Freeloading on the Taxpayer's Dime

15 December 2003 | Andy Obermann

[AndyObermann]

Freeloading on the Taxpayer’s Dime By: Andy Obermann 14 December 2003

The other day I was at the grocery store doing some shopping. I patiently waited in line to purchase a few miscellaneous items. In front of me, a woman, no older than forty, was buying two sodas, two packs of gum, and a personal size bag of potato chips—trivial purchases, a snack perhaps. She proceeded to pull out what appeared to be a credit or debit card to pay for the goods. An unnecessary step for such a menial purchase, I thought. Much to my surprise, however, she was paying for these goods with her Food Stamp benefit card. It struck me as odd, very odd, but nothing was said of it and she moved on.

In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson passed the first national Food Stamp Act. In it, he outlined a plan to provide adequate nourishment for all American citizens as part of his “Great Society”. In 1976, President Jimmy Carter approved a revision of the law eliminating purchase requirements and simplifying eligibility standards. Thanks to these reductions the present day Food Stamp Program touted a massive 6.5 million recipients and a payout of more than half a billion dollars, approximately $566,569,725, to be exact.

Now, I don’t know or really want to understand what Carter was thinking, but I’d be willing to bet that soda and gum weren’t the types of food good ole’ LBJ had in mind. Aside from the fact that the Constitution affords government no power to enact such a program, one would think that at the very least, the way these monies are spent would be monitored. It’s likely that a significant portion of that half a billion could be used elsewhere if the reckless spending habits of recipients were scrutinized a bit more closely.

Normally, I’m against government intrusion in the lives of everyday people, but for this I’ll definitely make an exception. Why isn’t there some sort of provision in Welfare programs as to how these precious government funds can be spent? Is it really that intrusive to say, “Ok, since you’re getting taxpayer money from the government, we’re going to determine what you’re allowed to buy with it and monitor those purchases?”

An honest proposal would be to restrict Food Stamp purchases to the four basic food groups; grains, meats/poultry, dairy, fruits/vegetables. If this were violated, privileges would be revoked and stores in breech would be reprimanded. What’s wrong with that? Superfluous purchases such as chips and soda don’t provide adequate nourishment anyway, so why not?

A lot of you aren’t going to like this, but I’ll go one further, once a citizen has been on the program for an extended period of time, they should start losing some of the privileges that taxpayers receive. I don’t think that those who are on these programs indefinitely should be allowed to partake in voting. Maybe this would provide a little motivation to stop mooching off the hard-earned profits of others. Think about it, why should they have any say over how tax dollars are spent, when they foot none of the bill? Why should they be able to choose the leaders who shape America’s economic policies, when their earnings will not be used to fund these policies?

Now before all of you start berating me for being insensitive, let me qualify this theory. I’m not talking about citizens receiving disability and unemployment or families that legitimately go on these programs out of need. I’m referring to the chronic abusers—those who have been on these programs for years and years that have not attempted, and do not desire to get off. I’m talking about those who give our social Welfare programs a black eye: the freeloaders.

Look, if a family is in need, if the primary bread-winner has lost his or her job, or something terribly unexpected occurs, these programs can be of great assistance. There is no shame in needing or receiving help when one falls on tough times. That is why these programs were created; they are warranted for these urgent situations. They aren’t, however, meant as a long-term solution.

The government needs to take a serious look at the abuses these sorts of programs incur, and soon. If politicians don’t, perhaps the American taxpayer should look for leaders who will.

[Lazamataz]

If it is, and you are someday disabled yourself, I hope for your sake that we've grown as a people beyond such sentiments ...

Are there no prisons? And the Union workhouses? Are they still in operation? The Treadmill and the Poor Law are in full vigour, then?

[Stephen Ritter]

"I like exposing the commies."

Then, go do the same. You'll be wasting you time with me. I've fought in conservatism's wars for the hearts and minds of the people since before you were born, I'd imagine (from the immature qualtiy of your posts).

I fought for Barry Goldwater in 1964. My reward: duty in Vietnam, with the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and the Purpule Heart. But I was glad to do it because I was fighting for my country and against Sovet expansionism.

I fought for Richard Nixon in 1968 and in 1972. For my troubles, I was attacked repeatedly on the streets for my opposition to the "people's will." But it was necessary. McGovern had to go down to defeat. He was a socialist, and an enemy.

