Are people "moochers" if they rely on federal/state assistance but they are completely able-bodied?

Question

I know a couple who rely heavily on charity from others. The wife doesn't work and the husband is a freelancer and they have three kids. To me, they chose for her not to work and they chose for him to freelance (he left his job). They use WIC and State/Federal funded health care for their kids. I often get a moocher attitude towards them as they do not attempt to better themselves in any way. In fact, it appears they don't want to make more money- in fear they might lose their freebies? They come off as really good people, but something about it just gets under my skin. Maybe because I work for everything I have and wouldn't have it any other way. I really want to know if other people feel as I do about this sort of thing??

Answer 1

ABSOLUTELY!

Answer 2

I'm a liberal democrat. This bugs me too. In no way do I think this is acceptable. I think most democrats have a problem with this. In fact, I would go far to say that most people (even those disabled) should be working. We need to stomp out the fraud. I have a relative who it seems pretended to have a disability (injury from "work") and did so for 18 years, something like that. All of a sudden she can walk again and all is fine. She injured herself while goofing around.
There are a lot of lazy people. I know some people that are lazy and received government assistance. It's actually pretty common in Massachusetts. I'm sure of it is the result of a victim attitude or just plain lack of ambition.
I'm sure some of it relates to opportunity. Poor people don't have many resources. I can understand why they may be depressed or become complacent. Negative attitudes are poison.
I'm a liberal democrat because I believe strongly in improving our educational system for all and providing lots of opportunities for all. I know some people that grew up in these types of families and couldn't do sports or outside activities. Their options were very limited. They are doing ok now but they have had a lot of problems. They don't see the connection. I'm talking about drugs and DUIs. One died, leaving behind a big family. He crashed his motorcycle at 1 am while intoxicated. He was a father with 4 or 5 children. Does that sound responsible? He owned his own business and was doing really well but he was bored as I understand.
He and his brothers had to entertain themselves and grew up with strict parents. They missed out on a lot as children.
I don't get their parents because they have very little to do with their children and grandchildren. Try reasoning with such people? It's impossible.
Again, this is why I support education and opportunities. This is how you get rid of the waste, fraud, and corruption.
It is not just the poor though. Some rich folks milk the system.
A friend of mine lost his job and didn't really look for a job, just collected unemployment. There probably wasn't any jobs out there for him at the time. He was busy doing other stuff like making a movie. The whole system is a mess.
I graduated from college and I've been working since I was 15. I have never been laid off. But I feel like I'm not getting ahead and I work very hard. I'm intelligent. I'm working on a Masters but getting into debt. It's scarey because I don't have a lot of confidence that I'll find a better paying job. It feels like there is a club out there that only lets certain people in.

Answer 3

Moochers? You must be about as old as I am. I haven't heard that term in many years. Moochers = thieves. Yes in my own beliefs they are. Right now at my age, I could get an early retirement for health reasons but I choose to work anyway. I used to be a Special Investigator who's job was to go out on certain people and catch them in the act of doing labor jobs while on workers compensation. I was good at my job and in all of the time I had that job, I found only one legit person. This is pure theft and it drives up the cost of living and insurance.

Answer 4

Moochers are moochers no matter how nice they look. Anyone who would rather live off the public coffers is a moocher unless they have no other choice (mentally retarded, brain damaged, or some other disability).

I met a man who had his leg amputated because of gangrene from his diabetes who preferred to sit around and call himself disabled so he could retire on SS disability. Then I met a man who had lost both legs and had been fit with prosthetic legs, who still worked full-time and who didn't consider himself to be damaged in any way.

I guess it must be the mentality of the person involved. Some would rather just sit around and do nothing for a living, while the rest would be ashamed to do that.

Answer 5

Moochers is a nice word, Thieves is another. Those programs were put in place to help people that have fallen on difficult time not by their own choice and need help getting back into the flow. Not people for people without disabilities (whether temporary or permanent) that sit at home eating government cheese on our tax dollar. As far as "health care for their kids" if you can't afford good insurance or good insurance is not offered at work (no matter how much you make) then make sure your kids are covered. Sick kids grow to be sick adults and cost more in the long run.

I have no problems helping our fellow Americans out when they need it. The key phrases here are "Fellow Americans" and "when they need it". Its pretty clear these people are simply stealing from the tax payers.

Answer 6

Yes--definitely moochers. If they are healthy enough to work--then they should work. You are working to pay taxes so the government can pay them to not work--really messed up system huh? I have worked since I was 14 and have never received any type of assistance. My health is getting worse--but I still work. Your feelings are the same as a lot of people's. They may be really good people--but they have their priorities all messed up! They are not setting a very good example for their children either.

Answer 7

I think it really depends more on their situation. Maybe if the mother tried to work she wouldn't be able to even make enough money to have the kids in daycare? But I guess if that's the situation, they should not have had kids. I do think it is wrong though. If you cant afford to live the way you want to, you need to cut back in other places rather than having help from the government, especially when there are other people that really do need it.

Answer 8

People like that aer a drain on the system. As unpopular as the opinion may be, I feel that people were made to work. If everyone took their approach the world would be in complete disrepair. I can understand people who use the resources provided to them by the system, but those resources are earned. You are NOT entitled to them simply for existing. Those services are a privilege of American citizenship provided to individuals who have fell on hard times through injury or disability, or for those who have lost employment and are ACTIVELY SEEKING a new job.

Answer 9

Yes. They are. Just make sure you are aware of all the circumstances. Like was he fired from his job because he was a total jerk, assaulted someone there, made sexual advances? Can they afford daycare if the wife goes to work or is it possible that she has no education other than caring for her children and being a good Mom? There is always more to the story.

Answer 10

Some people do take advantage of the system while others really do need the assistance.

I say judge each family individually. Don't scoop everyone in the same barrell. Here in Michigan we have so many people losing their jobs and homes.... And I would never consider these people moochers if they applied for assistance...

Answer 11

Stop right now and recognize who is WIC and State/Federal funded health care? Short answer.....YOU.

Each taxpayer puts money in the federal and state tax pot to assist legitimate needs of those folks who require our assistance. Folk who abuse our generosity are taking advantage not of the system they are taking advantage of your kindness and your willingness to work and support such programs.

The fact that you have an attitude toward them may be justified in that what you see are folk who could support themselves if they so chose to do so....next time you see them ask him when he is going to get to work and stop living off your generosity....you have a right....it's your tax dollars he is sucking up.