How many "poor' folks seem to be able to afford to buy cartons of cigarettes but can't take their kid to a Dr.

Question

...or dentist because they say they can not "afford" the cost of healthcare?

Name-calling means you are unable to argue from a reasonably intelligent standpoint.

Thomas m, good one. i know a few of those as well.

Answer 1

A lot; but, then again, I know quite a few people who are well-off financially who say the same thing. I've come to the conclusion that it isn't a question of being able to "afford" the cost of healthcare, it's a question of priorities. For many people, it's simply more important to have the cigarettes (or the booze or the new cars). They've made a decision that it's more important for them to have what they want when they want it instead of taking care of their children.

Answer 2

In some ways, I do agree with parents buying their kids cigarettes. I mean, your mom buying your cigarettes IS better than one of your 18 year old druggie friends buying your cigarettes. But then again, buying your kids cigarettes DOES seem kind of irresponsible. If you're buying them cigarettes, make sure you're not JUST buying them cigarettes. Buy them some gum, patches, or some other quitting method.

Answer 3

I remember when I was a cashier and they would come in trying to pay for cigarettes with a food stamp debit card, when it didnt work, they would suddenly have cash.

In fairness though there are SOME people that do need foodstamps but most are just leaching off the system.

And when I say some need it, I mean those who did everything right, did save money and things looked good, but then something happened(such as when corporations decided to lay off Americans who worked in computers and replace them with cheap labor) or suddenly got disabled to the point it was difficult to work. I don't blame those people.

Answer 4

I am poor and I have taken my kids when they were young to the Dr. and I can afford to buy cigarettes however, I will not continue to let the democrats attack my right of personal choice. There you go again using kids as a political pawn.
I do not think it is right for you and others like you to force me to pay universal health care for myself which I will not enjoy anyhow seeing that my claims may be denied because I smoke.

Answer 5

Here is my question- how can the US afford to LOSE 8+ BILLION DOLLARS in Iraq but can't subsidize health care? We just threw that money away, it fell off a truck- but that's okay with you, right?

Everything costs more but wages haven't gone up. There literally is nothing left. And no, it isn't because of people's addictions. That is a pretty ignorant view. You obviously have no idea what it is like to live paycheck to paycheck. My son has a disability and caring for him is very expensive. My insurance doesn't even cover the treatments he needs. I guess we should stop eating or sell the one car we have to get him to his therapy.

Answer 6

The numbers are about the same that buy the 6 pack of beer on the way home from getting their welfare check. They buy their friends discounted groceries with their WIC and then use the cash for cigarettes and beer.

Answer 7

I like the old geezers in the casinos at the $25 tables, smoking away and then complaining about the price of the medicines that keep them alive.

Answer 8

That doesn't describe all " poor people" but I live near a state welfare office and I am always amazed at the number of people standing out side smoking while they are waiting their turn. For what it is worth most of them are women.

Answer 9

I've always wondered about that too. Most seem to be able to afford cigarettes and booze, but when it comes to crazy things like rent, doctor visits, food and clothing, the money just isn't there. Hmmmmmmm.........

Answer 10

That's pretty ignorant of you. That assumes most poor people smoke and pay hundreds of dollars a month for cigs. Dumb assumption. I know many working poor who struggle just to put food on the table, and no they don't smoke or drink. Health care for a child is around $200 a month (I priced it recently myself) or higher, and that can account for all these paycheck to paycheck types have left over for food and rent. I'm sure there are a few selfish folks who buy smokes rather than take their kids to a dentist, but stop buying into such dated stereotypes.