Sounds like slavery? In response to Mel Holden’s letter about food stamps (Tribune-Herald, Feb. 22). ADVERTISING Mr. Holden, it sounds to me like you are a bit disgruntled because you are not receiving food stamps. We would all love to
Sounds like slavery?
In response to Mel Holden’s letter about food stamps (Tribune-Herald, Feb. 22).
Mr. Holden, it sounds to me like you are a bit disgruntled because you are not receiving food stamps. We would all love to have lobster and steak each night for dinner. That would be the ideal Hawaii, wouldn’t it? Well, guess what, it isn’t ideal.
You can’t be serious! Work for food stamps!? Now that makes a lot of sense! You obviously do not keep your eyes open when you are on your way into the grocery store. There are people with addictions and mental health issues that prevent responsible thinking, and we do not have the resources on this island to do much for these people. And, yes, they are people, too.
People do not make enough money to pay the high prices in Hawaii. They do work and still can’t feed their families.
As a server for one of the feeding programs in Hilo, I can tell you that I see people who do not want to be there in line, waiting to be nourished with whatever the food banks have to offer. These people have children, and children do not understand why Mom and Dad can’t buy treats once in a while. And, yes, it should be once in a while.
I agree that soda and junk food are not necessary items and maybe that should be looked at within the food stamp program. Please try not to put all food stamp recipients in a category of being irresponsible with their food stamps — you do not know their circumstances.
You must agree that your proposed idea of working for food stamps, and a bag of beans and rice, is not the solution. In fact, that sounds like slavery to me.
You obviously budget your money — and be glad you have money to budget.
None of the flaws in our food stamp program will be solved by complaining about what you can afford and what food stamp recipients are buying. Go buy yourself a lobster and have a treat once in a while that’s within your budget.
Timothy L. Palmer
Hilo
Work for benefits
Mel Holden made some interesting points about food stamps (Tribune-Herald, Feb. 22).
I agree that food stamp recipients should do some community service in exchange for those benefits.
Working on a community farm, picking up trash, helping the elderly, tutoring keiki, volunteering at the library, etc., would all be beneficial and a worthwhile “exchange” of work for public assistance.
Imagine how much better our community would be!
A. Yamamoto
Hilo
