Is anyone watching 20/20?

[imabrat]

Gosh, I feel like such a spoiled brat. It's showing the "real" Appalachia. These people are so poor, they're on welfare and go without meals some days.

I feel like a such a !@#$%^&* when I'm here saying "Woe is me. I've got cancer, I wish I wasn't sick, blah blah blah". At least my parents had the money to pay for my healthcare!
The one girl, she is such a pretty girl. Her mom was hooked on drugs and the thing she wanted most was a pair of boots like Hannah Montana wears.
And their accents! I didn't know such a Southern twang was real.

I feel horrible right now, and I'm very emotion. Let me go sob.
How do you perceive this show?

 

[BabyPiglet]

I saw this.

It's really sad, and honestly, an endless cycle unless something is done! Schools are worse in povershed towns which causes less education, which causes less oppurtunities for jobs, which causes no income, which causes people paying less taxes, which causes less money for the schools. Endless cycle.

Oh, and about the southern twang. Yeah. I mean, I live in Arkansas (a state which is usually known for being 'hickville') and I've never heard an accent like that.

Did you see the girl eating pasta and ketchup? That was so sad. It's true though, frozen and processed foods cost less than fresh fruits and veggies. Soda even costs less than bottled water in most places.

People like this who are in a blackhole with pretty much no way out really tug at my heart strings. I honestly believe that if people had some help, some kind of motivation as well, that things could actually be better.

There are children out their starving because they have absolutely no more food (like the girl said, just butter and ranch!), yet most of society continues on as if nothing bad is happening. I have never been in a situation like this but that doesn't stop me from trying to relate to the unfortunate-ness of it.

I truly want to help these people, even if I have to pay a few more taxes. Whatever it takes.

 

[STOPxmickeytime]

SHEE-OT!
I promised myself I'd remember to record this. AHH.

But yeah. No one ever thinks about Appalachia.
But it's awful conditions. In our own country.

My friend builds houses with her church Youth Group there every spring break.
She's says it's heartbreaking to see it all first hand, and makes her appreciate our luxuries that much more.

The fact that this is happening in America and nothing is being constructively done about it is sickening.

 

[BabyPiglet]

Before I get all bashed, I'd like to add;

The parents have definitely made some mistakes. I'm not trying to blame it all on the cycle, but there's a time to let things go. If they're not doing drugs anymore, then that's it. There's not reason to blame it all on them.

Like I said before, sometimes buying Pepsi or Mt. Dew is a lot cheaper than buying bottled water. They're trying to get the most out of their food stamps to keep their family fed for the longest amount of time possible.

What gets me, is basically NOTHING is going on to help the povershed/homeless in this country. What do we do instead? We sit back on our high horses and judge.

 

[nj90]

I only caught the last like ten minutes of it, but what I saw broke my heart.

I started crying when it showed Angel with her family and her daughter was crying for food. I can't believe how bad things are for those people. Just the little part that I saw was such an eye opener.

I really hope that people start acting to help because of the program. I know a lot of people are, but this could put bring about so much more action. I've been wanting to do Habitat for Humanity for a long time. Maybe after I'm done with school this summer I'll look into it again.

 

[chisnpeke]

I saw about half of it. I've been through appalachia. It starts about 2 hours east from where I live, as you get into WV and Eastern Kentucky.

There was this guy at my work who was from appalachia. His teeth weren't too great but he said he knew he had to get an education because poverty breeds poverty. You can't stay and expect things to change.

Something has got to be done for these people. Although it starts with personal responsibility...they need to lay off the soda and have better oral hygeine. A bottle of water around here costs like $1.30, a bottle of soda costs that same amount. There's no reason for these people to be drinking soda all the time and then not brushing their teeth. They are just asking for tooth decay.

It's just sad that these people don't know anything other than how they live. I really can't believe they live in this country. They don't know how to get ahead, they don't know how to better themselves really...that's why it's a neverending cycle unless they have the smarts to get out and make something of themselves.

I think that we need to be GIVING them food directly, but not food stamps to be spent on food like chips that won't nourish them. I also think that the government should invest money to help them in some way. They mostly need to be educated. They need to know how to manage money when they get a job, how to take care of themselves better, just basic life skills that they seem to lack. I mean these kids can't even read...it's just so sad and pathetic.

 

[pigletgirl]

Shoot, I forgot to watch it! I was watching Emporer's New Groove.

But it sounds super interesting. And where are they getting money for the soda?

 

[BabyPiglet]

I saw about half of it. I've been through appalachia. It starts about 2 hours east from where I live, as you get into WV and Eastern Kentucky.

There was this guy at my work who was from appalachia. His teeth weren't too great but he said he knew he had to get an education because poverty breeds poverty. You can't stay and expect things to change.

