I gave away my Dell Laptop today.....

[KG4CGC]

I don't know about that. It may depend on the location, too, as some states have different rules regarding how they distribute welfare funding.

I think the real issue, though, is simply this: No matter how lofty and noble the proposed laws are, and no matter how lofty and noble (and constructive) the goals are... the actual rules and procedures are written not by the law makers, but by the bureaucrats that run the agencies. Too many of these rules are written to actually serve THEIR needs -- to keep their jobs, to keep their control & power(such as it is), and to make their lives easier.

So, for example, a desired outcome of a rule might be that no one with significant assets should receive public assistance... as they clearly have the means to support themselves. Sounds like a good idea, right? But -- where do you draw the line? What is "significant" in this situation... a house? a car? a savings account with $50,000 in it? $5000? $50?

Better & easier -- for the bureaucrats -- to frame the appropriate regulations to just prohibit a savings account, period. Besides, if you're saving money, then The Government must be paying you too much, right?

It just takes a few rules based on fractured logic like this to set up a system that is designed to keep people in, instead of giving them the means to find a way out.

This sounds logical but I what the information that will specifically put the blame right square on the Republicans.

[K7SGJ]

Good for you , Steve, for trying to make a difference in someones life. I know that things for you and your family haven't been all roses lately, and that if you had sold the LT you could have put the money to good use. Whether or not it made or will make a difference in the young girls life, you will probably never know, but I'm sure it has made a difference in yours, and that's something to be proud of.

[n2ize]

This is why we can't have nice things, and is a prime indicator of why the generational welfare system needs to be stopped in its tracks.

I don't think stopping it in its tracks is an answer and, as a matter of fact would probably cause more harm than good. Most welfare recipients use welfare for its intended purpose. as a short term means of maintaining a basic and very minimalist standard of living until they either find employment or, as in a position to do so successfully.

Good for you for helping the girl out, Steve...but the mother and father(s) involved all need a serious ass-kicking. If they refuse to work...there's always the ObamaCamps.

We don't know if they "refuse to work". One father is apparently in jail and obviously cannot work. The mother is in a tough situation, trying to raise more than one kid, and she probably had barely any motivation nor understanding of how to change things.

Falling into the rut of poverty and low income bears a striking and difficult set of problems of both the economic and psychological kinds. many people in those situation lack the social and educational skills required to climb out of the hole they are in. falling into such a situation for an extended length of time often leads these people into a state of despair and apathy. They quickly lose self esteem and motivation along with any sense of self worth that they may have at once had. Furthermore the ability to better ones self(i.e., get a college education, learn a trade or acquire a skill) is out of reach for many.

Statistics that I have personally examined seem to indicate a very high rate of job instability among welfare recipients. In most instances they ended up on welfare after losing a low level job in the service industry, (i.e fast foods, telemarketing, Wallmart clerk, etc.). They go on welfare for the short term and eventually find a new job. But the jobs they do end up finding tend to be unstable and insecure and often find themselves out of work again within a short time and back on the welfare roles. Many, esp those with children need to stay on some form of public assistance while they work as the jobs pay crappy wages, provide minimal (or no) benefits, etc. More often than not they lack the educational background or financial support to further their education. Enrolling in a local college and getting a degree in some profession is simply unattainable..

[n2ize]

P.S. The lack of such things as affordable child care make it extremely difficult for mothers with children to work. Basic probablity and statistics clearly show that the odds are stacked against children born into poverty, low income,etc. even if the do try hard to better themselves. Of course there are some who beat the odds but that are not the majority. Chances are that if you are born into poverty yiu will be there through most of your life. Even if you are not born into impovershed circumstances and are holding your own via a job, etc. it is much easier to collapse into poverty than to hold your own. All it takes is a few bad breaks and WHAMMO !! down ya go,

[KG4CGC]

But in all honesty, that was a nice thing you there, Steve.
Now let's just hope her parents let her keep it and not try to hock it.

[KA9MOT]

Wow! I didn't intend to go off on a political topic.......

I can clearly see how being on welfare can be a trick bag, but for this gal I think things are different. She was proud to be so fortunate...gifted with all those kids, plus the state helps to take care of them. I don't think she has any inclination of ever standing on her own 2 feet.

I know there are single moms who rely on welfare who have no other options (I know a couple), but they try to keep it to themselves and one just got a job at the local nursing home in housekeeping (not something I would ever want to do) that pays her $8 something an hour. She is looking for childcare now that the state will help her pay for, but that is proving difficult.

I think the girl will do well with the computer and they still have to find a power supply for it. I don't know how it is elsewhere but here the kids have to check the schools website to get some of their homework assignments (at least that is what Stevie tell me)...... then again, maybe he was just trying to sucker me out of my good laptop.......... it worked!

[W1GUH]

You look very nice in your Angel Wings, Steve. Here's to a bright future for the girl you've so generously helped.

FYI, aftermarket laptop PS's are available from Rocketfish...but they're pricey.

[NA4BH]

Steve,

You did it. YOU PAID IT FORWARD. You know what I mean.

Proud of you my friend.

[KC2UGV]

Wow! I didn't intend to go off on a political topic.......

I can clearly see how being on welfare can be a trick bag, but for this gal I think things are different. She was proud to be so fortunate...gifted with all those kids, plus the state helps to take care of them. I don't think she has any inclination of ever standing on her own 2 feet.

I know there are single moms who rely on welfare who have no other options (I know a couple), but they try to keep it to themselves and one just got a job at the local nursing home in housekeeping (not something I would ever want to do) that pays her $8 something an hour. She is looking for childcare now that the state will help her pay for, but that is proving difficult.

I think the girl will do well with the computer and they still have to find a power supply for it. I don't know how it is elsewhere but here the kids have to check the schools website to get some of their homework assignments (at least that is what Stevie tell me)...... then again, maybe he was just trying to sucker me out of my good laptop.......... it worked!

Maybe the mom did try to sucker you out of it, but the girl wasn't. I'm sure she'll appreciate it :)

[W1GUH]

Read through kinda quickly and maybe this was mentioned before, but I've got to wonder.....which children are better off?

These, with a single mom who sounds like she's doing what she's doing so that she can devote full time to her children?

(I'm giving her a pass for now concerning how her children behaved. I'd rather give her the benefit of the doubt considering how difficult raising children can be.)

Or the progeny of some bitch soccer mom (with her SUV & Cell phone & dropping off the kids at day care so she can do her corporate thing) who probably only exists for herself and her career?