God Bless America

[Sizzle]

One of my wife's friends is currently receiving government assistance. I believe her husband is on unemployment since he lost his job last year. Good on them, that is what unemployment is for. From what my wife has told me, I believe they are also receiving welfare checks for their two kids, as well as Medicaid to cover health expenses. Again, that is what it is for, so I can't complain too much.

However... wife's friend has been posting recently about how excited she is for the cruise she just booked and how she is trying to decide whether or not to buy a Netbook or an iPad with the extra money they now have and have gotten back from their HUGE Tax return. It is obviously their money and they are free to spend how they choose... but it just doesn't sit well with me that if you're getting help from the Gov to cover basic expenses that when you get extra money that you turn around and spend it on yourself.

I know my views are probably a little skewed. I've been very blessed and never had to deal with a situation like that, for which I am grateful. But I also know that I'm not afraid to get down and work hard. I avoided student loans throughout college by working two jobs in addition to my class schedule. When we were first married and my wife lost her job that covered our benefits, we didn't go the unemployment route, we both just dug a little deeper, I increased my hours (also finishing my last semester of school) and she found another part-time job. Like I said, for the most part, I have been extremely blessed that while I wouldn't say I am anywhere near being rich (especially by CUF standards), I have definitely been taken care of.

God Bless America, and us as Americans I guess for working the system. Sorry for the rant, but it bugs knowing that there are those who are willing to go out and work their butts off and struggle to make ends meet, while those who "work the system" end up receiving more compensation for doing nothing.

</rant>

[wuapinmon]

[YOUTUBE]hdS8u_MBwi4[/YOUTUBE]

[byu71]

One of my wife's friends is currently receiving government assistance. I believe her husband is on unemployment since he lost his job last year. Good on them, that is what unemployment is for. From what my wife has told me, I believe they are also receiving welfare checks for their two kids, as well as Medicaid to cover health expenses. Again, that is what it is for, so I can't complain too much.

However... wife's friend has been posting recently about how excited she is for the cruise she just booked and how she is trying to decide whether or not to buy a Netbook or an iPad with the extra money they now have and have gotten back from their HUGE Tax return. It is obviously their money and they are free to spend how they choose... but it just doesn't sit well with me that if you're getting help from the Gov to cover basic expenses that when you get extra money that you turn around and spend it on yourself.

I know my views are probably a little skewed. I've been very blessed and never had to deal with a situation like that, for which I am grateful. But I also know that I'm not afraid to get down and work hard. I avoided student loans throughout college by working two jobs in addition to my class schedule. When we were first married and my wife lost her job that covered our benefits, we didn't go the unemployment route, we both just dug a little deeper, I increased my hours (also finishing my last semester of school) and she found another part-time job. Like I said, for the most part, I have been extremely blessed that while I wouldn't say I am anywhere near being rich (especially by CUF standards), I have definitely been taken care of.

God Bless America, and us as Americans I guess for working the system. Sorry for the rant, but it bugs knowing that there are those who are willing to go out and work their butts off and struggle to make ends meet, while those who "work the system" end up receiving more compensation for doing nothing.

</rant>

Not the same thing, but there a lots of ways to work the system. I had a friend living up in the area where streets are named after big time schools, like Harvard and Yale. I saw a big addition going on to one of his neighbors house.

I said, he must do pretty well. Oh, he does great is the reply. Somehow he spends like a bandit and borrows like a bandit. Lives very high and then I think every 7 years declares bankruptcy and starts over. I asked, how does he pull that off.

He said banks and creditors love folks who have declared bankruptcy, they can't do it again for another 7 years.

I do hear about people all the time that have taken off on some vacation that had to have cost $5,000 at least and wondering how they pulled it off. It didn't sound like it was a once in a lifetime trip either.

[TripletDaddy]

One of my wife's friends is currently receiving government assistance. I believe her husband is on unemployment since he lost his job last year. Good on them, that is what unemployment is for. From what my wife has told me, I believe they are also receiving welfare checks for their two kids, as well as Medicaid to cover health expenses. Again, that is what it is for, so I can't complain too much.

However... wife's friend has been posting recently about how excited she is for the cruise she just booked and how she is trying to decide whether or not to buy a Netbook or an iPad with the extra money they now have and have gotten back from their HUGE Tax return. It is obviously their money and they are free to spend how they choose... but it just doesn't sit well with me that if you're getting help from the Gov to cover basic expenses that when you get extra money that you turn around and spend it on yourself.