At the university, I've had many an argument with the Lefties (and won more than one of them) over the election of Ronald Reagan, whom I regard as the greatest American president of the 20th Century.

In recent years, I've been one of the most vociferous defenders of the right, and of Mr. Rush Limbaugh, you could ever find. Indeed, he himself said that ... by comparison with me ... he's a New York socialist. It seems that he doesn't like my opposition to free trade.

I've been in the trenches all of my life fighting for what is right. Most recently, I've stood my ground and been arrested by my activities on behalf of the unborn ... America's national sin of the Holocaust, abortion. I'm a lifelong member of the NRA. My family has been Republican since 1854, and one of them worked in Mr. Lincoln's campaign in 1860.

And you antangonism towards has originated simply because I don't agree with you. That makes me a "commie" and a "lefty". "Expose" me all you like. You'll find it a difficult proposition. It's sort of like proving that a Chevy is a Ford. Not easy ...

I know who I am, sir, and "lefty" and "commie" do not fit into the description for me. Call me all the abusives you can cram into your brain. I know who I am, nonetheless.

[Stephen Ritter]

"You've said you're "entitled" to this money, and that indicates to us that your "conservatism" is suspect."

You've consistently misunderstood me, sir. I'm entitled to this because it's the law. If you don't like the law, then change it.

But if you're ever in this condition, you will do whatever it takes to survive. On this, I can assure you ...

Naturally, my conservatism will no longer be suspect when I'm paying taxes again (as I continue to do on my home and two acres, which I WILL NOT give up).

[Stephen Ritter]

"So, stepehen, is your internet service free as well? Do you own your own computer???"

Do you have a need to know? Or does your taxpayers status give the right to know, to invade my privacy?

Merry Christmas ...

[Stephen Ritter]

"I do vote for the right people, but they always seem to be the lesser of all evils."

Then, look into the Constitution Party. It's America's last hope at a conservative future.

[Stephen Ritter]

"I predict that you won't last two weeks before the site owner boots you out. He doesn't like liberals coming in to disrupt the site."

Go to other threads and read my posts, if you think I'm such a liberal disruption.

[Stephen Ritter]

"Are there no prisons? And the Union workhouses? Are they still in operation? The Treadmill and the Poor Law are in full vigour, then?"

Bah! Humbug!

[Lazamataz]

Bah! Humbug!

;^)

[douglas1]

OK now we have two diqualifiers if you dont own a home or if your recieving goverment assistance you cant vote allright ,whats next my husband and I pay A WHOLE LOT OF TAXES but we dont own our own home, and whats more we dont qualify for any programs that are aimed at helping people buy their own home, now you are telling us we havent the right to vote nice real nice.

[Kieri]

What many people don't realize is there are strict guidelines as to how WIC operates in regards to children's nutrition.

In the state of Michigan, WIC has certain brands and products it covers. For example, it will cover one brand of peanut butter (Jif?) and not Peter Pan. It covers Welchs' red grape juice but not white. If a baby in foster care requires a soy-based formula the parent can get permission for it easily enough, but getting special formulas can be tricky. It also covers limited brands of diapers, milk, etc.

I do find it interesting this system is applied to children in foster care (where the parents are required to go through training), and not to food stamps where no counseling is required by recipients.

[solo gringo]

If you lived along the border of the USA[ie Mexico] you would realy get an eye opener.A person will have two some three and some times one baskets full of groceres.Check out and pull the plastic or food stamps.Pay with them go out to the parking lot and load this in a new car with mexico lic.plates that is abuse you ask the manager why he says we sell grocers not police the people with plastic or food stamps.

[douglas1]

WE are a compassionate nation and I want you to know that most of AMERICANS are wishing you the best ,these programs were put into place for people just like you , and may this CHRISTMAS and this new year be bountiful for you and your family.

[JoeGar]

An honest proposal would be to restrict Food Stamp purchases to the four basic food groups; grains, meats/poultry, dairy, fruits/vegetables.

Before Food Stamps, the Government had a commodity program that distributed flour, sugar, cheese, etc., to the poor. Many did not take advantage of the commodity program because it involved work: getting the food, preparing the food, etc.

