Today I read something that almost made me cry. I would have cried had I not almost immediately went from sadness to utter anger at those incompetent jackasses in office. We have children starving in our backyards, yet our government can’t find a way to help them. Instead they find it necessary to add more asinine entitlement programs like the Free "Emergency" Cell Phone.
Isn’t it amazing how a having a cell phone becomes a “necessity”, but we have starving families in this country. Why in the hell are we (meaning the elected jackasses) even considering spending tax money on things like that? It’s time we get our electoral house in order and make food more important of an issue than “communications rights”.
Some of you may already know how I feel about the current welfare system. It’s broke, filled with theft, incompetence and just plain ignorance. But regardless, FOOD should come first.
And isn’t it “amazing” how non-government programs find ways to provide food and services for the needy? Our local food pantry, community organizations and various churches are able to help those in need. Without stealing money from your paycheck. Without threat of force.
I’m not one who normally asks others to rally for a cause, or to Save the Whales or to Yadda-Yadda. But I would like you to at least think about donating a can or two of food to your local shelter. Or toss an extra dollar into the special collections plate at your place of worship.
There are people hurting - really hurting - in this economy, and guess what? The Feds are not going to come to the rescue (and if they claim to, please please tell me you don’t believe their lies). And unfortunately, it's only going to get worse.
Tomorrow when Rhiannon and I go to the Library to meet with the homeschooling group, instead of going to play time afterwards, we’re going to the store. To hell with No Spend August. It may not be a lot, but we’re going to buy a bag or two of groceries for the local food pantry and drop it off.
Wow. Great post! That actually inspired me too. I'll have to see where our local pantry is and drop off a few things. Maybe even a box of Lucky Charms. Mmmmmmm...
ReplyDeleteYou freaking rock, that's all I have to say. I read the article (and did cry) and then I read the comment you posted to the article. Amen, Amen, Amen, girl. You said it all. :)
ReplyDeleteMy husband works for the Food stamp/medical/cash assistance program and he totally is opposed to the attitude of his co-workers, supervisors, etc. of "just give it to them". He goes by "policy" and is very "by-the-book", which makes his clients file complaints against him a lot, as they aren't used to actually having to provide proof of income, etc. but what makes him maddest is that policy usually goes in favor of the people who can find a way around all the loopholes. I wish he could find a new job, but with me still unemployed, he is stuck there. Since I volunteer at food banks, I see people abusing them also. They come on a weekly basis, pick up their food box, then I see them buying beer and cigs at the store. I could go on, but I don't need to raise my blood pressure right now.
ReplyDeleteWe feel the same way about money going overseas to other countries when we have so many starving and homeless right here at home!
ReplyDeleteI think all the kitchens and food banks are hurting now because of the terrible unemployment and general bad economy.
It is a great idea for all of us to donate what we can on a regular basis.
I so enjoy your blog! Thank you for sharing bits of your life :)
ReplyDeleteBefore you shop for your food pantry, give them a quick call to see what they are most in need of. Ours is well supported by local stores in the food department but lacks basic cleaning and hygiene items. Bags of dried beans languish on the shelves while cans of spaghettios fly out the door. Anyway, all I'm saying is touch base with them so anything you do spend meets their greatest needs.
FTR, I agree that cell phones are as necessary as beer and caviar. And I won't even talk about our recent gift to Somalia...
Right on target as usual, Carolyn! I send a monthly check to our local food bank because a) they need it and b) I believe in community support first. The government (on all levels) almost constantly misses the mark. They are so out of touch with the needs of the people in this country it's criminal. I wish our local food bank could accept produce, etc. Because NYS is the worst state in the union (IMHO) and they (the food bank) get financial support from the state, it's deemed too "dangerous" to accept local produce. But, whoa Nelly, stock up those Twinkies! Don't get me started.
ReplyDeleteI know that there are those that take advantage of both the taxpayer-funded welfare and the private groups, it's just sad that they have no morals and sadder still that they are literally taking food out of children's mouths.
ReplyDeleteI don't take convenience foods or junk foods to the food pantry, regardless of what "goes fastest". In my opinion, I think providing junk food only perpertuates the imagined need for such items. If there were only the basics on the food pantry shelves, those that really, REALLY needed the help would be more than happy to put a little bit of effort into their dinner making. Those freeloaders are more likely to pass up such items, leaving food for those that do need it.
It's like walking a tight rope. You want to help, you just don't want to help those who feel entitled. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't help at all because inevitably, someone who truly needs it wont get it. It's a terrible shame that we help so many other countries and can't fix ourselves. Why is that? Why haven't we rebuilt the hurricane/tornado/wildfire stricken areas after years...years! It makes me sad. And it makes me angry that we have become such a lazy country. Oh so many ways my brain is moving right now and none of them good. I'd give the shirt off my back!
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