just can't stand it anymore!!!!!! VENT RANT

[robinb]

I'm afraid to respond to this thread because I get flagged for being political however to me it is a political thread. I just heard on the news today that 1 out of 8 people in the US in on food stamps. Until the other 7 out of 8 we Americans gets tired off paying for others who don't want to work, nothing will change.

Stereotype much?

 

[leahjade]

Stereotype? You can't really mess with government statistics - they're facts! More and more people are living on the government dole and less and less people are paying taxes to support this way of life. What was meant for emergencies and to get through a tough spot has become a generational tradition. All we have to do is look at what's going on in Greece to realize that the government can't keep supporting everyone by paying out more than it's taking in.

 

[eliza61]

Stereotype? You can't really mess with government statistics - they're facts! More and more people are living on the government dole and less and less people are paying taxes to support this way of life. What was meant for emergencies and to get through a tough spot has become a generational tradition. All we have to do is look at what's going on in Greece to realize that the government can't keep supporting everyone by paying out more than it's taking in.

actually you're wrong Leah, '09 was the first year that the amount of people on welfare rose. that was a result of the recession. for the prior 15 years the number of peple on welfare has actually decreased.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-01-25-welfare-rolls_N.htm

What government statistics are you looking at?

That's a myth people like to perpetuate to blame every thing on the "Lazy bums on welfare"

According to the Dept of Health and Human services less than 5% of the population are on public assistance.

 

[robinb]

I'm afraid to respond to this thread because I get flagged for being political however to me it is a political thread. I just heard on the news today that 1 out of 8 people in the US in on food stamps. Until the other 7 out of 8 we Americans gets tired off paying for others who don't want to work, nothing will change.

Stereotype? You can't really mess with government statistics - they're facts! More and more people are living on the government dole and less and less people are paying taxes to support this way of life. What was meant for emergencies and to get through a tough spot has become a generational tradition. All we have to do is look at what's going on in Greece to realize that the government can't keep supporting everyone by paying out more than it's taking in.

Yup. Stereotype.

 

[Kay1]

So, have the posting guidelines changed? Political discussions are allowed now?

OP, since your neighbor trusts enough to share such personal information, maybe you should respect her and gently tell her why you think she is making poor choices. Perhaps it's just nothing she considered and she might change her ways. Gossiping behind her back on a travel-related board gives her no redress and could be seen as a bit unseemly, don't you think?

 

[eliza61]

These may be a little off. I did a grad school paper many years ago on welfare reform.

Here are the statistics on welfare recipients:
Traits of families on AFDC (1)

Race
--------------
White 38.8%
Black 37.2
Hispanic 17.8
Asian 2.8
Other 3.4

Time on AFDC
---------------------------
Less than 7 months 19.0%
7 to 12 months 15.2
One to two years 19.3
Two to five years 26.9
Over five years 19.6

Number of children
-------------------
One 43.2%
Two 30.7
Three 15.8
Four or more 10.3

Age of Mother
------------------
Teenager 7.6%
20 - 29 47.9
30 - 39 32.7
40 or older 11.8

Status of Father 1973 2002
-------------------------------------
Divorced or separated 46.5% 28.6
Deceased 5.0 1.6
Unemployed or Disabled 14.3 9.0
Not married to mother 31.5 55.3
Other or Unknown 2.7 5.5
Notes on teenagers

As the statistics show, teenage mothers comprise a very small part of the welfare population.

And contrary to popular belief, teenage pregnancy has declined in the last several decades. Many are surprised to learn that the height of teenage pregnancy in the U.S. actually occurred in the 1950s - a decade known for its supposed conservative social values. Between 1960 and 1992, the number of births per 1,000 teenagers (aged 15-19) declined from 89 to 61. (2)

 

[ado121]

im from canada, and i would report her if she lived next door to me. and we are supposed to be the friendliest people in the world.

you will feel better for reporting her and facing whatever wrath she has in store for you than doing nothing saying nothing and steaming about it.

i give you big hugs. its a hard decision you have to make. but i think its one you already have made. just sit down, take a deep breath, collect your thoughts, and make the call.

 

[mnrose]

These may be a little off. I did a grad school paper many years ago on welfare reform.

Here are the statistics on welfare recipients:
Traits of families on AFDC (1)

Race
--------------
White 38.8%
Black 37.2
Hispanic 17.8
Asian 2.8
Other 3.4

Time on AFDC
---------------------------
Less than 7 months 19.0%
7 to 12 months 15.2
One to two years 19.3
Two to five years 26.9
Over five years 19.6

Number of children
-------------------
One 43.2%
Two 30.7
Three 15.8
Four or more 10.3

Age of Mother
------------------
Teenager 7.6%
20 - 29 47.9
30 - 39 32.7
40 or older 11.8

Status of Father 1973 2002
-------------------------------------
Divorced or separated 46.5% 28.6
Deceased 5.0 1.6
Unemployed or Disabled 14.3 9.0
Not married to mother 31.5 55.3
Other or Unknown 2.7 5.5
Notes on teenagers

As the statistics show, teenage mothers comprise a very small part of the welfare population.

And contrary to popular belief, teenage pregnancy has declined in the last several decades. Many are surprised to learn that the height of teenage pregnancy in the U.S. actually occurred in the 1950s - a decade known for its supposed conservative social values. Between 1960 and 1992, the number of births per 1,000 teenagers (aged 15-19) declined from 89 to 61. (2)

But, we should never let the facts get in the way of our stereotypes and beliefs. LOL!

