SC's that put luxury ahead of priorities

[Sharsarannon]

I know someone who has some serious issues in this direction. Several people actually. One bought a 99 dollar ipod but is still living on charity-provided food half the time and is lousy about rent. One buys new fandom anime junk on ebay but is living on freeze dried soups.
One person has hand-to-mouth living but a very fancy car.
*headsmack*

[Horsetuna]

I'm glad I have no clue how to apply for welfare.I doubt I qualify anyways since I'm working two jobs at 9/hour each and still not making rent..

Then again, thats partially my fault. I'm horrible at financing. BUT, I'm at least trying to make it better.

[Alpha Strike]

I've had similar experiences when working in the local gaming store - people who seemingly didn't have enough money to properly clothe their children would come in and buy new video games and pricey systems.

It seems that part of the problem - at least for those who take advantage of the system - is that their is no stigma to receiving any form of welfare nor any reason not to take it when it's there.

[Giggle Goose]

I worked in an elementary school at one time and I was crying myself to sleep at night, grinding my teeth away from tension headaches.

I work in schools too, and it's very upsetting. We have programs where the kids can get free breakfast, go to school and get a free lunch, and then be able to go to the after-school program to receive help with their homework and have more food. I'm all for programs like this; and schools REALLY do all that they can.

One of the brightest students I worked with lived in a foster home. First grade and both his parents were in prison. All I can offer is a hug and some encouraging words, but it's a hell of a lot compared to what a lot of these kids get.

[BaristaGirl]

A lot of it can be explained by the fact that socially, a lot of us see escapism as the way out. "My life sucks. Instead of doing what I can to make it better, I'm gonna go buy a shitload of TVs!" I know these people, the people who bought a new laptop with their first welfare check. It's sad. It sucks. And I wish I could do something about it, y'know? I want that money to get to the people who need it.

[Hon'ya-chan]

That's probably the local drug dealer then. I see *many* vehicles like that on the way to/from work. Nearly all of them are in the low income areas--it's a bit odd to see a Hummer or even a new Cadillac parked outside some of those places. Usually, there's something going on--most people who can afford those cars do not live in low-income housing!

Rural SW PA has *lots* of people like that. They live in places no better than shacks, yet have a brand-new truck in the driveway, multiple dishes on the roof, etc. They can't afford to take care of their house, yet have that crap?

I have *no* sympathy for them. I'm busting my ass to make car and house payments. I work 40-45 hour weeks, then go home and work on my *own* house. I don't get nice things, often, simply because I can't afford to. Yet, these people have that crap, are usually on welfare (and know how to abuse it)...while I have to work for it? Sorry, but I have a *serious* problem with that!

It's their way of laundering the money made from selling drugs?