Gohmert: Cutting food stamps not evil because poor people buy king crab legs

[kurtharp]

68. Gohmert is a tool but changes are needed

Louis is a complete tool but I do think changes are needed. I've seen folks purchase all manner of pre packaged/pre made/pre cooked foods, soda, Gatorade, chips, cookies and not a piece fruit, vegetables or fresh meats. Then I see the same person in a second order at that register purchase alcohol and smokes with cash. Why couldn't that person have purchased their own food with that cash instead of alcohol and smokes? I am all for helping those in need but I also think that Vision cards in Kansas (or whatever your state calls them) need to have the issued person's name on the card (selling them is a big market here) and ID checked when the card is used. The cards should be limited to fresh fruit, vegetables, meats (including lobster and King Crab), dairy products and baby foods/items.

In my position of public assistance I've seen many cards sold, loaned, traded for drugs/alcohol/sex, use the Vision card to purchase food and then use cash for drugs. I know it was a controversial topic here that Florida was drug testing those with public assistance but I can assure you, regular drug and alcohol use among my clients with public assistance or SSI/SSDI is common. I've seen this first hand.

I am ALL FOR a strong social safety net, I have worked with the poor or otherwise unable to take for themselves for most of my adult life. I also see on a regular basis that common sense changes MUST be made for the long term health of this safety net for those that truly need it.