Maine Gov. LePage threatens to halt food stamp program amid sugar crackdown

[prwraith]

I thought republicans were supposed to be for smaller government, not nanny states?

Also, kind of funny that an obese person wants to be critical of other people being obese...

Republicans are for limiting government to what you need not fluff items. There's a difference there. This kind of policy change is completely in line with the republican platform.

[Damajin]

There really should be restrictions on it, anyone who works in grocery retail especially cashiers or vendors has tons of stories of people coming in and buying junk food and using up a good chunk of their monthly allotment for it. We know why it won't happen though: because just as food stamps are part of welfare for poor people they're part of welfare for rich people too, far too much money at stake for corporate welfare to ever be cut off or allowed to be funneled elsewhere.

This is no different than the people who get the monthly cash allotment on their card, pull it off and use it to buy booze which let me tell you happens quite a bit around where I live, and no different than the people pulling cash off from the atms at strip clubs and casinos which happens as well. Too many of these people don't care, for as many as you can find who do care and would do the right thing with their card you'll find an equal amount or more depending on the area with a fuck it, spend it all on whatever I want who gives a shit approach. When the liquor stores make sure to note that they accept EBT on their letter signs out by the street you know exactly what is going on in that neighborhood.

[Zyster]

I pointed out the hypocricy of his statements and viewpoint. He happens to be a republican, so obviously that becomes what I address.
Whats your point?

What hypocrisy exactly? He gave Obama an ultimatum to do something. You know, with republicans being the big bad guys and hating everyone, and Obama really caring about your feels, he will do something, right? Especially with Obama's wife being such a health nut and the changes she has made already.

[Deleted]

Well, part of the issue is people don't feel they should have to be forced to give to charities. Taxes are universal, not specific to those who choose to want to be taxed more (though that could be an interesting concept). Also, government tends to be tied to greed through most people minds, while charities don't. Not saying there aren't corrupt charities, there is even great articles on how corrupt a lot of different charities are. I mean even look at one of the current presidential candidates charities. The point I'm making is people usually feel that their money may be used given to a charity rather than the government. It does create something uneven, but if I can assure my money to be used in the manner I want to help people, why would I not choose that route? It is then the persons choice if they choose to follow said charities guidelines. It isn't the charities fault if said person doesn't.

Taxes pay for things. Taxes are how a state maintains itself. Taxes gives everyone equal chance, equal treatment. Optimally, anyway.

Charities can't be trusted either. Have you seen the shit charities have gotten caught doing? You can't trust charities. What makes you think they're always good and government is always bad? Crooks are everywhere. That you'd rather trust people you haven't evne voted for, not even elected, rather than those you CAN vote for, highlights a serious problem.
I don't mean that as an insult. I sincerely think it's messed up that you can't trust your elected officials more than private interests.

[Gamdwelf]

I have my doubts. Otherwise there would be no reason what so ever for apples to cost more than apple juice. Considering the process of creating apple juice far exceeds the process of providing us with an apple itself.

Economies of scale along with ugly apples getting thrown out for consumer apples.

[urasim]

Because I'm just sick of politicians threatening really dumb moves with zero effort placed into thinking what the outcome might be. He says he'll ban Maine's administration? Go right ahead... and as soon as crime starts to go up, he'll be lamenting about how underfunded the police force is.

Texas, who gets more disaster aid from the fed than any other state (last I checked), is always chirping about secession. You want to leave, go right ahead.

People love to point out the shortcomings of folks worse off than them, because the poor are an easy target.... while having no problems seeing their property taxes go up because the local school "needs" some new football field built, or the army is getting tanks built that they never asked for in the first place. The whole thing is absurd.

This is all insane. None of that is being discussed in the thread. A healthy nation is one that makes more money and has more innovations. Because people aren't in their houses getting into food comas. Health is the first very important step to a prosperous nation, and you want no food stamps because you hate republicans? Fucking insane.

"Cutting off the nose to spite the face" comes to mind.

And people wonder why republicans and democrats are so divided. It's because people like you that will completely shit on anything they say no matter how much sense it makes.

[Zyster]

Taxes pay for things. Taxes are how a state maintains itself. Taxes gives everyone equal chance, equal treatment. Optimally, anyway.

Charities can't be trusted either. Have you seen the shit charities have gotten caught doing? You can't trust charities. What makes you think they're always good and government is always bad? Crooks are everywhere. That you'd rather trust people you haven't evne voted for, not even elected, rather than those you CAN vote for, highlights a serious problem.
I don't mean that as an insult. I sincerely think it's messed up that you can't trust your elected officials more than private interests.

Interesting you read the first 3 lines in my quote and decided to argue against me things I already stated. This is evident enough you are just here to run your mouth.