Something has got to be done for these people. Although it starts with personal responsibility...they need to lay off the soda and have better oral hygeine. A bottle of water around here costs like $1.30, a bottle of soda costs that same amount. There's no reason for these people to be drinking soda all the time and then not brushing their teeth. They are just asking for tooth decay.

It's just sad that these people don't know anything other than how they live. I really can't believe they live in this country. They don't know how to get ahead, they don't know how to better themselves really...that's why it's a neverending cycle unless they have the smarts to get out and make something of themselves.

I think that we need to be GIVING them food directly, but not food stamps to be spent on food like chips that won't nourish them. I also think that the government should invest money to help them in some way. They mostly need to be educated. They need to know how to manage money when they get a job, how to take care of themselves better, just basic life skills that they seem to lack. I mean these kids can't even read...it's just so sad and pathetic.

A liter of Diet Dr. Pepper at my local Walmart costs 78 cents. That's 64 oz. The same amount of filtered, generic brand water would cost 1.08.

Maybe it's just around here.

I agree that we should somehow GIVE them food directly. We could teach them how to have a balanced diet for the least amount of money possible.

Personally, I think it all starts at a well rounded education. If a kid learns how fascinating the world is, studies history and current events, forms a good understanding of math and science, wouldn't they be more motivated to better themselves? If they see how they can have a better life? All the possibilities?

 

[BabyPiglet]

Shoot, I forgot to watch it! I was watching Emporer's New Groove.

But it sounds super interesting. And where are they getting money for the soda?

Food stamps.

Medicaid for the little medical care they get.

And I'm guessing WIC for things like diapers, formula, etc.

My mom works with the state so I know these things, lol.

 

[pigletgirl]

Why does Food stamps let them buy soda? That shouldnt be allowed IMO.

Also, I just watched a short clip on it, and I was almost in tears (literally). I had no idea people in the UNITED STATES of all people lived in those conditions. I just wish I could help!

And WIC only lasts so long, right?

 

[BabyPiglet]

Why does Food stamps let them buy soda? That shouldnt be allowed IMO.

Also, I just watched a short clip on it, and I was almost in tears (literally). I had no idea people in the UNITED STATES of all people lived in those conditions. I just wish I could help!

And WIC only lasts so long, right?

Food stamps buys anything that's considered food. Candy bars, chips, frozen dinners, everything.

I'm thinking it should buy toilet paper and water, period. Then they only have certain things they can use the rest of the food stamps for like veggies, meat, pasta, milk, eggs, bread, etc.

I'm not sure quite what age that WIC runs out. Something like 3 or 4 I think.

I know, right? You look around my city and the surrounding cities in my point of view, and you'd never ever guess that there are homeless people walking the streets. The only reason I finally realized how bad it was, was when I started volunteering at my mom's office and saw just how many people were getting welfare and the condition these people were in (sorry for the run-on.)

 

[chisnpeke]

A liter of Diet Dr. Pepper at my local Walmart costs 78 cents. That's 64 oz. The same amount of filtered, generic brand water would cost 1.08.

Maybe it's just around here.

I agree that we should somehow GIVE them food directly. We could teach them how to have a balanced diet for the least amount of money possible.

Personally, I think it all starts at a well rounded education. If a kid learns how fascinating the world is, studies history and current events, forms a good understanding of math and science, wouldn't they be more motivated to better themselves? If they see how they can have a better life? All the possibilities?

Yea, it probably varies a lot by region.

Honestly, I think a good education is one of the most important things in life. Not necessarily college, but getting through high school is so important. I was so fortunate to go to an excellent public school. A lot of the things I learned in college english freshman year I learned in high school. It's the same with the entry level politic class I'm in...I learned a ton of the same things in government class.

Everyone should do their best to make it through school. (And I know a lot of actors quit school, but most of the ones that did I think had the talent to justify it. They also had some education and seemed pretty smart in general.) For those of us less fortunate in our acting and music abilities, getting your education is the single most important thing you can do for yourself

Anyways, these people haven't been given good educations. They haven't had people in their lives stress to them the importance of it. They see people who dropped out before them living so they figure they can too. It's so unfortunate because they are doing themselves as well as the general public a huge disservice. I mean the whole reason we go through public school is basically so we can be educated voters and well rounded citizens who can contribute positively to society. These people can't do any of that.

 

[chisnpeke]

Food stamps buys anything that's considered food. Candy bars, chips, frozen dinners, everything.

I'm thinking it should buy toilet paper and water, period. Then they only have certain things they can use the rest of the food stamps for like veggies, meat, pasta, milk, eggs, bread, etc.

I'm not sure quite what age that WIC runs out. Something like 3 or 4 I think.

