Confessions Of a Welfare Mother

[Cap'n Cat]

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The reality of the 'welfare queen'
Living out the stereotype of the welfare queen hurt. Contrary to the stereotypes, nobody wants to be a welfare mother. It’s not worth it. I got to know many other welfare mothers and they were all like me, desperately trying to get back in the workforce. And they did all find jobs eventually. They just needed to get through that period where the kids were too young for school.
I used to hear people talk disparagingly about people on welfare, and I would just walk away. I didn’t want to talk about it and I didn’t want them to know about me. But, over time, I came to be embarrassed. How would anyone know that the stereotype wasn't true if they didn’t know my truth? So that's why, 10 years ago, I decided to write a book about my experience.

Since I’ve started working on the book, I’ve been more open to confronting people. Sometimes my story changes their mind. For instance, after telling a women about being told to give up my children and not wanting to, she said, "Wow, I thought mothers had more children to get a bigger check. Now I know that’s not true."

I’ve had people say, "Well, that’s just you and the people you knew, but others take advantage of the system." I don’t know if that’s true. But I do know I met a large cross-section of people, and I never saw that attitude. Who would want no discretionary income a month? It’s not something to aspire to, and fighting for your benefits is not easy.
I’ve had people say, "I didn’t know white people were on welfare." But did you know the percentage of white and black people on welfare is almost equal?

Once a friend posted on their Facebook wall about my book, and somebody said, "You and your children should have just died instead of take money from the government."


That last quote courtesy of AZGrizFan, native, Baldy and Col Hogan.

[kalm]

Yep, the amount of welfare success stories rarely gets acknowledged. I wonder they ever found that queen Reagan was looking for?

[D1B]

The Myth the Welfare Mother - a most unchristian ruse/smokescreen concocted by California neocons in 1979 to blame all the ills of government on the poor so they can justify, then raid the national treasury, rape the environment and start wars.

32 years later this myth is still being used and is often parroted here by people who claim to be christian - 89 Hen, St. Wronge, BDSM, PWNS, DJH, SuperFuckhead, Col Hogan and all the Shitadel idiots except 90.

Exploiting The Myth of the Welfare Mother is incompatible with so-called values exemplified by jesus.

[kalm]

The Myth the Welfare Mother - a most unchristian ruse/smokescreen concocted by California neocons in 1979 to blame all the ills of government on the poor so they can justify, then raid the national treasury, rape the environment and start wars.

32 years later this myth is still being used and is often parroted here by people who claim to be christian - 89 Hen, St. Wronge, BDSM, PWNS, DJH, SuperFuckhead, Col Hogan and all the Shitadel idiots except 90.

Exploiting The Myth of the Welfare Mother is incompatible with so-called values exemplified by jesus.

This is all untrue. Jesus was a libertarian.

[89Hen]

32 years later this myth is still being used and is often parroted here by people who claim to be christian - 89 Hen, St. Wronge, BDSM, PWNS, DJH, SuperFuckhead, Col Hogan and all the Shitadel idiots except 90.

Evidence of such?

[mrklean]

untrue Myths of a Welfare Mother
1. Have more kids, get a bigger check
2. Welfare Mothers are all lazy and don't want to work.
3. Welfare Mothers get free tuition for College.
4. Welfare Mothers and their Children are eating Steak and Shrimp everyday for Diner.
5. Welfafe Mothers are Driving 40K SUV's to the free Daycare Center..................lol

[D1B]

32 years later this myth is still being used and is often parroted here by people who claim to be christian - 89 Hen, St. Wronge, BDSM, PWNS, DJH, SuperFuckhead, Col Hogan and all the Shitadel idiots except 90.

Evidence of such?

Your years of solid support of the republican party.

[houndawg]

The Myth the Welfare Mother - a most unchristian ruse/smokescreen concocted by California neocons in 1979 to blame all the ills of government on the poor so they can justify, then raid the national treasury, rape the environment and start wars.

32 years later this myth is still being used and is often parroted here by people who claim to be christian - 89 Hen, St. Wronge, BDSM, PWNS, DJH, SuperFuckhead, Col Hogan and all the Shitadel idiots except 90.