[Evil Midnight Bomber]

Ultimately, this is true. What do you do though when there are laws trying to be pushed and different outcry happening because said food stamp recipients aren't happy with either the funding they are receiving isn't enough or the government is funding things they shouldn't be funding? I'm sure you are also okay then with people selling food stamps for cash?

I honestly don't care if people do sell their food stamps for cash...but if you do then putting heavy restrictions on what people can buy with those stamps is only going to result in more people resorting to selling their stamps for cash.

[Polygons]

So instead of looking at the fact that 80% of the shit in our grocery stores is packed with sugar, we are blaming poor people and EBT? What the fuck?

[Gamdwelf]

When it comes to Govt Assistance, abso-fucking-lutely. Without a doubt at all.

No personally only water.

[Deleted]

What hypocrisy exactly? He gave Obama an ultimatum to do something. You know, with republicans being the big bad guys and hating everyone, and Obama really caring about your feels, he will do something, right? Especially with Obama's wife being such a health nut and the changes she has made already.

I don't really feel like repeating myself. If it weren't evident at first, no repetition will make you see it.
You seem to assumed I'm a democrat or that I like the democrats. That's really not the case.

It's the pot and kettle, reps and dems, calling one another blacker than themselves.

[Zyster]

This is all insane. None of that is being discussed in the thread. A healthy nation is one that makes more money and has more innovations. Because people aren't in their houses getting into food comas. Health is the first very important step to a prosperous nation, and you want no food stamps because you hate republicans? Fucking insane.

"Cutting off the nose to spite the face" comes to mind.

And people wonder why republicans and democrats are so divided. It's because people like you that will completely shit on anything they say no matter how much sense it makes.

Someone who understands. Takes a shit on republicans because republican. Then tries to defend that shit because republican. Nothing to do with thread. It happens a lot on both sides, but happens more frequently on that side on MMO-C.

[the game]

So instead of looking at the fact that 80% of the shit in our grocery stores is packed with sugar, we are blaming poor people and EBT? What the fuck?

Because it totally works better to treat the symptom and not the disease. Logic has no place in this discussion.

[Deletedaccount1]

Sure there is. Tax cuts, favorable business climate, etc.

Yeah true. Maine is one of the least free states in the country in terms of their economy.

[Zyster]

I honestly don't care if people do sell their food stamps for cash...but if you do then putting heavy restrictions on what people can buy with those stamps is only going to result in more people resorting to selling their stamps for cash.

I guess that is fare enough. It is the same value after all. I think the problem I have is breaking the rules. I still have a problem though with people doing stupid things with their food stamps, then complaining there isn't enough.

[prwraith]

Because it totally works better to treat the symptom and not the disease. Logic has no place in this discussion.

With the way our legislative body is setup, all you can do is attack the symptoms until you get to the disease or the disease becomes a viable target. It's unfortunate but our government is setup so that a personal agenda takes precedence to the well being of a country.

[Deleted]

Interesting you read the first 3 lines in my quote and decided to argue against me things I already stated. This is evident enough you are just here to run your mouth.

You can't take the moral high ground when you're the one that's attacking my person and not my argument.
Yes, I'm agreeing with you and you're making japes and snide remarks in return. I'm sorry that I phrase myself badly, but English isn't my first language and my phrasing becomes kinda wierd. You haven't really lead by example.

[Kathandira]

No personally only water.

I'll have a few beers socially at a party. But my daily drink is just water.

[Kithelle]

I think people on food stamps should be more limited on what you buy, fast food companies for years have been campaigning to allow people to buy their food with food stamps.

I have a friend who is on disability because he is obese, how does the government fix this? They gave him a place to live then has someone come in clean his place and does his shopping. Guess what he buys? Mt Dew and Chips, he has done nothing but gain weight since he got disability 15 years ago. He went from 500lbs to 770lbs. He pretty much just sits around all day playing video games and watches Netflix.

Yeah...some silly things you can buy with link cards here...you can buy soda, candy, liquor, and all kinds of junk...yet you can't purchase any kind more important things like personal hygiene products and household cleaning products.

[Zyster]

You can't take the moral high ground when you're the one that's attacking my person and not my argument.
Yes, I'm agreeing with you and you're making japes and snide remarks in return. I'm sorry that I phrase myself badly, but English isn't my first language and my phrasing becomes kinda wierd. You haven't really lead by example.

You have no argument on the subject. Hence why it isn't argued against. Your initial post was directed not even at the subject. It was essentially f republicans. Don't be hypocrite and tell someone else they should lead by example while spewing BS.

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You should try seltzer water, it's kind of an acquired taste but it's good if all you drink is water. Lemon/lime Perrier is my favorite. Never drink it warm.

I bought some seltzer water on accident like a year ago. It is still sitting in my fridge.