Obama warned over ?welfare spendathon?

[wrobert]

Obama warned over ‘welfare spendathon’ - Times Online

Interesting article with comments from advisers to past Presidents stating how this is the beginning of undoing welfare reform.

 

[traderx]

From the article:

?How can you tell someone who has lost his income to look for another job if there aren't any more jobs?? asked one Obama backer.

Hard to believe that folks can be this naive and uninformed.

 

[Lynnie]

I agree. The sad thing is that we (I) am not against Obama. I want him to be the best President we've ever had...I want this economy to improve dramatically, but I think he should surround himself with better advisors. This stimulus porkulus bill does nothing to support any one but Corporate America and many will be back in less than one year asking for more......

But, if you say anything against what he is trying to do, evidently people assume you don't like Obama......not the case in most cases!

 

[wrobert]

I agree. The sad thing is that we (I) am not against Obama. I want him to be the best President we've ever had...I want this economy to improve dramatically, but I think he should surround himself with better advisors. This stimulus porkulus bill does nothing to support any one but Corporate America and many will be back in less than one year asking for more......

But, if you say anything against what he is trying to do, evidently people assume you don't like Obama......not the case in most cases!

The bailout bill seems to have started a "pile on" effect. I see where the UN is looking for a bail out now. And already groups are starting to discuss what they are going to ask for next. I wanted to see things done differently.

 

[scooterbug44]

I think that part of the process needs to involve TIME LIMITS on any assistance program. Welfare needs to be a TEMPORARY aid like unemployment, not a multi-generational lifestyle.

Realistically we cannot get rid of all welfare or cut everyone off because of the numbers of mentally and physically disabled people on it, but that still leaves MANY people who are able (though perhaps not willing) to work. IMO if you're on the dole, you'd better be TRULY unable to work or function w/o help. "Can't get my arse off the couch" or "chronic laziness" do not count.

With all of the $ we're throwing at the problem, we ought to be able to eliminate the hurdles hardworking people have trying to get themselves out of the situation - childcare costs, health care/medical care, lack of education etc.

 

[Lynnie]

I think that part of the process needs to involve TIME LIMITS on any assistance program. Welfare needs to be a TEMPORARY aid like unemployment, not a multi-generational lifestyle.

Realistically we cannot get rid of all welfare or cut everyone off because of the numbers of mentally and physically disabled people on it, but that still leaves MANY people who are able (though perhaps not willing) to work. IMO if you're on the dole, you'd better be TRULY unable to work or function w/o help. "Can't get my arse off the couch" or "chronic laziness" do not count.

With all of the $ we're throwing at the problem, we ought to be able to eliminate the hurdles hardworking people have trying to get themselves out of the situation - childcare costs, health care/medical care, lack of education etc.

I think Congress should also practice a little tough love on the corporations and force them into BK - get into reorg with some gov't assistance. But, if this giving away money thing continues, I am going to have write Mel Martinez again and demand my Congressional Hearings! And, by dang, I am very serious about us putting a stop to this craziness.

 

[Matt J]

Federal SSI disability should only be available to those that meet the same standard for student loan forgiveness.

Is is probably the most stringent definition of disability I've ever heard:

The borrower becomes completely and totally disabled and is unable to work or go to school and the condition/ailment is permanent and untreatable.

I know that may sound harsh, but it constantly amazes me the number of people who are "disabled" and spend their days enjoying a perpetual weekend. I know some people that are "disabled" and regularly go on vacations. To me it's a complete abuse of the system.

 

[Miss Kitty]

I think that part of the process needs to involve TIME LIMITS on any assistance program. Welfare needs to be a TEMPORARY aid like unemployment, not a multi-generational lifestyle.

Realistically we cannot get rid of all welfare or cut everyone off because of the numbers of mentally and physically disabled people on it, but that still leaves MANY people who are able (though perhaps not willing) to work. IMO if you're on the dole, you'd better be TRULY unable to work or function w/o help. "Can't get my arse off the couch" or "chronic laziness" do not count.

With all of the $ we're throwing at the problem, we ought to be able to eliminate the hurdles hardworking people have trying to get themselves out of the situation - childcare costs, health care/medical care, lack of education etc.

scootyb...you have 100% hit the nail on the head. Wouldn't it be wonderful to give people a hand in their future? I can't think of a better way to spend tax money, than to educate. Mentoring adults like Big Brother/Big Sister would be a great idea.

Federal SSI disability should only be available to those that meet the same standard for student loan forgiveness.

Is is probably the most stringent definition of disability I've ever heard:

The borrower becomes completely and totally disabled and is unable to work or go to school and the condition/ailment is permanent and untreatable.

I know that may sound harsh, but it constantly amazes me the number of people who are "disabled" and spend their days enjoying a perpetual weekend. I know some people that are "disabled" and regularly go on vacations. To me it's a complete abuse of the system.

Oh, I am so with you on this. I wish the insurance companies would hire many many more people for fraud investigation!

 

[Mermaid]

There's never been a better time than now to dust off the history books and start reading. There's a lot that the boom years of the Roaring Twenties and the bust years of the Great Depression have to teach us. An interesting article from the Washington Post to start you thinking:

FDR Was a Great Leader, But His Economic Plan Isn't One to Follow

 

[Winnie]

There's never been a better time than now to dust off the history books and start reading. There's a lot that the boom years of the Roaring Twenties and the bust years of the Great Depression have to teach us. An interesting article from the Washington Post to start you thinking:

FDR Was a Great Leader, But His Economic Plan Isn't One to Follow

That's so funny you posted this today. I am currently reading her (Amity Shlaes) book about The Great Depression The Forgotten Man. It has been scaring the hail outta me - the similarities between then and now. Just last night I was telling a friend that the study of US history, at least of the past 100 years, should be required of all politicians. And probably voters as well!