Yeah…Cool, huh? I understand

That is one of my points.. it doesn’t work properly..more money goes to the administrators than the recipients. And if people who don’t deserve it get…they’re gonna do it no matter what we do. That’s why i think we should just save the money and give it to whoever wants it…and by the way i AM on foodstamps right now as i’m unemployed feeding a teenager and going to school at night …. i ran the gauntlet required to get the help and believe me, people in need are not treated well at all in this system.

Uh-Oh, C.O., you just pushed one of my buttons. I used to work for the welfare department here in Texas a long time ago. over and over i would hear from colleagues (some of them who thought they were the FBI) “did you see the car that person is driving? whey do the need foodstamps?” it is some kind of knee jerk reaction to many people that everyone who takes advantage of financial aid from the government is trying to “get over” or get something they don’t deserve. The most outragous accusations being that women have babies to get more welfare. Have you ever tried to live on welfare? Trust me, there is NO PROFIT in having another baby. Another thing I learned from working with the welfare department is that most of the people who come in for their foodstamps or whatever would rather not be doing it but really NEED it. Of course there are those who take advantage of the system. But I think there are more wealthy people who take advantage of the system than poor, because the wealthy pay their lawyers to tell them how to do it. Also as an employee of the state i was astounded at the unnecessary bureaucracy and the small amount of work that was done for good pay. I know because i goofed off as much as the next person. SO much money is put into making sure people are not taking advantage of the foodstamp or welfare programs that if they took all that money and just handed it out to people who wanted it i think our government would save a lot of cash. the same people would show up for a handout. Some deserving some not. And you would not be able to tell by the car they drove or the clothes they wore. Or take that money saved on bureaucracy and spend it on child protective services….now THAT is where quality employees are needed and they do need to be paid more. I’m just tired of hearing middle class and upper middle class people complain about helping those in poverty. Poverty is an issue that needs to be addressed in new and innovative ways. This country seems to be doing nothing to actually give the underprivilidged a chance to get out of their circumstances….and worrying that someone who dresses well and uses foodstamps has nothing to do with anything important. okay, i’m finished with my rant. As for Palin, what is most frightening is that I just heard that the Republicans are gaining in the polls. For heavens sake we GOTTA get them out of there, they are endangering our country in more ways than i care to list at this time.

Well, I did once shake Jesse Jackson’s hand and ask him if he was going to run for president again. He avoided the question. This was at a state Democratic convention some years ago.. but I did find it exciting.

I definitely want to live to 100. A late bloomer, I didn’t do much with my early adult years. I’ve raised two extraordinary boys and am now at 57 starting a new chapter in my life….working on a masters in instructional technology (maybe on to a Phd). It’s an exciting field and I want to be around long enough to learn as much as possible and be able (okay I’m getting idealistic now) to add something to the future of education myself. I feel like I have so much more to do in this life.

My favorite from Jon Stewart was when he said that after the speach Obama made the sun rise…hahah..YES…YOU GO Barack!

You know, Mugsy, i remember thinking about that when i was younger. That we’d all end up blended together and maybe that would solve some problems. One thing I’m learning is also with all the different cultures this country is becoming a stew or a salad…. we’re not really melting together just gathering together. In a way that is good, i like the diversity of culture and i think the diversity itself could someday teach more tolerance. It just pains me to see so many people hanging on to old prejudices even if they are sometimes subconcious. But i look around and the men are still in charge….the white men. But with each new generation there is some progress..my own family is quite a stew itself, many colors mixed up together, learning about each other. I am optimistic,but impatient.

Yes, Yes, Mugsy. Finally somebody besides me remembers that Obama has a “white” mother. I personally find it a bit racist to say he will be our first African American president. Think historically. Remember when only an ounce of “black” blood meant one was Black and therefore less of a person? We must recognize the experience of MIXED and it is a different experience from either black or white..my best friend’s daughter is mixed, so I know this. And most of all, especially in this culturally diverse nation, we must embrace all colors and combinations there of. So no matter the gender or color of a candidate, you better believe I will pull that straight-Democratic lever (metaphorically speaking of course) come November. Gotta ditch the Bush-bunch!!

Hahahah… right DeBurca, most women are too smart to want to be on a ticket with McCain.

It’s total condescension.

Amen James, i personally don’t understand how ANYone who supported Hillary and her convictions could vote republican….and to think that putting a woman on the ticket will steal their votes? PUHLEESE!

YES You go, My Alias! I agree!

Whoopie, i totally agree. your wisdom shines as usual

Yeah, you go Liz! and wouldn’t ya know it i am seeing that strange phenomenon of soo many “who cares”…don’t they read the headline? I say, if you don’t care…..don’t click!

Yes, the youth-for-cash….lol..,.I just die my hair red and let the rest age naturally. As for Madonna, I welcome her to real life of fifty and beyond. I may not have always been a fan of her music, but I have always been a fan of her outspoken ways and uninhibited behavior….and have watched her change over the years, but she has always kept that strength. I know some don’t think of it that way. But I like a woman who speaks her mind and does what she wants. The older I get the more I appreciate it…and the more I myself say..lol.. so Happy Birthday to Madonna! (and don’t be afraid of a few wrinkles)