Why do people on public assistance get free cell phones?

[sandorski]

E

It's cheaper than a landline. Seems some are willing to pay more for a Landline just because they consider a Cell Phone a "luxury". Doesn't make sense.

 

[Genx87]

Originally posted by: Brainonska511

Originally posted by: Genx87

Originally posted by: Brainonska511
If you're living below the poverty line and working, $20/month isn't something you can toss around willy-nilly, especially if you require foodstamps and such to make ends meet.

Then dont go with a phone? I know, the horror!

You try finding a job without a phone.

I am going to assume the types of jobs these people qualify for dont require a phone. Or if it does, they can go buy one with their first paycheck.

Either way I fail to see how it is the govts job to provide these people with a cell phone.

 

[LunarRay]

Originally posted by: Genx87

Originally posted by: Moonbeam
It's a free speech issue.

How is talking over a private network at cost a free speech issue?

Because using "... cruel and unusual punishment ..." wouldn't fit?

Edit: Moonbeam's proffer wouldn't fit either if all the cell phone holder did was listen? There is no right to FREE listen.

 

[imported_inspire]

Originally posted by: Genx87

Originally posted by: Brainonska511

Originally posted by: Genx87

Originally posted by: Brainonska511
If you're living below the poverty line and working, $20/month isn't something you can toss around willy-nilly, especially if you require foodstamps and such to make ends meet.

Then dont go with a phone? I know, the horror!

You try finding a job without a phone.

I am going to assume the types of jobs these people qualify for dont require a phone. Or if it does, they can go buy one with their first paycheck.

Either way I fail to see how it is the govts job to provide these people with a cell phone.

The point is that it doesn't fucking matter - it's not the government's job to micro-manage everybody's life. If you can work and you want a phone or think you need one, and you can't be assed to get one, but would rather sit and bitch about all your lost opportunities bc you don't have a phone then you have committed what I call an Epic Failure of Personal Responsibility - please remove yourself from the gene pool.

 

[Tom]

Originally posted by: inspire

Originally posted by: Genx87

Originally posted by: Brainonska511

Originally posted by: Genx87

Originally posted by: Brainonska511
If you're living below the poverty line and working, $20/month isn't something you can toss around willy-nilly, especially if you require foodstamps and such to make ends meet.

Then dont go with a phone? I know, the horror!

You try finding a job without a phone.

I am going to assume the types of jobs these people qualify for dont require a phone. Or if it does, they can go buy one with their first paycheck.

Either way I fail to see how it is the govts job to provide these people with a cell phone.

The point is that it doesn't fucking matter - it's not the government's job to micro-manage everybody's life. If you can work and you want a phone or think you need one, and you can't be assed to get one, but would rather sit and bitch about all your lost opportunities bc you don't have a phone then you have committed what I call an Epic Failure of Personal Responsibility - please remove yourself from the gene pool.

you realize that virtually everyone who qualifies for this is either a Veteran, disabled, elderly, or the parent of a child ?

 

[imported_inspire]

Originally posted by: Tom

Originally posted by: inspire

Originally posted by: Genx87

Originally posted by: Brainonska511

Originally posted by: Genx87

Originally posted by: Brainonska511
If you're living below the poverty line and working, $20/month isn't something you can toss around willy-nilly, especially if you require foodstamps and such to make ends meet.

Then dont go with a phone? I know, the horror!

You try finding a job without a phone.

I am going to assume the types of jobs these people qualify for dont require a phone. Or if it does, they can go buy one with their first paycheck.

Either way I fail to see how it is the govts job to provide these people with a cell phone.

The point is that it doesn't fucking matter - it's not the government's job to micro-manage everybody's life. If you can work and you want a phone or think you need one, and you can't be assed to get one, but would rather sit and bitch about all your lost opportunities bc you don't have a phone then you have committed what I call an Epic Failure of Personal Responsibility - please remove yourself from the gene pool.

you realize that virtually everyone who qualifies for this is either a Veteran, disabled, elderly, or the parent of a child ?

I didn't know the breakdown, no - I wouldn't put vets, the disabled, or the elderly in this number.

 

[FuzzyBee]

Interesting that the government can sponsor this program so that everybody can have a phone, but there are those in the government that think that it's a burden to have to get a state-issued ID to vote.

