I agree with the person who implied something about Black/Hispanic communities being targeted for these programs.
I know this is a little off topic, but I feel that it's important to add this little side note:
Although I agree that some recipients do abuse the system by drug use and unnecessary spending, there are others who really don't want to stay in the system and are, in fact, embarrassed by needing the aid. Where I live, I believe that a person can only use welfare for 2 and 1/2 yrs, during which, they are supposed to look for a job. This may seem quite simple, but sometimes it just doesn't work out.
Let's say a woman with a young child is receiving aid, and the only company that will hire her is 15 miles from her home. She is responsible for getting to work every day and making sure her child has adequate child care. If the woman doesn't have a car, she'll have to pay for transportation. If she doesn't have any money (other than the little welfare change she gets every month), how will she get to work. She may lose her job because she can't afford transportation. Child care is also an issue. Child care may be available, but quality child care is difficult to find - and very expensive. (which is why some of these children are dying in the care of abusive/neglecting babysitters) Also, most people who are uneducated and on welfare end up working minimum wage jobs (cheap labor for companies) that most often don't offer a very attractive package (healthcare, retirement, etc). Whereas on welfare, at least your children may be covered under Medicaid or whatever type of healthcare is available under the system.
Drug use:
Some may be depressed about their financial situation and abuse drugs as a means to escape the realities of their situation - which at times are quite disturbing. I'm not trying to justify drug use, but I really think there should be more emphasis placed on revamping the welfare system so that people who really need it can rise above their situations financially. The way things are now, it is very difficult (although possible) to rise out of poverty, especially if you are a black mother. This type of support may give hope to
somebody
Some may not even feel the need to use drugs if they feel that they can improve their situation.
Only a small percentage (from what I've studied) abuse the system by spending money on things other than what they really need. I don't know how accurate the stats are, but it's worth noting.
This whole drug use thing seems to be another ploy to keep folk down. In the end, it's the children that suffer.