 

[eliza61]

I'm afraid to respond to this thread because I get flagged for being political however to me it is a political thread. I just heard on the news today that 1 out of 8 people in the US in on food stamps. Until the other 7 out of 8 we Americans gets tired off paying for others who don't want to work, nothing will change.

This was last year and a direct result of the recession.
You didn't read the entire article. here is the link, it's from a NY times report.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/29/us/29foodstamps.html?_r=1
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/11/28/us/20091128-foodstamps.html

More and more people have been driven to food stamps and food banks since 07 due to job loss. not because they don't want to work.

I, in no way want to discount the abuse that goes on. It definitely needs to be addressed but there are good, hard working, law abiding citizens who have hit upon devestating times. If you don't think so, just think of those fishermen who are about to lose every thing due to an oil spill.
I know it's easy to think all people on welfare are living la vida loca but the truth is far different.

 

[leahjade]

Whether the rates are rising or not, the fact is that 1 out of 8 households is getting food stamps and 47% of US households pay NO federal income tax. So the problem then becomes who is left to foot these bills?

 

[Shreggor]

fyi - modification program is meant to bailout homeowners not real estate investors.

Part of the whole mess is speculators presented themselves as homeowners vs investors to avoid paying the higher investment mortgage rates typically charged. Most were looking for the looser qualifications required/lower rates & then tried to flip homes when they saw their equity vanish.

Apparently, the banks are checking eligibility credentials for modifications to the point of asking for utility bills to verify the person applying is living in the home...as a Realtor i say it's about time.

I'm not sure if this was directed at my post or not. But in my example, the modification was for 3 people who all live in the house they were trying to modify. It is their primary residence.

 

[crisi]

I, in no way want to discount the abuse that goes on. It definitely needs to be addressed but there are good, hard working, law abiding citizens who have hit upon devestating times. If you don't think so, just think of those fishermen who are about to lose every thing due to an oil spill.
I know it's easy to think all people on welfare are living la vida loca but the truth is far different.

And that's why I said upthread that there are two reasons to report. One, because we taxpayers don't want to pay if she isn't actually entitled and is defrauding the system. And second, everyone who does defraud the system makes it that much harder for people who NEED the support. Plenty of good, hardworking people have bad things happen to them and need help - and our government should be there to help. I certainly pay taxes so that if I need help, its there for ME.

There but for the Grace of God go I.

 

[leahjade]

Even though teen childbearing overall has declined steeply over the last half-century, the proportion of all teen births that are nonmarital has increased equally dramatically, from 13% in 1950 to 79% in 2000

In the 50's people married and had children much earlier thus the higher teenaged pregnancy rate. The reason for much of the poverty in the US is the single mother problem.

 

[Anjelica]

And that's why I said upthread that there are two reasons to report. One, because we taxpayers don't want to pay if she isn't actually entitled and is defrauding the system. And second, everyone who does defraud the system makes it that much harder for people who NEED the support. Plenty of good, hardworking people have bad things happen to them and need help - and our government should be there to help. I certainly pay taxes so that if I need help, its there for ME.

Stop making sense....

 

[akayek31]

In the 50's people married and had children much earlier thus the higher teenaged pregnancy rate. The reason for much of the poverty in the US is the single mother problem.[/QUOTE]

Its nice to know that my children and I are a problem. Thanks for the info. I work two jobs to take care of my children and am a single mom. I don't think I have ever been so offended by a post on here where I come to learn about my happy place.

 

[keishashadow]

I'm not sure if this was directed at my post or not. But in my example, the modification was for 3 people who all live in the house they were trying to modify. It is their primary residence.

it was thought u meant a rental property. Three people living in the house & all on the mortage should qualify for re-modification if debt to income is over 38% of gross...as i (vaguely) understand it the goal is to bring it under that % via rate & mortgage adjustment & allow the homeowners to get back on their feet.

perhaps the group should re-inquire or the other 2 not working could possibly sign a quit-claim deed, get mortgage forberance & let the friend remodify on his own. They need to go back to the bank, never hurts to ask for a review of a decision.

 

[keishashadow]

]

In the 50's people married and had children much earlier thus the higher teenaged pregnancy rate. The reason for much of the poverty in the US is the single mother problem.[/QUOTE]

Its nice to know that my children and I are a problem. Thanks for the info. I work two jobs to take care of my children and am a single mom. I don't think I have ever been so offended by a post on here where I come to learn about my happy place.

many of us have been struggling single moms, willing to bet the majority wasn't a personal lifestyle choice.

it's easy to sit in a mcmansion & cast stones when many families are a few paychecks or a messy marital bustup away from being on the street

hold your head high for not giving up, hope all your hard work will eventually pay off

 

[BellvilleDad]

And contrary to popular belief, teenage pregnancy has declined in the last several decades. Many are surprised to learn that the height of teenage pregnancy in the U.S. actually occurred in the 1950s - a decade known for its supposed conservative social values. Between 1960 and 1992, the number of births per 1,000 teenagers (aged 15-19) declined from 89 to 61. (2)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/25/AR2010012503957.html

"The pregnancy rate among teenage girls in the United States has jumped for the first time in more than a decade,..."

 

[drcmk]

The reason for much of the poverty in the US is the single mother problem.

I'm much more concerned about the deadbeat Dad problem.

 

[overlyspoiled4sure]

Then there's the kids who are left out in the cold, so to speak, because their dads are jerks who end up in prison because of bad choices & messy divorces. The government isn't there to help those single mom familes.