Exploiting The Myth of the Welfare Mother is incompatible with so-called values exemplified by jesus.

This is all untrue. Jesus was a libertarian.

No such person. It's all a recycled Egyptian sun-god myth....

[89Hen]

Evidence of such?

Your years of solid support of the republican party.

Try again.

[Ibanez]

untrue Myths of a Welfare Mother
1. Have more kids, get a bigger check
2. Welfare Mothers are all lazy and don't want to work.
3. Welfare Mothers get free tuition for College.
4. Welfare Mothers and their Children are eating Steak and Shrimp everyday for Diner.
5. Welfafe Mothers are Driving 40K SUV's to the free Daycare Center..................lol

I'm sure there are those on welfare are on it b/c it's "free money" and they are products of their environment (further perpetuating the entitlement mentality.) Plus, we all know that the extremist get the spotlight. I used to volunteer at a soup kitchen and help out Toys for Tots. Many people would drive up in Jaguars, Expeditions and other expensive vehicles with stereo systems, custom paint and rims and then would load up on free food and free toys. It is these people that abuse the system, perpetuate the stereotype and give those that are trying to get back on their feet a bad name. The abusers (the minority of users) don't just exist in the social welfare examples. How many million dollar bonuses were handed out by Wall Street companies that received taxpayer bailout money? The men and women that ruined companies like Bear Stearns were awarding themselves millions in bailout money. Those frauds put the whole program in a bad light.

[kalm]

untrue Myths of a Welfare Mother
1. Have more kids, get a bigger check
2. Welfare Mothers are all lazy and don't want to work.
3. Welfare Mothers get free tuition for College.
4. Welfare Mothers and their Children are eating Steak and Shrimp everyday for Diner.
5. Welfafe Mothers are Driving 40K SUV's to the free Daycare Center..................lol

I'm sure there are those on welfare are on it b/c it's "free money" and they are products of their environment (further perpetuating the entitlement mentality.) Plus, we all know that the extremist get the spotlight. I used to volunteer at a soup kitchen and help out Toys for Tots. Many people would drive up in Jaguars, Expeditions and other expensive vehicles with stereo systems, custom paint and rims and then would load up on free food and free toys. It is these people that abuse the system, perpetuate the stereotype and give those that are trying to get back on their feet a bad name. The abusers (the minority of users) don't just exist in the social welfare examples. How many million dollar bonuses were handed out by Wall Street companies that received taxpayer bailout money? The men and women that ruined companies like Bear Stearns were awarding themselves millions in bailout money. Those frauds put the whole program in a bad light.

I have a friend who owns a c-store and the rumors of food stamp recipients pulling up in 40K SUV's is true. But so is the sense of entitlement for Wall Street and bailed out industries. And to be fair, I'll include GM in that list. Although they weren't responsible for shitting their own bed and asking for a handout like WS was.

[Cap'n Cat]

Bottom line: Conks are wrong.....again.

[Ibanez]

I'm sure there are those on welfare are on it b/c it's "free money" and they are products of their environment (further perpetuating the entitlement mentality.) Plus, we all know that the extremist get the spotlight. I used to volunteer at a soup kitchen and help out Toys for Tots. Many people would drive up in Jaguars, Expeditions and other expensive vehicles with stereo systems, custom paint and rims and then would load up on free food and free toys. It is these people that abuse the system, perpetuate the stereotype and give those that are trying to get back on their feet a bad name. The abusers (the minority of users) don't just exist in the social welfare examples. How many million dollar bonuses were handed out by Wall Street companies that received taxpayer bailout money? The men and women that ruined companies like Bear Stearns were awarding themselves millions in bailout money. Those frauds put the whole program in a bad light.

I have a friend who owns a c-store and the rumors of food stamp recipients pulling up in 40K SUV's is true. But so is the sense of entitlement for Wall Street and bailed out industries. And to be fair, I'll include GM in that list. Although they weren't responsible for shitting their own bed and asking for a handout like WS was.