 

[tk149]

A. If you don't have 24/7 access to a phone, the boogeyman will eat you.

B. Friends don't let friends use their phones.

C. There is no such thing as "my" money, it's only money the government let's you "borrow" until they want it back.

D. All of the above

Yeah, repost.

 

[First]

P
O
S
T

 

[ayabe]

In other news, welfare queens still get their nails and hair did with the extra money that they don't have to spend feeding, clothing, and housing their kids.

So yes, people game the system and on its surface this appears to be in the same category.

But I'm going to step back from that, having a valid phone is key to obtaining and keeping a job, if there's any utility to come from this program I would imagine it was centered around this idea.

 

[Pulsar]

Originally posted by: ayabe
In other news, welfare queens still get their nails and hair did with the extra money that they don't have to spend feeding, clothing, and housing their kids.

So yes, people game the system and on its surface this appears to be in the same category.

But I'm going to step back from that, having a valid phone is key to obtaining and keeping a job, if there's any utility to come from this program I would imagine it was centered around this idea.

I don't know many welfare queens. The folks I know who are on welfare can't afford to have their nails and hair done - and when they DO they go without eating or some other item.

I agree that having a phone is a necessary component of getting and keeping a job.

I see several people disagreeing with the original premise - that the phone is a necessity. How do you call in sick without a phone? How do you schedule a doctors appoint, welfare appoint, job interview without a phone? I would challenge those people who think it isn't necessary to look at their phone bill for a couple months and imagine - what would you have had to do if you had no phone.

I think people will quickly come to realize it pretty much IS a necessity.

 

[umbrella39]

Originally posted by: First
P
O
S
T

 

[sandorski]

Originally posted by: Pulsar

Originally posted by: ayabe
In other news, welfare queens still get their nails and hair did with the extra money that they don't have to spend feeding, clothing, and housing their kids.

So yes, people game the system and on its surface this appears to be in the same category.

But I'm going to step back from that, having a valid phone is key to obtaining and keeping a job, if there's any utility to come from this program I would imagine it was centered around this idea.

I don't know many welfare queens. The folks I know who are on welfare can't afford to have their nails and hair done - and when they DO they go without eating or some other item.

I agree that having a phone is a necessary component of getting and keeping a job.

I see several people disagreeing with the original premise - that the phone is a necessity. How do you call in sick without a phone? How do you schedule a doctors appoint, welfare appoint, job interview without a phone? I would challenge those people who think it isn't necessary to look at their phone bill for a couple months and imagine - what would you have had to do if you had no phone.

I think people will quickly come to realize it pretty much IS a necessity.

Go here to find Welfare Kings and Queens.

 

[ayabe]

Originally posted by: Pulsar

Originally posted by: ayabe
In other news, welfare queens still get their nails and hair did with the extra money that they don't have to spend feeding, clothing, and housing their kids.

So yes, people game the system and on its surface this appears to be in the same category.

But I'm going to step back from that, having a valid phone is key to obtaining and keeping a job, if there's any utility to come from this program I would imagine it was centered around this idea.

I don't know many welfare queens. The folks I know who are on welfare can't afford to have their nails and hair done - and when they DO they go without eating or some other item.

I agree that having a phone is a necessary component of getting and keeping a job.

I see several people disagreeing with the original premise - that the phone is a necessity. How do you call in sick without a phone? How do you schedule a doctors appoint, welfare appoint, job interview without a phone? I would challenge those people who think it isn't necessary to look at their phone bill for a couple months and imagine - what would you have had to do if you had no phone.

I think people will quickly come to realize it pretty much IS a necessity.

For me it's a simple math problem, ultimately even if say 30% of these people are just gaming the system and aren't using their phone for anything to better themselves. That's still less being spent in totality than if the other 70% had difficulties obtaining a job due to lack of a phone which would require either prolonged and/or higher levels of assistance.

 

[Patranus]

Originally posted by: piasabird
Try finding a payphone now adays and you will see the delimna. There are fewer and fewer payphones and phone booths for the indigent public to use.

I guess we should add a phone to the list of apparent 'rights' the Democrats want to push on the taxpayers back.

 

[cubeless]

Originally posted by: Moonbeam
It's a free speech issue.

too bad the pun impaired on the forum miss half the fun...

 

[Fear No Evil]

Anyone want to bet that the government is probably paying more per phone they issue than private people could buy it for? I'd love to see the stats on this program. They are probably paying $40 for something any one of us could walk into Walmart and buy for $20.

