Is the government wrong to push food stamps on people who don't want them?

Just for the record, it is not the welfare workers doing the food stamps pushing.

The government pays private agencies (like AARP) to coerce people into applying for food stamps.

We get the applications, submitted by the third party. We call to discuss the info, and when we tell them they will only get $16, they are not happy, The interviewer told them they would get $100 or more.

Many of the applicant are not even eligible for the $16.

I do not care how you define coerced, when we get applications and the person did not even know they applied - something is wrong.

"I didn't apply, I just answered a phone survey,"

I've heard that more than once.

They do the same thing with Medicaid.

When we called the "Medicaid applicant" to verify information, the gentleman was not happy.

"I'm a retired doctor - you think I need welfare?"

Define "coerced."

"Convinced" is not "coerced."

"Bullied?" Really?

There is no harm in food stamps, and no one is compelled to use them, even if you have them.

It means enough food to keep your little ones alive even if everything else goes to hell. It's also an incredibly efficient economic stimulator, dollar for dollar.

Are you arguing that people should refuse food stamps, and feed hungry mouths with servings of "pride?" Do you honestly think no one in appalachia is going hungry? No one? Well some are, and that's why the food stamps are there. Efforts to undermine food stamps hurt the ones who need them.

Maybe your ideas are too simple? Perhaps you shouldn't be given easy and ignorant suggestions? Maybe you will have to acknowledge that you have had a good life and it has no longer assist you to see how existence is for different folks? Just a couple of thoughts to remember whilst you are not angry. Routinely people are born to unhealthy parents and they have no loved ones to turn to. Oftentimes individuals haven't any chances as children. Kids have to study everything. In many instances men and women want help.

the people in Iowa are just as proud as Appalachia. they want all of America to share in the abundant harvest that is our birthright as citizens. food stamps is how that is shared to people that are challenged economically. Food stamps is how we keep food demand and prices stable even when Wall Street lays an egg. What is assistance in Appalachia is subsidy in Iowa, most people view that as a win-win situation, and the reason it remains a popular program. sometimes you can focus too narrowly on an issue and miss the larger picture.

The personal responsibility train has left town in most of the U.S. Nice to hear that somebody has the integrity to make it on their own.

The sole caveat is children's health. If nutrition is actually an issue, then public assistance may be called for but if recipients just buy twinkies and moon pies, or if the money previously spent on food is diverted to alcohol, then it wasn't worth the trouble.

NO !

they are NOT coerced

infants and children need food not supplied by hunting

we are a society, the government has a responsibility to try to help people. if they do not want it, it is their choice. Children need protection

as for "coercion" what do you think industry does with advertising to manipulate people about what they want or need?