I have seen alot of things in my life- but what I can't wrap my mind around is the phenomenom of what in the mid-west is called "Link Card"=- now I understand the basics of it all from a food stamp/assistance program from the government.

What I don't understand is the "selling" of the link card for cash, People will actually follow you around the supermarket and ask you if the money you are using to pay for your food can be given to them and they will in turn pay for your food tax free with their link cards.

Or my friends asking "how much you wanna buy off my link card"- and will hand over their link card passcode and all in exchange for cash. WTH? The govt need to find a better way to feed the needy with my tax money- because right now those funds are being used for the latest fashions and hairstyles.

but thats not my rant- ladies- if you have a link card please buy food for yourself and your babies. don't go to the gas station and buy chips and snacks. dont get your hair done- dont sell your link card for shoes- and keep away from me at the grocery store- you look like crack-head pick pockets.

The government will usually give families way more in food cards than they will cash. They might give you $600.00 on food and maybe $300.00 in cash. I have seen a lot of cards being sold and from what I have seen is the money being used for drugs.
They even sell their monthly bus passes for the same thing.

Evvy said:

I tell you what - I don't want my tax money being used to feed morons like you described. Not my fault they made poor life decisions.

Most people do this to get drug money.

i'm sure they do- but i'm talking about these young moms I know with 4 or 5 kids- no job getting 600 a month for food but then using this card to go get their hair and nails done- .....

how are you gonna have a program to pay your rent and most of your utilities- free preschool- a medical card-all your prescriptions for $1 and then use your free food money to upgrade your carefree lifestyle

while I work- pay outta pocket for medical expenses and can barely go to the hair and nail salon?? wth??

They do both.
I know what Evvy's talkin about with the latest fashions.
One of my dearest friends works in public housing and folk come in to file complaints or apply or whatever with their nails "did" to the 9's and the latest Gucci/LV bags (real) in tow.

WTF???

johnart said:

But this isn't a new phenomenon. I was a checker in a grocery store 20 years ago and folks were doing this with paper food stamps then. It ain't never gonna change.

SCNDLS said:

seems like our highly intelligent governmental authourities could stay a step ahead of crack heads and teen moms . ...but then again it's our tax dollars that are being wasted...

Evvy said:

I KNOW you're not seriously relying on the gov't to take preventive measures to avoid wasting our tax dollars???

SCNDLS said:

you're right and by the same token I can't be upset at these young ladies- I should congratulate them.

But imma still avoid any and all grocery stores on the 1st and second- the po man's guvment pay day.

Evvy said:

Wise move.

all politicians know that if we get serious about making it impossible to get money without doing any work, they'll all be out of a 'job'.

If the government isn't doing a good job, that's on each and every one of us. They are our elected officials and they answer to us. It's our shame when they fail and our victory when they succeed.

As for public assistance, it's a shame to see it being taken advantage of, but it's still a neccessity for those who are truly in need. It is up to US to solve the problem.

I remember when I had young babies and I would buy formula, I being on a budget was stuck buying the cheaper "Carnation good start brand" for let's say 15.00, and then I would see people on assistance "buying" the good stuff "similac" at 25.00 a can. It use to make me fume! Why did I, who works hard for a living
have to buy the cheap crap, and people on assistance get the option for the fancy stuff? This may seem petty, but I always noticed it and felt anger.


* as for why I did not simply breatfeed? first 2 kids loved it, second 2 kids hated it.

PaisleyPark5083 said:

i've been sick and needed antibiotics and had to pay over 100 bucks- and the public aid chick in the pharmacy is complaining about the 1 buck she has to ccough up. It does make you wanna cry...

Evvy said:

The system is fucked up for sure. I hope you feel better soon!

PaisleyPark5083 said:

thanks

CarrieMpls said:

Co-sign

Yes. I don't think it's fair that I work full time and still need to budget for food and they don't work at all and yet carry out two buggies full of groceries to their car (which is usually nice). Just doesn't seem fair.

In Michigan it's called the Bridge Card. Everyone I know of that sells there bridge card each month is on crack.

In July, my husband was laid off for three weeks with no pay or unemployment benefits during that time (per union contract--he works for Chrysler). I'm on social security and get about $1600 a month. So he had only one check that month, plus my social security check. I think his check might have been for about $800-something. Anyway, I went to social services to try to get food assistance for that month only. I thought we might get it since they take into consideration your mortgage/rent and an allowance for utility bills. We have a family of five and were denied assistance. Towards the end of the month, I had to ask my mom and mother-in-law for some food!

I asked the case worker if she knew that there are people out there that sell their benefits every month. She had no idea!!!!!