Is It Acceptable To Test Chronic Pain Sufferers

[daredtowork]

64. If that happened

That was stupid. That card is tied to her Social Services case number, and if it's abused she would become permanently ineligible for food stamps. No more food or cigarettes.

But frankly, if this is in Oakland, I wouldn't blame anyone for trying to find creative ways around the system. This is a system that gives people zero cash and no side benefits for stuff like public transportation. If they aren't scamming to get the non-food stuff they need, then they are scamming for some sort of "mini-vacation" from all the stress, indignity, and physical pain and suffering that Oakland is inflicting on its poorest citizens right now.

If I wasn't lucky enough to be in a situation that had enabled me to hold on to my housing this long, I'd probably be looking for a way to trade my food stamps for cigs, too. Hell, I'd be going for opium, because I have an under-treated pain condition! The mainstream world doesn't give a frak about me, so, yes, give me a hit of opium, and let me sink into a dreamworld for a while where I can have the experience of good life for an hour or so.

Oakland could change that outcome by actually providing a base income/work/shelter/food (all with dignity) safety net. If you can afford to hang flower baskets everywhere, Oakland, you can afford this!