A short while back, I saw where there was an increase in the amount food stamp recipients will be getting. By now, it has probably taken effect. I wasn't going to comment on it because I had done my post on "The Gimme Crowd" (check "welfare" label) and didn't want to be redundant. Well, today changed that.
I had to run an errand for my husband this morning, and, since I didn't have the kids with me, decided to stop at Wal-Mart and actually take the time to look at things I wanted to but never seem to be able to do. It was nice to actually have some alone time. Not that I don't love my kids, but...
I picked up a few items for my daughter's birthday on Monday (she's into the Jonas Brothers OMG!!!!) before heading to the checkout. What happened there PISSED ME OFF!!!
In Pennsylvania, welfare recipients get an "ACCESS Card". It's like a debit card, and all of their benefits, food stamps and cash, can be handled with this card. Usually, in PA, accounts are replenished at the beginning and middle of the month.
Needing cigs, I got in the cigarette checkout behind a couple who looked like they were in their early 20's. They were stereotypical white trash looking. They each had a buggy: one with nothing but Pepsi and Mountain Dew, and the other with food and miscellaneous items.
After putting the food and other items on the belt (I noticed about 10 DVDs and some New York Strip and Delmonico steaks), I watched as the girl got out her ACCESS card. Needless to say, I went from zero to bitch in 0.2 seconds.
I proceeded to get on the phone with a friend of mine and start ranting. When asked what I was doing, I told her that I was behind some "white trash spending our money" at Wal-Mart. Mind you, I have a big mouth, and there was NO WAY this couple could avoid hearing me. I went on about how I wished WE could afford the finest steaks and latest DVDs and how no one seems to have any shame about using other people's money to get these things because getting a J-O-B would cut in on their video game time. My friend was speechless (not an easy thing to do).
The happy couple went on to talk to the cashier while she was ringing up their order about the party they were having tonight. Grilling steaks, watching movies, etc. Sounds great doesn't it? Before swiping the almighty ACCESS card, this couple got TWO cartons of cigs. And not the cheap ones I had to switch to. Two cartons of Marlboro for them, one pack of off-brand for me.
They ended up getting over $200 worth of Pepsi and Mountain Dew. Mr. Wonderful had his own ACCESS card. That's when my jaw almost hit the floor.
As they were leaving the checkout, I yelled over "You're welcome!" They just kinda looked at me as I said "For all your stuff...you know....I paid for that!" At that point, they realized they weren't dealing with anyone rational and just kept on walking. The cashier looked at me and just started smiling. I think I spoke for her, too.
It's time people start to realize that the welfare crowd is not doing this as a stepping stone to a better life. This is the bedrock of their existence. I say "Bring back the stigma!"
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8 comments:
Wow, I wish I could have been behind you, I would have started clapping.
Just reading that made me MAD. In Illinois it's the Link Card...I luv all the euphanisms, why don't they just call it the "Lazy Ass Trash Sponging Off Hardworking Taxpayers Card".
I can't afford all that nice stuff either, and all the scums at every store around here, spending my money, getting their stuff, and I'm eating the $1 at McD's, I don't have cable, crap I still have aol dial-up! I don't know how you stood it without puking! The thing is, they also HAVE NO SHAME, so I'm sure your phone call was lost on them. Modern Day USA, sad times.
Bunni: I'm so sick and tired of this crowd thinking that they should have everything those of us who work for it do without having to earn it.
I love your name for the welfare card! Spot on, girl!
And then of course they'll run out of money before the end of the month and complain that the government doesn't give them enough.
I have a sister who moved to the dark side and adopted this mentality early in life. I'd take her shopping at the first of the month and she'd by steak tips and such while I, who was working and therefore supporting her with my tax dollars, was living on macaroni and cheese and roman noodles.
Spinster: I hear you, sista! It's really sad that this whole class of people has emerged in this society. They get subsidized everything from food to cell phones, yet they still whine that not enough is being done. I had just had enough today.
It's so true. I've written about this before and you've inspired me to make another post, but when people get things like food stamps, if they feel beholden to anyone at all, it's the politicians like Obama. It's not their money though. It's are's, but they never seem to respect or feel thankful for that. There's no reason for change. The transaction is completely sterile. People believe they deserve it, not that they are lucky we the people are so generous.
It's better when people help each other out personally than for the government to try and force "fairness."
C-Gen: They're not thankful or respectful. It makes me sick that so many people even boast about how they work the system. And you're right...they're going to keep voting for those who promise them goodies. My opinion? If you're getting welfare, you can't vote. Seems like a conflict of interest.
Naturally...I lived in Allegheny County (where it's 7 percent sales tax, so you can pay for things like stadiums...though...I do love my Steelers...alas) for 10 years before getting out.
The welfare crowd knows no color lines...its their government cheese, and whatever it takes to keep it, they'll do it...including electing idiots like Obugger.
That's why I feel that if you get welfare, you shouldn't be allowed to vote, Dave. Makes noooo sense!
Check out my profile picture on home page. Had to get my Steeler tattoo!!! :-D
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