I know my views are probably a little skewed. I've been very blessed and never had to deal with a situation like that, for which I am grateful. But I also know that I'm not afraid to get down and work hard. I avoided student loans throughout college by working two jobs in addition to my class schedule. When we were first married and my wife lost her job that covered our benefits, we didn't go the unemployment route, we both just dug a little deeper, I increased my hours (also finishing my last semester of school) and she found another part-time job. Like I said, for the most part, I have been extremely blessed that while I wouldn't say I am anywhere near being rich (especially by CUF standards), I have definitely been taken care of.

God Bless America, and us as Americans I guess for working the system. Sorry for the rant, but it bugs knowing that there are those who are willing to go out and work their butts off and struggle to make ends meet, while those who "work the system" end up receiving more compensation for doing nothing.

</rant>

My guess is that these friends of yours are conservative Republicans that rail against Democrats, "socialism," and government programs.

I know a few folks like that currently. Boggles my mind the disconnect between what they are doing and their dogmatic political beliefs.

[byu71]

My guess is that these friends of yours are conservative Republicans that rail against Democrats, "socialism," and government programs.

I know a few folks like that currently. Boggles my mind the disconnect between what they are doing and their dogmatic political beliefs.

That is what happens in a great loving take care of folks society. It turns people who ares staunch conservatives into "this ain't so bad democrats". Unless of course they are members of a very conservative church. Then, based on social issues they will probably stay republican.

[Sizzle]

My guess is that these friends of yours are conservative Republicans that rail against Democrats, "socialism," and government programs.

I know a few folks like that currently. Boggles my mind the disconnect between what they are doing and their dogmatic political beliefs.

*cough* Friends of my WIFE. But yes, absolutely. Constantly complain about Obama, and then talk like they are really "sticking it to him."

[Sullyute]

I don't have any problem with them spending their money any way they want. As long as he is doing the things that he is supposed to do to keep qualifying for unemployment then that is fine. I don't consider it "working the system." These programs are there to help people in this situation and they should take advantage of it.

There may be better places to spend the tax return money on, (i.e. job seeking sites, resume' reviewers, networking etc), but the choice is theirs. Hopefully he finds a job soon before the money and benefits run out.

[wuapinmon]

[YOUTUBE]2lMUIYRU11c[/YOUTUBE]

DDD, check out the blouse that Diane is wearing. LOL

[TripletDaddy]

That is what happens in a great loving take care of folks society. It turns people who ares staunch conservatives into "this ain't so bad democrats". Unless of course they are members of a very conservative church. Then, based on social issues they will probably stay republican.

There is nothing wrong with being Republican or Democrat, socially/economically liberal or conservative.

I have no problem with folks needing unemployment or other assistance. These are tough times.

I am puzzled by those that complain about their taxes funding government programs, then the same person is living on welfare, medicaid, WIC, etc. The person that complains about "socialism" is the same person complaining about not getting their food stamps fast enough.

I am not saying you disagree with me on this, just trying to clarify.

[byu71]

I agree. If he does what is required and qualifies, he should get from the system whatever he can.

However, the system is messed up if someone can go on a Cruise. Tough times come I dare say to all of us. I don't think those are times where people are meant to glide by on someone elses dime.

I honestly believe the government spending in the 70s' and Carters policies took me from being pretty well off to almost bankruptcy. I didn't have a pot to pee in. On top of that the divorce came. I lived with my folks, worked odd jobs so I could pay child support and alimony. Finally I landed this career and got to work 80 hour weeks for about a year before I could back it off to 60. The system is such someone can go on a cruise, gotta be kidding me. No wonder the IRS is trying to squeeze another $1,000 out of me.

[RobinFinderson]

Since going on my first (and probably last) cruise, I get weekly emails from Carnival touting some cheap week of thrills and fatty foods on the high seas. Some of these bargains have dipped down to about $250/person. Considering that includes food, shelter and entertainment, going on a cruise might be cheaper than normal life.

Anyhow, I guess what I am saying is that, sure, I understand why people might feel the way that some feel in this thread, but I would not consider a cruise to be indicative of the problem. Now buying an iPad, THAT would be an unforgivable extravagance.

