Learning From the Entitlement Crowd

As a lot of you know, I've been on hiatus for a while (much too long) dealing with some personal things going on in my life. My friends and family have been a blessing as has the new man in my life. All have been supportive and caring, and all will have my undying gratitude and love.

Since beginning my new life, I got a job with the nation's largest retailer. The atmosphere there is great, and things are looking up. Starting in apparel, I've moved on to the jewelry department where I got a small raise. A small wonder in the short two months I've been there. Working there has also opened my eyes to some of the things that continue to astound me by those who choose to live off the public dole instead of being free individuals who pave their own way in life.

One of the first things I learned is that most clothing does have limits. When cards are replenished, this is one of the first noticeable things one sees. I really wish I didn't have to see it, but..... For those who may think I'm exaggerating, go to peopleofwalmart.com for proof. Asking that material to hold back more blubber than an Eskimo fishing expedition is like trying to dam the Colorado River with Lincoln Logs.

This next lesson may make some of you queasy, so please take a few moments to grab some Pepto Bismol. Trust me. Ready? Here goes.

Those who carry an EBT card full of YOUR money are able to buy jewelry with it as long as the cash balance allows. This includes certified diamonds, gemstones, and high-end watches. I guess buying silly items such as soap, laundry detergent, or toothpaste escapes some people. Mama needs a new nose stud. And the arrogance with which it is presented is disgusting. It's almost as if the nose of the hard workers of this country is being rubbed in the fact that the only skill these people have is scamming us out of more of our money.

How many of you know that those who use food stamps don't pay taxes on food that you and I do? That's the way it works here in Pennsylvania. While you and I are paying a few extra cents on pop (soda for the rest of yinz) and other taxable food items, they don't. While it may seem petty to gripe about something like that, take the number of cases sold times 36 cents here in PA and do the math. Working people pay $3.60 more on ten cases than those who appear to have no desire to work. Multiply that by the number of cases sold nationwide at different tax rates, and you've got yourself a huge number. Better stop now or I'm going to wind up with a migraine.

So how does one keep their sanity when the welfare floodgates open approximately twice a month? I'll give you a few pointers to hopefully make it a more pleasant experience.

• Avoid going there at the beginning and midway through the month. That's when cards are replenished and the entitlement mentality flourishes. If you must go then, be prepared to see things nightmares are made of.
• If you can do so, shop very early in the day. Most of the entitlement crowd likes to stay up playing XBox until the wee hours of the morning and sleep until at least noon. This also avoids having to hear them screech at their out-of-control minions. How do I know this? You'd be surprised at the number of them going into the store with their kids in tow when I'm leaving at 11 p.m.
  
• Those of you who have elderly or disabled people with you when you go might want to follow the second bit of advice also. The availability of motorized shopping carts plummets when the welfare crowd descends upon the store.
  
• Thinking of having a cookout on the patio grilling some Delmonico or New York strip steaks? Again, go early. These items are big with those who have a card full of food stamps as are crab legs and pricey seafood.
• Avoid the electronics and toy departments unless absolutely necessary. Should you feel the need to get away from these bloodsuckers, go to the cleaning or personal care departments. A lot of them don't spend much time there.

Now that I've done my good deed for the day, I'm going to pose some questions to those dregs of society who have no desire to work. These are things I'd love to be able to ask while I'm breaking down freight or breaking my back moving merchandise.

1. What makes you think that you are entitled to the fruits of my hard work and that of millions of other Americans? If your answer is "Because I got pregnant and have no education", you lose. You should NOT be rewarded for irresponsible behavior and poor decision-making. You want the freedom to make your own choices, be free enough to accept the consequences of those decisions.
2. Why should I have to pay for your cell phone? Here in PA, welfare will provide a cell phone. That's a travesty. If your answer is "Because I deserve to have one just like everyone else", you lose. You deserve it if you earn it. All other circumstances constitute theft of the American worker with big government as your shakedown man.
3. Why are so many of those who have food stamps and choose to use them on a permanent basis so obese? If your answer is "They don't have money for food", you lose once again. Food stamps should not be feeding a steady diet of Ho Ho's and junk food. And it's about time yinz start doing what the rest of us do: get the most for your dollar. Instead of buying the high-end food and lots of convenience foods, get more for less. Just because government gave you a certain amount of my money, be frugal and don't waste it. I don't have a choice in the matter, and neither should you.
   
4. When one decides to live off of welfare, why does personal hygiene seem to be the first thing to go? While I understand that circumstances in a person's life may be that they don't have a lot of money (Believe me; I'm living it.), there is NO reason to be filthy dirty. Have some self-respect and some consideration for those around you. Instead of spending $30 on snow crab legs, use it to go to the laundromat. Take the $20-$25 you spend on fancy steaks and buy soap and shampoo. It really doesn't cost that much. You may have to be poor, but you don't have to be dirty. Oh....and please at least wash your children's faces and hands before going out in public. They will learn what you teach them.
5. Why is it that the generational welfare crowd sees no problem with multiplying like rabbits? If you need welfare for one child, doesn't that give you any hint that it's not going to get better when you have 3, 4, 5, or 8? Refer to #1 for more ranting.

Thanks to those who have taken the time to read my rant. It's a much needed venting that's long overdue.