I know, right? You look around my city and the surrounding cities in my point of view, and you'd never ever guess that there are homeless people walking the streets. The only reason I finally realized how bad it was, was when I started volunteering at my mom's office and saw just how many people were getting welfare and the condition these people were in (sorry for the run-on.)

That's what makes me so mad about food stamps. People buy a bunch of junk. Chips aren't going to fill you up and give you proper nourishment. People on assistance need to be buying food staples, period. So like you mentioned that would be pasta, vegetables, fruit, eggs, milk, cheese, etc. Those items are relatively cheap and will last a whole lot longer than a $3 frozen dinner.

WIC runs out when the child reaches school age, so 5 or 6. It provides milk, eggs, cheese, peanut butter.

There are so many loopholes in our welfare system.

 

[pigletgirl]

PB is a good food staple to have around. Its filling and somewhat nutritious (lots of protein).

I also think the food stamps need to be regulated as to what people can/cannot buy. A milky way and mountain dew, do NOTHING for you, yet these people are hungry. I dont get it! They need education and support.

 

[chisnpeke]

PB is a good food staple to have around. Its filling and somewhat nutritious (lots of protein).

I also think the food stamps need to be regulated as to what people can/cannot buy. A milky way and mountain dew, do NOTHING for you, yet these people are hungry. I dont get it! They need education and support.

Yea, I have a friend on food stamps and WIC that buys oreos.

She's talking about having another kid in the next year or two . I told her to get off public assistance before she does that.

 

[BabyPiglet]

That's what makes me so mad about food stamps. People buy a bunch of junk. Chips aren't going to fill you up and give you proper nourishment. People on assistance need to be buying food staples, period. So like you mentioned that would be pasta, vegetables, fruit, eggs, milk, cheese, etc. Those items are relatively cheap and will last a whole lot longer than a $3 frozen dinner.

WIC runs out when the child reaches school age, so 5 or 6. It provides milk, eggs, cheese, peanut butter.

There are so many loopholes in our welfare system.

So many loopholes.

Like how an illegal alien can come to our country and have a baby, then be financially supported by our government. They are not directly supported, but the baby is. Food stamps for the baby. Child care for the baby. Medical care for the baby.

And sadly, the parents will leech off this.

(Just saying what SOME illegal immigrants do, definitely not all.)

 

[BabyPiglet]

Yea, I have a friend on food stamps and WIC that buys oreos.

She's talking about having another kid in the next year or two . I told her to get off public assistance before she does that.

I have a distant cousin who has 3 children. The first one she had 15, the baby is now in the custody of her grandmother. She then married a trucker 3x her age and had another kid who has been in and out of the fostercare system. Not 5 months after giving birth, she gets pregnant AGAIN.

My distant cousin and he husband are now basically homeless and in and out of jail.

Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic.

People should have their freakin' lives in check before they decided to procreate. Now, if they get laid off their job and need some assistance, I'm all for that. But knowingly bringing a baby in this world when your life is in the dumps? Child abuse, period.

 

[chisnpeke]

So many loopholes.

Like how an illegal alien can come to our country and have a baby, then be financially supported by our government. They are not directly supported, but the baby is. Food stamps for the baby. Child care for the baby. Medical care for the baby.

And sadly, the parents will leech off this.

(Just saying what SOME illegal immigrants do, definitely not all.)

Yep. That makes me so

And it's not all illegals that do that, just like not everyone on welfare is a moocher. But it seems that most of the people I've come across who are on assistance don't use it the way it's meant to be used. Instead they just make their money off the government and refuse to work so they won't lose all of their benefits (know someone who said she won't work so she won't lose benefits).

 

[BabyPiglet]

Yep. That makes me so

And it's not all illegals that do that, just like not everyone on welfare is a moocher. But it seems that most of the people I've come across who are on assistance don't use it the way it's meant to be used. Instead they just make their money off the government and refuse to work so they won't lose all of their benefits (know someone who said she won't work so she won't lose benefits).

I think they've gotten accustomed to basically getting free money. So in their heads it's like 'why work for money, when i can stay home, sleep all day & still get money?'

Still just talking about the moochers, not everyone.

But like all of those tons and tons of people who are on unemployment right now because of the economy, I am more than happy to give them even more money.

 

[chisnpeke]

I think they've gotten accustomed to basically getting free money. So in their heads it's like 'why work for money, when i can stay home, sleep all day & still get money?'

Still just talking about the moochers, not everyone.

But like all of those tons and tons of people who are on unemployment right now because of the economy, I am more than happy to give them even more money.

Yea, the people on unemployment just hit a rough patch. Everyone does. That is what the assistance is there for...to help people when they truly need it and as a temporary helping hand. Unfortunately too many people think it's their right and think they are entitled to the money.