[wuapinmon]

Since going on my first (and probably last) cruise, I get weekly emails from Carnival touting some cheap week of thrills and fatty foods on the high seas. Some of these bargains have dipped down to about $250/person. Considering that includes food, shelter and entertainment, going on a cruise might be cheaper than normal life.

Anyhow, I guess what I am saying is that, sure, I understand why people might feel the way that some feel in this thread, but I would not consider a cruise to be indicative of the problem. Now buying an iPad, THAT would be an unforgivable extravagance.

What if it were to help you work? My wife is able to work from home when she has a laptop and can be in the same room with the kids while they play.

[FN Phat]

I have been in the situation as your "wife's friends". It was the most difficult, humbling, and at times, embarassing moment of my adulthood. It is by no means an easy task. I would do side jobs for the local ranchers, I picked up a part time job renting out U-Haul trucks and trailers for my EQP that owns his own equipment rental business that lasting only 2 weeks because he realized that he would make more money renting out his own trailers, I would help my great uncle clear stables and riding arenas of goat heads and most of all went into a great amount of credit card debt that we are still fighting our way out of. I say all of this because I can understand why your "wife's friends" would want to use a portion of their tax returns and get a break for a week. They probably need that break now more than ever.

[frank ryan]

If it makes you feel any better, I really doubt they are getting welfare.the income require,ents are very low, so the umemployment would disqualify them.keep in ,ind umemployment is taxable so that could explain the returm

One of my wife's friends is currently receiving government assistance. I believe her husband is on unemployment since he lost his job last year. Good on them, that is what unemployment is for. From what my wife has told me, I believe they are also receiving welfare checks for their two kids, as well as Medicaid to cover health expenses. Again, that is what it is for, so I can't complain too much.

However... wife's friend has been posting recently about how excited she is for the cruise she just booked and how she is trying to decide whether or not to buy a Netbook or an iPad with the extra money they now have and have gotten back from their HUGE Tax return. It is obviously their money and they are free to spend how they choose... but it just doesn't sit well with me that if you're getting help from the Gov to cover basic expenses that when you get extra money that you turn around and spend it on yourself.

I know my views are probably a little skewed. I've been very blessed and never had to deal with a situation like that, for which I am grateful. But I also know that I'm not afraid to get down and work hard. I avoided student loans throughout college by working two jobs in addition to my class schedule. When we were first married and my wife lost her job that covered our benefits, we didn't go the unemployment route, we both just dug a little deeper, I increased my hours (also finishing my last semester of school) and she found another part-time job. Like I said, for the most part, I have been extremely blessed that while I wouldn't say I am anywhere near being rich (especially by CUF standards), I have definitely been taken care of.

God Bless America, and us as Americans I guess for working the system. Sorry for the rant, but it bugs knowing that there are those who are willing to go out and work their butts off and struggle to make ends meet, while those who "work the system" end up receiving more compensation for doing nothing.

</rant>

[Eddie]

I think there is a wide gray area when it comes to some of this stuff.

I don't necessarily think that people getting assistance should be living high on the hog. But I don't think they have to live completely like paupers either.

I've been in conversations when someone was complaining about being behind someone in the line at the grocery who was using foodstamps to buy steaks and a big birthday cake. If that is what they are eating every day of the week - then I would agree. But I think it is OK for folks in these circumstances to have something nice once in a while - particularly if they are doing something like celebrating a birthday - to remember what it is they are working for/towards.

I don't think people should never have a vacation because they are currently unemployed.

With this particular family, they earned the money and paid the taxes and are now getting a refund. I won't fault them that - I'm getting one too and no one is telling me how I should have to spend it.

In their situation I would be putting the cash away until I was employed again, and I think what they are doing is maybe a little misguided.

But I think even people on unemployment or government assistance need to feel like they are doing more than just existing on occasion.

I think I've told the story before of a friend who is always struggling to get his bills paid and is frustrated with his sister & bro-in-law who have declared bankrupcy a couple of times now, are currently on assistance, and manage to have a nicer home, nicer vehicles, more/nicer clothing and toys for their kids, etc., etc., etc...

I'm not sure where the middle ground is. I like to think that at some point the universe (or God) will balance things out for everyone and make things "fair". But life just isn't fair. And some people just don't have the same ethics as many of us, taking advantage where they can instead of ever stopping to consider if they should.