I've seen people on welfare apply for the same job (admin work) multiple times and truly feel sorry for them when we can't hire them (mostly are felons). But I've seen too many drive up in nice cars and take advantage of the system.

One more example, I knew a family had a stay at home mom, lived in an expensive house, husband made loads of money and they had the school district pay for all their kids meals out of a pot of money that was meant for those that truly needed it.

[mrklean]

I'm sure there are those on welfare are on it b/c it's "free money" and they are products of their environment (further perpetuating the entitlement mentality.) Plus, we all know that the extremist get the spotlight. I used to volunteer at a soup kitchen and help out Toys for Tots. Many people would drive up in Jaguars, Expeditions and other expensive vehicles with stereo systems, custom paint and rims and then would load up on free food and free toys. It is these people that abuse the system, perpetuate the stereotype and give those that are trying to get back on their feet a bad name. The abusers (the minority of users) don't just exist in the social welfare examples. How many million dollar bonuses were handed out by Wall Street companies that received taxpayer bailout money? The men and women that ruined companies like Bear Stearns were awarding themselves millions in bailout money. Those frauds put the whole program in a bad light.

I have a friend who owns a c-store and the rumors of food stamp recipients pulling up in 40K SUV's is true. But so is the sense of entitlement for Wall Street and bailed out industries. And to be fair, I'll include GM in that list. Although they weren't responsible for shitting their own bed and asking for a handout like WS was.

I have never seen a true Welfare Mother drive a 40k SUV. NEVER!!!!!!!!! Most drive a car that is 15 years plus.

[Ibanez]

I have a friend who owns a c-store and the rumors of food stamp recipients pulling up in 40K SUV's is true. But so is the sense of entitlement for Wall Street and bailed out industries. And to be fair, I'll include GM in that list. Although they weren't responsible for shitting their own bed and asking for a handout like WS was.

I have never seen a true Welfare Mother drive a 40k SUV. NEVER!!!!!!!!! Most drive a car that is 15 years plus.

I work near the projects. If I leave during daylight, i'll snap some pictures of the nice vehicles.

[kalm]

I have a friend who owns a c-store and the rumors of food stamp recipients pulling up in 40K SUV's is true. But so is the sense of entitlement for Wall Street and bailed out industries. And to be fair, I'll include GM in that list. Although they weren't responsible for shitting their own bed and asking for a handout like WS was.

I have never seen a true Welfare Mother drive a 40k SUV. NEVER!!!!!!!!! Most drive a car that is 15 years plus.

Trust me, it happens. But I agree with Ibanez that they are the exception, taking full advantage of the system. Same as corporate welfare whores.

[Cap'n Cat]

....and self-righteously hateful, too.

[mrklean]

I have a friend who owns a c-store and the rumors of food stamp recipients pulling up in 40K SUV's is true. But so is the sense of entitlement for Wall Street and bailed out industries. And to be fair, I'll include GM in that list. Although they weren't responsible for shitting their own bed and asking for a handout like WS was.

I've seen people on welfare apply for the same job (admin work) multiple times and truly feel sorry for them when we can't hire them (mostly are felons). But I've seen too many drive up in nice cars and take advantage of the system.

One more example, I knew a family had a stay at home mom, lived in an expensive house, husband made loads of money and they had the school district pay for all their kids meals out of a pot of money that was meant for those that truly needed it.

Just because we seen people drive a car does not mean its thier car. People barrow and rent cars to go places. Thats that one thing I hate. Some People are so quick to judge and think the worse of people who need a little help.

[Baldy]

And to be fair, I'll include GM in that list. Although they weren't responsible for shitting their own bed and asking for a handout like WS was.

Say what?

How were they not responsible?

[Ibanez]

I've seen people on welfare apply for the same job (admin work) multiple times and truly feel sorry for them when we can't hire them (mostly are felons). But I've seen too many drive up in nice cars and take advantage of the system.

One more example, I knew a family had a stay at home mom, lived in an expensive house, husband made loads of money and they had the school district pay for all their kids meals out of a pot of money that was meant for those that truly needed it.

