One problem I notice often is the amount of people that are given financial aid from the government. I know, you're thinking, "Gosh. What a terrible person." But No. You are probably just like me. You either go to school and work or you work a full time job, maybe more than one. Does it frustrate you to see people in the grocery lines in front of you with food stamps and government aid, yet they have Gucci and Prada bags? Or if you're overhearing a conversation at school from people around you receiving financial aid but they also have the Louis Vuitton (I had to look up how to spell it) bags or are going on nice vacations? How is this possible?
I understand life is always going to be unfair, and of course that doesn't make me happy, but that's life. I also get that this won't be eliminated and people are going to lie, or do whatever they need to to get what they want, but really? This is about the majority of America.
One solution that would eliminate a lot of the aid being given would be to require drug tests for anyone receiving aid. Yes, that means financial aid for school, food stamps, anything that is an aid to the individual. Too many people are being supported by those of us who work and earn things on our own. Many of the people, and I've seen it myself, are generally high, or under the influence of some sort of chemical/substance. How is this okay, when people who work can NOT be under the influence on the job?!
I get that many individuals really do need this certain aid, but so do others who aren't receiving any and are working multiple jobs, plus going to school.
Sometimes I think if I had four children, didn't work, was dishonest, and spent my life seeing stars, that maybe things would come easier...
One problem I notice is people's inability to KNOW what they think they know about strangers. Yes, I get financial aid. Yes, I have an international property. Yes, I wear name brand gear. But, I have also worked since I was 16 (now 33.9 yrs old)and paid the same amount of taxes as everyone in various income brackets. I am not one of your 'principle' people, as I do NOT work. I left my job as a school counselor to return to school full-time to acquire an Engineering (Civil) degree because I no longer have to 'watch' my kids academics so closely due to their age, etc. So, although, I 'mooch' off of the government(in YOUR opinion), I've paid for every dime I'm assisted with for the continuation of my education. Terrible person, perhaps YOU are, but understand that 'common sense' would provide you with the understanding that all circumstances are as different as finger prints, and you NEVER know whose getting F.A. Alot of these brats, with Prada live with parents that pay for both the bags and education. There are a few Philip Morris, Lockheed Martin, etc. black folk on my block that is sending their 'irresponsible' kids to Comm. College bc they were tired of the failing grades at VCU, U of R, and etc.
ReplyDeleteQuestion to you: Would you feel the same way if you were seeing these people at VCU, VT, UVA, UR, etc... with Prada? Or professional 'looking' people pull out some foodstamps? You'd probably 'assume' they NEED it, and excuse it. Guess what, most people that have these things, F.A. and some form of public assistance NEED it, regardless of how well they NEEDfully use it. I hate abuse, as much as the next tax payer, but I also look at the bigger picture, RICH getting richer, POOR getting poorer and being forced to have a second job to pay the expenses of day care, health and gas for the first job.
Yes, some people abuse the system, but please never assume anything about anyone that you do NOT know especially when it comes to finances, class and etc. O_o
I would definitely feel the same if I saw these people at other schools, however these other schools are more expensive. I am not at all judging people when I see them. Their appearance pays no part in what I think. I come from a family where one side has money and the other is just normal. The side that has money doesn't even act like my parents and I exist. So yes,I am not an individual who receives financial aid and I am paying for my education. My parents have enough on their plate as it as with just every day bills. I have worked since I was 17 starting with a summer job in highschool til now when I have been applying for a 3rd job.
ReplyDeleteI am also not talking about people who are trying to make ends meet while continuing their education and supporting their families. I'm thinking of the younger individuals who aren't doing anything but going to school, don't have families to support, and continue to receive anything they want. That's what I'm talking about.
I get it and totally understand what you're saying in 'that' regard, however I must ask: How do you know what 'their' means of paying for school are? Are you acquainted with these people? If you speak of random folk, how do you know they're not squaundering their parents money or their little bit of Kroger, McD's, etc paycheck money away on these things that most are too stupid to realize is a waste, as they're simply 'label whores'? As a younger adult, I saved some of my money for meaningless things I simply 'had to have'. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with getting assistance if its possible, so long as you get the job done. And if there's some left over, do with it what you like... personally, I would put it aside for next semester's overage, as THERE ALWAYS IS for me.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is heading to 10th grade, and although I'm certain to be in school or just graduating when she enters (Columbia or NYU, respectively and prayfully), I'm prepared to find and utilize every avenue necessary and available to assist her in combination with scholarships, 529 accounts and savings bonds, and other savings set aside exclusively for her education expenses, if needed. EVERY avenue.
As I stated previously, in both posts, I understand your pain, I hate standing behind women in line with boyfriends with 2+ carts with lobster, and ALL name brand products paying with foodstamps, while I stand there footing the bill, holding 50+coupons for my carefully selected cents-to-ounces-compared name brand AND generic brands in my 1 cart. I totally get the abuse associated with some people's actions...BUT I have to understand that I don't know that situation, for all I know, she could be footing her own bill(previous/current tax payer) and just has REALLY good taste and refuses to humble herself and do the RIGHT and PURPOSEFUL thing.
On one hand you have my former best friend who pays $2100/mo. mortgage she no longer can afford as she has been BOMBED by this economy. She NEEDS assistance for food and medical, but refuses to apply because she grew up with the stigma of welfare...so her son suffers, although she PAYS for the benefits with her significantly decreased hours/days and check bi-weekly.
On the other hand you have my aunt(lobster lady and boyfriend) who works but has also been bombed by the economy and does get assistance. She refuses to lessen her 'way of life' as much as possible, and uses the supplemental income to stay where she comfortably 'needs' to be.
Then on my foot, you have the chick that has never worked a day in her life, thus have not contributed to the system in any way (with the exception of increasing the Census) and has a school bus full of children and gets assistance (free day care for to make certain she can watch Jerry Springer and Judge Judy in peace; $1000 in food stamps; medical with no premiums nor co-pay; all inclusive rent/housing; and free money to pay for her 2010 Lexus, BMW, etc). THESE PEOPLE, I DETEST. Perhaps, these are the ones you refer to, and may hear speak these truths, as they're very willing to share their 'hustle'. Shame on them!
Who knows, Kendall? Who knows? But, all in all, I respect what you say, yet want you to understand that we sometimes don't understand what we think we see. See you in class tomorrow.
Also, I totally agree with the addition to your original post. It's right on, in my opinion.
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