to mention is responsibility for society. This calls for a certain kind of cultural, and hence political, paradigm. We are the ones responsible for training new generations, to help them to be knowledgeable in economic and political affairs, and solidly grounded in ethical values. The future demands the duty to rehabilitate politics, to rehabilitate politics, which is one of the highest forms of charity. The future demands a humanistic vision of the economy and a politics capable of ensuring greater and more effective participation on the part of all, eliminating forms of elitism and eradicating poverty. This is the road that we are called to travel: to see that basic needs are met and that human dignity, brotherhood and solidarity are guaranteed on every level. In the days of prophet Amos, God’s frequent warning was already being heard: “They sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals – they … trample down the head of the poor into the dust of the earth and push the afflicted out of the way” (Am 2:6-7). The outcry, the call for justice, continues to be heard even today.

 

[St_Francis]

Emphasis is mine. I agree, and would extend ‘whatever way we can’ to include influencing our politicians, as we are taught by the Church.

Definitely. It would be great if we could influence our politicians to not put unrealistic expectations on every single thing as detailed in Deus Tecum’s post about the daycare

 

[St_Francis]

Thank you for this.
I just received needed disability. Found out 6 days ago (for sure).
I was pleased; not excited, but pleased. Not excited because I am realizing just how depressed I really am.
The money will, of course, help with the practical; meds, et al.

Cheezey, I am happy that you are getting the help you need

Know what I want right now as I type?
A friend. To feel wanted. To live. To love. To participate in this world even though I haven’t had cash.
What I wouldn’t give right now to have an unconditional friend to feel less isolated; marginalized, lonely, and all that that implies.
I received a lot of help getting to this point and I am profoundly grateful to God for these people, many of whom came from right here at CAF.
What I wouldn’t give right now to be tangibly comforted because I am having a really bad day.
Something for which a shoulder, at no cost, would help, and money would not.

{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}} Sorry I can’t get my shoulder to you So often I think that this is what a lot of people need, kindness.

I will incude you in my prayer tonight and hope tomorrow is better for you and that you find a true irl friend. And I would be happy if you would say a prayer for me, helping with willpower.

 

[Country_Gal]

As long as you are capable of reading their souls and their intentions and their history to be sure of their motives from the outside looking in, I have no quarrel with your reasoning.

I don’t know if it’s always “character” to be ashamed of being on the dole - I have known of cases where people would stubbornly hold out against any kind of help for themselves or their children, yet deprive themselves until a health crisis occurred, or deprive their children. So I believe a reasonable, discerning balance is needed. :twocents:

Pride can cause that and interfere with common sense. It is humiliating to receive assistance for some people and their pride can interfere with them doing the most rational thing for their family and themselves, which sometimes is receiving help.

I agree, there is a balance. I don’t think, however, it’s a bad thing for a stigma to be attached to receiving public assistance. A sense of shame can motivate a person to strive for something better, and raise their station in life higher. Some folks are lacking confidence and a sense of belonging, both things that a paying job gives us.

 

[cheezey]

Cheezey, I am happy that you are getting the help you need

{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}} Sorry I can’t get my shoulder to you So often I think that this is what a lot of people need, kindness.

I will incude you in my prayer tonight and hope tomorrow is better for you and that you find a true irl friend. And I would be happy if you would say a prayer for me, helping with willpower.

:thankyou:

and done…

 

[donna369]

This is not entirely accurate. A Section 8 landlord may choose to mow the grass, but the landlord receives no more in rent from HUD than landlords who choose not to mow the lawns. The same may apply to cable and internet. He may use them as perks but at his own cost.

The real ripoff in the Section 8 program is how they price the rents. They use regional averages that tend to be much higher than regular rentals in neighborhoods where Section 8 properties typically are. For example in my area a Section 8 landlord with 2 bedroom apts gets $600 mth. However the apartments where they are located would only bring in $450 mth for paying tenants. Of course the argument is raised that Section 8 tenants are more destructive to property and the landlord needs the higher rents to compensate. That argument has some merit.

