Parenting Methods

» Barbara Gibson - Cycle of Abuse of the System

It can be very difficult to watch people engaged in fraud, particularly when you are doing your best to follow the rules and live honestly. Sometimes, people are simply doing what they can to "get over" - other times, in spite of what it looks like, people are doing the very best they can ( remember that everyone's best doesn't look the same or yield the same outcome) to stay afloat while holding onto the hope that things will get better and they can live honestly - without manipulating or abusing the system. You're absolutely right that the system does not work perfectly. In some cases it does not seem to work at all. In the meantime, it is helpful to remember that the primary beneficiaries of federal subsidies are children. No matter whether they have parents that are focused go-getters, or parents that are less than ambitious they still deserve warm beds in stable homes. In Georgia, where I live, a family with one child receives about 235 per month (these families have decreased dramatically in number since welfare reform). They may also receive assistance with medical needs and food - periodic recertification is required and benefits are adjusted accordingly.
As you, I think the problem of poverty is complex and the solution has so far escaped even the most compassionate advocates; still, we must continue the dialogue and make the difference that we can for the people that we can.