Just because we seen people drive a car does not mean its thier car. People barrow and rent cars to go places. Thats that one thing I hate. Some People are so quick to judge and think the worse of people who need a little help.

First, it isn't "thier" it's "their". Second, it's "borrow". Third, you are truly ignorant if you believe that NOBODY abuses welfare.

FWIW, after being at the soup kitchen, every Saturday, for 4 months you notice the same car and people. Coincidentally, those people that drove the Lexus to the soup kitchen also had the latest cell phone, designer clothes, gold teeth and jewelry galore. But, I forgot that you are the leading expert on social welfare demographics.

[D1B]

Your years of solid support of the republican party.

Try again.

Don't need to, conk.

[kalm]

And to be fair, I'll include GM in that list. Although they weren't responsible for shitting their own bed and asking for a handout like WS was.

Say what?

How were they not responsible?

Sorry, I meant to say "shitting in all our beds"

[mrklean]

Just because we seen people drive a car does not mean its thier car. People barrow and rent cars to go places. Thats that one thing I hate. Some People are so quick to judge and think the worse of people who need a little help.

First, it isn't "thier" it's "their". Second, it's "borrow". Third, you are truly ignorant if you believe that NOBODY abuses welfare.

Not an expert, ust a guy who was a Probation Oficer for three years. Most of them were White females who were on some type of government aid. Not all had nice cars. And how can you judge a person on the cars they drive. Secondly, we need to really look at the people who get this aid. Not everyone should get it. A single mother of 4 needs child care so she can go to school. I see nothing wrong with this. LIke I said before, dont drink the kool aid.

FWIW, after being at the soup kitchen, every Saturday, for 4 months you notice the same car and people. Coincidentally, those people that drove the Lexus to the soup kitchen also had the latest cell phone, designer clothes, gold teeth and jewelry galore. But, I forgot that you are the leading expert on social welfare demographics.

This is the BIGGEST REPUKE LIE OF THEM ALL! Every black welfare mother is living high on the Hawg. I guess you have never been to the projects. Not many 40K cars in the parking lots. But the way Rush Limbaugh tells it, you think it was that way. Trust me, a Single mother of 4 is not driving aroubd town, in a 40k car with rims and eating better than a working class family of 4. It just don't work that way.

[Ibanez]

First, it isn't "thier" it's "their". Second, it's "borrow". Third, you are truly ignorant if you believe that NOBODY abuses welfare.

Not an expert, ust a guy who was a Probation Oficer for three years. Most of them were White females who were on some type of government aid. Not all had nice cars. And how can you judge a person on the cars they drive. Secondly, we need to really look at the people who get this aid. Not everyone should get it. A single mother of 4 needs child care so she can go to school. I see nothing wrong with this. LIke I said before, dont drink the kool aid.

FWIW, after being at the soup kitchen, every Saturday, for 4 months you notice the same car and people. Coincidentally, those people that drove the Lexus to the soup kitchen also had the latest cell phone, designer clothes, gold teeth and jewelry galore. But, I forgot that you are the leading expert on social welfare demographics.

This is the BIGGEST REPUKE LIE OF THEM ALL! Every black welfare mother is living high on the Hawg. I guess you have never been to the projects. Not many 40K cars in the parking lots. But the way Rush Limbaugh tells it, you think it was that way. Trust me, a Single mother of 4 is not driving aroubd town, in a 40k car with rims and eating better than a working class family of 4. It just don't work that way.

You really don't read. I know what I saw and if you want to call me a liar then say so. However, you are naive if you think these people dont exist.

[mrklean]

This is the BIGGEST REPUKE LIE OF THEM ALL! Every black welfare mother is living high on the Hawg. I guess you have never been to the projects. Not many 40K cars in the parking lots. But the way Rush Limbaugh tells it, you think it was that way. Trust me, a Single mother of 4 is not driving aroubd town, in a 40k car with rims and eating better than a working class family of 4. It just don't work that way.

You really don't read. I know what I saw and if you want to call me a liar then say so. However, you are naive if you think these people dont exist.

I never said that they don't exist, but the way you tell it, they are the majority.