Another tragedy in the making is that HUD intends to inject its welfare tenants into each and every neighborhood in the US.

you think that poor people are more destructive? its poor neighborhoods that have more violence, drug and gang activity where this destruction is. i have lived in public housing and we kept our home clean. my guy talks about section 8 areas where they keep their homes better than their independent neighbors. this is more of the prejudice against poor people. :nope:
the landlords may charge more simply because they are under obligation to keep these rentals up to par. and they can get away with it.

 

[DarkLight]

Pride can cause that and interfere with common sense. It is humiliating to receive assistance for some people and their pride can interfere with them doing the most rational thing for their family and themselves, which sometimes is receiving help.

I agree, there is a balance. I don’t think, however, it’s a bad thing for a stigma to be attached to receiving public assistance. A sense of shame can motivate a person to strive for something better, and raise their station in life higher. Some folks are lacking confidence and a sense of belonging, both things that a paying job gives us.

Honestly, from what I’ve seen many of the barriers (including such things as shame) to public assistance have exactly the opposite effect. Cheats and scammers will not be affected by shame, nor will we ever quite get rid of them. It is the honest men and women who are discouraged.

Having been in that situation myself, I can also say that the shame makes it equally tempting to just give up and try not to better yourself. Your mind thinks “if I am receiving this it is all I am worth - why try to better myself if I am good for nothing?” For me at least it took someone telling me that needing help was nothing to be ashamed of before I could try to do what it took to get to where I wouldn’t need it.

 

[Country_Gal]

Frankly, I don’t blame people in dire straits to do a little unofficial work on the side. I think there should be a sliding scale assistance program that supplements work, and rewards a person for at least working part time. When I was in nursing school, I received assistance. I had a part time job as a nursing assistant at a hospital, for which I got penalized financially. I also supplemented with furniture finishing and some artwork I sold in galleries, all under the table. Yes, I was a ‘cheat’, but I had 4 children at the time from my first marriage, no child support, and I couldn’t make it on my own and go to school full time.

I was deeply embarrassed and was able to cover up my reliance on public assistance by the fact that I was actually working a lot too. But I don’t regret cheating a bit for the betterment of my children.

 

[St_Francis]

:thankyou:

and done…

Thanks for the prayer, Cheezey, it really helped

 

[Deus_tecum]

you think that poor people are more destructive? its poor neighborhoods that have more violence, drug and gang activity where this destruction is. i have lived in public housing and we kept our home clean. my guy talks about section 8 areas where they keep their homes better than their independent neighbors. this is more of the prejudice against poor people. :nope:
the landlords may charge more simply because they are under obligation to keep these rentals up to par. and they can get away with it.

It is statistically true and I am sorry if you don’t like it. What I said is not a stereotype of ALL poor people or even ALL section 8 people. As for drugs, violence, and gang activity, public housing complexes in major cities tend to have the highest rates of that in their cities.

 

[RKO]

I know of two people on disability. Of those two, one of them is doing it strictly because she doesn’t want to have to work.

To the OP; people who are legitimately in need of assistance are one thing, but there is a whole other class of people who are on assistance simply because they do not want to work; it is to those people that this anger is directed.

And what does knowing ONE PERSON who may be abusing disability say? I mean, without making a quantum leap of prejudice?

 

[october_baby]

Thank you for this.
I just received needed disability. Found out 6 days ago (for sure).
I was pleased; not excited, but pleased. Not excited because I am realizing just how depressed I really am.
The money will, of course, help with the practical; meds, et al.
Know what I want right now as I type?
A friend. To feel wanted. To live. To love. To participate in this world even though I haven’t had cash.
What I wouldn’t give right now to have an unconditional friend to feel less isolated; marginalized, lonely, and all that that implies.
I received a lot of help getting to this point and I am profoundly grateful to God for these people, many of whom came from right here at CAF.
What I wouldn’t give right now to be tangibly comforted because I am having a really bad day.
Something for which a shoulder, at no cost, would help, and money would not.

Cheezy- please don’t make the mistake of thinking nobody cares, I’m sure there are plenty of people on CAF who care about you! I care about you in my own limited way.
May God bless and keep you! :hug1: