Food stamp recipients can't have it both ways

The latest Republican garbage being thrown on South Carolina's streets and airwaves has to do with "food stamps" and those on the food assistance program. However, people on the program haven't been heard from - until now.

Most said they never expected to need food stamps, but the Great Recession, which wiped out millions of jobs, left them no choice. Some struggled with the idea of taking a handout; others saw it as their due, earned through years of working steady jobs. They yearn to get back to receiving a paycheck.

"I could never have comprehended being on food stamps," said Christopher Jenks, who became homeless in his home area of Minneapolis-St. Paul after a successful career in sales and marketing.
He refused to apply for several years, even panhandling on a freeway exit ramp before finally giving in. A few months ago, while living in his car, he began receiving $200 per month.

"It's either that or I die," said Jenks, who grew up in a white, middle-class family and lost his job in the recession. "I want a job. So do a lot of other Americans that have been caught up in this tragedy."

But these people who are just now speaking out should of done so a long time ago. Instead, they sit back and let these assholes dominate the airwaves - and the legislature - with their ideology, plans and ultimately their laws. 

One example is the usage of African-Americans being the main people on the program. Not so. But listening to these jerkoffs, the herd follows. So, instead of people knowing the facts, the blindly follow the rich white man wanting to be president - and planning to eliminating the program in which whites benefit greatly from.

In 2011, more than 45 million people -- about one in seven Americans -- received benefits from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the most ever. Fewer than 31 million people collected the benefits about three years earlier.

Forty-nine percent of recipients are white, 26 percent are black and 20 percent are Hispanic, according to census data. 

Shhh... That's truth. It just slapped you in the face.  Oh, and the debate tonight mentioned veterans. Really, you think Republicans care about the veterans? Truthfully?

Linda Miles is grateful to have food stamps, although she's not happy about why she needs them. An Army veteran with a master's degree, Miles, who is black, was laid off as a substitute teacher in Philadelphia amid deep budget cuts. After facing an empty refrigerator for too long, she recently started receiving $200 per month in food aid.

"Food stamps are essential, especially with the economy in the shape it's in," she said. "I pay taxes. I don't steal anything from the government. I paid my dues to society; I'm a veteran. You took something from me by taking away my job. I wouldn't need food stamps if you hadn't taken my job."

Here's the thing. Miles ought to know Pennsylvania's Republican governor doesn't give a damn about her. 

Republican Gov. Tom Corbett has announced a major assault on the food stamp program that feeds 1.8 million Pennsylvanians, including 439,245 in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania's Department of Public Welfare announced that on May 1, people under 60 with more than $2,000 in savings or other assets will be barred from receiving food stamps. People over 60 would have a $3,250 cap.

Let's face it. People who are otherwise doing well do not speak up or support publicly such programs, but God forbid when they do actually need it. They'll scream and shout. A little too late. The vultures are already feeding. You may not steal from the government, but these Republicans do not mind at all stealing from you.

The basis of the GOP deficit plan is to do away with food assistance. Who needs it. When you people vote in such assclowns, you tell them they are right.

Republicans are ramping up their push to reduce the deficit on the backs of the poor. The Republican Study Committee, the House GOP's conservative caucus, is lobbying party leaders to include big cuts to food stamps, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and other welfare programs for the poor. 

Be careful what you wish for. You may get it - then suffer when it's not there. People need to show more support for such programs. Instead of falling for the mantra, how about educate yourselves on the reasons they exist.