Katie blue, I won't flame you because I think what you said is true, about many poor people staying poor because of bad purchasing choices. We have a friend who is a bankruptcy lawyer and she tells us story after story about people who don't have enough to pay the electricity and rent, but they have a top of the line sound system, etc. It's enough to break your heart because it's all so pointless.
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Evacuee Purchases Designer Handbag with Redcross Donation!
- Thread starter Diane4145
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pk305
Beach Fanatic
Truly disheartening & maddening!! Know for a FACT that in some of the ATL lines (waiting for their $2k) there were folks "hatching" their stories. Lots of fraud opportunity in any kind of chaos. Sad that we are all paying for this, at the same time we can look ourselves in the mirror & not feel shame. (we would feel that way, but those without conscience wouldn't be fazed!!) This type of fraud goes on everyday with our medical system....people checking out of hospitals and jumping into FINE CARS, going to FINE HOMES but not owing a cent because they are on medicaid. FACT. Meantime, we work hard to have insurance (whether thru employer or private pay) and then have to fight like crazy for the benefits for which we are paying!! Good, honest, hard working folks will often be the victims of the RULES, RED TAPE created because of the bad apples. Shame on those who abuse and waste our resources.
In other words, the perfect consumer.
I'm not worried if someone collects their FEMA $$ (which is suppose to help get them on their feet), and they decide to blow it. Lots of people at all economic and other levels make poor choices. Why wouldn't you expect to hear of some poor choices from displaced citizens, especially given all they've gone through. I'm sure most will make the most of their allotted funds.
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optimama1957
Beach Comber
The abuse of funds is not at all shocking.It will always happen.What is more amazing and disconcerting are all the odd stipulations the government will often put on benifits and disaster proceeds....after Andrew we decided to forego the FEMA route and chose a low interset long term SBA loan.They were more than willing to part with 40,000 for replacement of household goods,but quick to shoot down a request to use part of the loan for a down payment on a house.It took much wailing and nashing of teeth to fianlly convince this arm of the government (and a softhearted lawyer in the SBA offices in Atlanta) to release the funds to put down on a new home.I deeply feel for those in our grand old Southern States who not only have to deal with immense loss,but also a long term and complicated govenment maize just to rebuild.
Smiling JOe
SoWal Expert
I would much rather the individuals decide how and where to spend the money they receive. I do not want the gov't making a deal with Wal-mart, or any other store, so that victims would have to buy from Wal-mart stores only.
Be careful for what you wish. I am glad I contributed, and will continue to do so. There are so many people in need who will spend the money on much needed goods and services.
As for $2,000 being too much money. These people are without anything. Many still have outstanding loans and other debt, which they have to pay. On top of that, they have to find shelter, food, and clothing, while not having a job. I don't know about you, but I would find it difficult to rebuild my life in those circumstances with only $2,000. Now that they cut off the cards, what are these people in need going to do?
Be careful for what you wish. I am glad I contributed, and will continue to do so. There are so many people in need who will spend the money on much needed goods and services.
As for $2,000 being too much money. These people are without anything. Many still have outstanding loans and other debt, which they have to pay. On top of that, they have to find shelter, food, and clothing, while not having a job. I don't know about you, but I would find it difficult to rebuild my life in those circumstances with only $2,000. Now that they cut off the cards, what are these people in need going to do?
Diane4145
Beach Fanatic
Let's face it, alot of this can come right down to sorry upbringing! Or, should I say, "lack there of"! Unfortunately, missusing the funds will make alot of people, reluctant to give.
:nono1: :nono1: I guess we now know why the debit cards stopped, huh?
:nono1: :nono1: I guess we now know why the debit cards stopped, huh?luvthebeach said:
This is so sad...it just makes me sick to hear this, because there are so many with a real need. Unfortunately, there will always be those low-lifes like the one you describe who give the whole program a bad name.
Smiling JOe
SoWal Expert
Diane4145 said:Let's face it, alot of this can come right down to sorry upbringing! Or, should I say, "lack there of"! Unfortunately, missusing the funds will make alot of people, reluctant to give.
So one person buys an expensive purse, and 50,000+ people have to suffer? The focus of this one story is out of focus, people. Wake up!
Diane4145
Beach Fanatic
Smiling Joe, I'm awake, it's just a shame that the Gov't isn't! I believe that if funds are to be rec'd, the doner has a right to expect, or at least do all possible, to prevent missuse. And yes, this missuse will automatically affect donations...nature of the beast!
Smiling JOe said:
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