Reading and processing the book 'The Audacity of Hope' written by President-elect Obama, and understanding what his plans are for the country and for single mothers in particular; it caused me to take a serious look at America's welfare system.
Growing up, all I knew about welfare was that it came with some sort of secret code language and shame if one were ever seen in public using it. As a child I'd hear both kids and adults, speak badly about those that needed government assistance.
In grocery stores when I'd see people paying with food stamps which looked like foreign paper bills, it was pulled out discreetly so that others standing in line couldn't see. But in retrospect, acting secretive about something only makes people focus in on what one is doing. And it was because of these secretive actions that made me think being on welfare was a horrible thing.
Growing up, all I knew about welfare was that it came with some sort of secret code language and shame if one were ever seen in public using it. As a child I'd hear both kids and adults, speak badly about those that needed government assistance.
In grocery stores when I'd see people paying with food stamps which looked like foreign paper bills, it was pulled out discreetly so that others standing in line couldn't see. But in retrospect, acting secretive about something only makes people focus in on what one is doing. And it was because of these secretive actions that made me think being on welfare was a horrible thing.
Becoming older and wiser helped me to comprehend that the welfare system was designed to help those in need until assistance is no longer needed; specifically for single mothers. And speaking one-on-one with single mothers about their living conditions, what I discovered was that the dollar amount of what they individually received wasn't enough to feed their children.
Five hundred and sixty dollars a month for one mother with 3 children; five dollars per day, per kid. It was appalling to hear these stories because what child can survive off of five dollars a day? What kind of nutritious foods can one afford with five dollars?
Five hundred and sixty dollars a month for one mother with 3 children; five dollars per day, per kid. It was appalling to hear these stories because what child can survive off of five dollars a day? What kind of nutritious foods can one afford with five dollars?
There's a rule that men aren't allowed to reside within the home while the female is on public assistance, and if the woman is caught with a man in the home the checks stop coming. Welfare authorities even make random calls to the residence just to see if a male is present.
Maybe the welfare agency should revamp its programs and assist people with out-of-poverty knowledge as well as funds, because living paycheck to paycheck never solves a money problem and in fact one will almost be guaranteed to fall short somewhere.
Maybe the welfare agency should revamp its programs and assist people with out-of-poverty knowledge as well as funds, because living paycheck to paycheck never solves a money problem and in fact one will almost be guaranteed to fall short somewhere.
Can you imagine how tough it must be for a parent to look their child in the eyes, while telling them that there isn't any food in the house until the end of the month?
The Things That Make You Go Hmmmmm...
2008 LA