[M0sby]

I know what you mean about buying non essential stuff...it is a really tough situation though, at times.
I work with Special Ed folks who work, but make well below the poverty level, even with their SSI assistance.
The really dumb thing about food stamps is that they do NOT allow one to buy necessities like TOILET PAPER and, well, monthly, girl products! I KNOW they are called food stamps, yes, but people need things besides FOOD to make it an their own.
So if one of my "clients" has enough pocket money to get some gum or a soda (as seems ok to me to spend you pocket money on) I will advise them to use their food stamps for these $3-$5 per week expenditures and then use their pocket money for TP and the other stuff.
Light bulbs, TP, shampoo, soap, toilet cleaner, dish soap, laundry detergent...just about anything with tax on it is not available for purchase with food stamps.

I sure know what you mean about the abuse of the system, though. Their are lots of places where you can "sell" you stamps for 5o cents on the dollar. Then you can have CASH to buy your smokes, etc...

Hard call as to what to do about it. I have heard suggestions for "coupons" that have the actual items printed on them..IE "fruit" coupon for $5.00. TP/toiletries coupon for $5.00 etc...

BTW, a single low income person in our state (WA) gets over $100/month in food stamps. Kinda tight for a Special Ed person who needs more prepared type food, but doable with help.

[freedox]

"Alright, answer me this question. I once made over $100,000 per year. After disability hit, and after all assets were sold and all of our resources were exhausted, just exactly how is one to pay for an $800 per month prescription drug cost?"

Stephen, it might be too late to help you, but hopefully I can help a few others who are reading this thread. Several years ago, my husband became permanently disabled from a very lucrative career, so I do know a bit about this subject. Here's a little tip for all of you:

Private Disability Insurance........buy it today!

Since my husband's disability, I have been shocked by the number of people who seem to assume that disability automatically means "public assistance." It doesn't. Private disability insurance should be included in every responsible wage earner's budget......and I thank God it was included in my husband's. Trust me, it can make all the difference in the world if you are ever faced with the misfortune of becoming disabled.

[1john2 3and4]

if i had control over the way my money was spent, id see that you and yours ate all the steak you wanted. thank you for your service to our country!

[M0sby]

They still have this program...their are massive amounts of this "stuff" available at ANY govt supplied food bank.
TONS AND TONS of it at least in our area.
Big problem I see at our local food bank is that the folks who are going their do not have a way to get the stuff home.
I have often thought that this would be a valuable church type charity for someone to do. Provide rides for folks HOME from the food bank, so they can carry the heavy stuff.
Have you ever noticed that the "good for you food" is the heaviest. I sure didn't before I was their.
What I have seen is the PASTA box (mac and cheese etc) and the bread stuff goes fast, while the Potatoes, flour, cheese and even cans of peanut butter sit their forever!

Weird thing to observe.

[FITZ]

The government programs allowed us to live independently.

Except you aren't living independently --- but that's one of the big flaws in the system --- you might have worked many years and paid in ---- but now you're living on the same programs as the loafers who never have worked, never intend to work are --- and they are able-bodied. There should be insurance plans that cover long-term disability but the able bodied should be required to work for a living.

[republicofdavis]

Setting aside the question of whether these programs are legal, I think that most on this forum would agree that if these programs are in place, they should be providing funds to the truly needy or ill, not the long-term layabout. You sound like the kind of person who was struck with a sudden, devastating illness that makes it impossible to work and I would not begrudge you the assistance. You've clouded the situation somewhat in my mind by taking your wife out of the discussion. Either she's got a legitimate disability, in which case see above, or she's got a bogus disability (alcoholism, drug abuse, etc.) in which case my thoughts on the issue would change.

As for whether the government that hands you money can tell you what to spend it on, I say they can. They do it to businesses all the time, including telling them the race and sex of the people they have to hire to perform a government project. Don't like it, don't participate. It would be easy enough to program cash registers with foods that are Food Stamp eligible or ineligible.

[FITZ]

I get it, now. That's our way out of the welfare crisis in America. Let 'em all die, right?

The food stamp program should be ended --- there are food banks that people contribute food for the poor ---- the practical conservatives would contribute basic foods like beans, rice, flour. The generous liberals I'm sure will contribute candies, cookies, cavier.

All contributions should be private ---- true charity which is the realm of the Church. Get the government out of the Church's job.