Why do Republicans think there’s no accountability on Welfare, Assistance, etc.? How many of them have ever been on it?? Since 2000 I’ve been on General Assistance, Food Stamps, Medicaid, and SSI/Disability (not all at the same time), and been turned down for Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability. I’d also worked for a couple years helping other people try to get help from various governments and other agencies, so I knew what I was doing. The questions they ask, the re-asking every few months to a year, the unreasonable rejections, the unhearing appeals…. Haven’t they even heard of the Intrusive Social Worker? — it’s so common it’s a stereotype!!! There are few secrets, and little dignity left when you’re done.
I think this may be an example of something Ronald Reagan kicked into high gear, Government-by-Anecdote. Sure, a few people game the system, and DA’s like to trot out the accused Welfare Queens with three Rolls Royces and such. But probably government loses more money each year from rich folks and businesses gaming the system than people on various forms of Assistance! Welfare Cheats vs. Tax Cheats? You do the math!
When politicians or their surrogates trot out negative examples, suspect that there’s an agenda, and deception, going on. Ask for total numbers, credible statistics, before collectively punishing all of us for the relatively-insignificant sins of the few.
American Red Tory 