But how about guns for poor people? Nice handguns can cost many hundres of dollars. And its a right thats ACTUALLY in the Constitution. How about a program Republicans can get behind? Guns for citizens?

 

[WHAMPOM]

Originally posted by: FuzzyBee
Interesting that the government can sponsor this program so that everybody can have a phone, but there are those in the government that think that it's a burden to have to get a state-issued ID to vote.

That's PAY to get a state issued ID to vote. Illegal poll tax?? Some of the proposed hoops people would have to jump through for a free ID are onerous.

 

[FuzzyBee]

Originally posted by: WHAMPOM

Originally posted by: FuzzyBee
Interesting that the government can sponsor this program so that everybody can have a phone, but there are those in the government that think that it's a burden to have to get a state-issued ID to vote.

That's PAY to get a state issued ID to vote. Illegal poll tax?? Some of the proposed hoops people would have to jump through for a free ID are onerous.

They don't have to PAY in my state. In fact, there are buses that will come to them.

What's onerous about that? Hey - they could even use their free phone service to call to have the ID bus come to them.

 

[sandorski]

Originally posted by: FuzzyBee

Originally posted by: WHAMPOM

Originally posted by: FuzzyBee
Interesting that the government can sponsor this program so that everybody can have a phone, but there are those in the government that think that it's a burden to have to get a state-issued ID to vote.

That's PAY to get a state issued ID to vote. Illegal poll tax?? Some of the proposed hoops people would have to jump through for a free ID are onerous.

They don't have to PAY in my state. In fact, there are buses that will come to them.

What's onerous about that? Hey - they could even use their free phone service to call to have the ID bus come to them.

ID Panel Vans!! :Q

 

[JS80]

Originally posted by: paperfist
Safelink Wireless is a government supported program that provides a free cell phone and airtime eachmonth for income-eligible customers.

"Through our Lifeline Service you will receive FREE cellular service, a FREE cell phone, and FREE Minutes every month! SafeLink Wireless Service does not cost anything ? there are no contracts, no recurring fees and no monthly charges.

Any Minutes you do not use will roll-over. Features such as caller ID, call waiting and voicemail are all also included with your service. If you need additional Minutes, you can buy TracFone Airtime Cards at any TracFone retailer Walmart, Walgreens, Family Dollar, etc). SafeLink Airtime Cards will be available soon."

To qualify in NY you have to participate in:

* Family Assistance
* Food Stamps
* Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
* Medicaid
* Safety Net Assistance
* Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
* Veteran's Disability Pension
* Veteran's Surviving Spouse Pension

Now I know Family Assistance is mainly for domestic violence people so I don't really have a problem with that, but why in the world do people on food stamps, HEAP, Medicaid, etc need a cell phone?

Democracy, where 51% can vote to steal from the 49%.

 

[Schmide]

Arguements like this always remind me of the Repo Man Movie when Bud (Harry Dean Stanton) and Otto (Emilio Estevez) are driving in the car and Bud looks at some homeless people.

(Bud)
Fucking trash!
I wonder how much they owe?

Most of them are on the run, not even
using their social security numbers.

If there was only a way
to make them pay...

(Otto)
Jesus, Bud, they're winos!
They don't have money.

Would they be bums if they did?

(Bud)
- Do you want out?

 

[Harvey]

Originally posted by: paperfist

Topic Title: Why do people on public assistance get free cell phones?
Topic Summary: Free caller ID and roll over minutes too!

I can think of one good reason. Communication is essential for those trying to find work or otherwise get off of public assistance and for to stay in touch with their families. Many of them don't have stable living situations. They may be living in unstable conditions with friends or in short term accomodations, or they may be homeless.

Unlike a wired connection, a cell moves with them, allowing them to maintain that communication. It's just another form of assistance one would hope has more to gain than it costs. It's certainly not worth getting your panties in a wad.

 

[waggy]

I have no issue with this for people who are disabled most are on fixed incomes and will need it for doctor visits etc, medicaid who are on fixed incomes and need it for doctor visits, SSI most are disabled and have very little incom, Disabled Vets and spouse (duh).


Its a good service and well worth the tax money.

 

[dainthomas]

Originally posted by: JS80
Democracy, where 51% can vote to steal from the 49%.

More like 97% voting to give to the 2% who are indigent disabled vets or abused wives to help them get on their feet. The remaining 1% are like you.