Food stamps are also only given if you qualify for them. How much money you make vrs your rent and family size. I was on them for 2 years. I worked 2 jobs (16 hours days on 3 to 4 days a week) And after rent and bills, I had 150 left for me, my daughter and my mother (Bed Ridden from cancer, I take care of her) So I took the 200$ a month from food stamps gratefully. I didnt feel bad spending government money so my 2 year old daughter and dieing mother can eat. I would have robbed a store to feed them. I guess when it comes down to survival, I put my pride aside and do what I need to do, regardless what anyone thinks of me. and if you make too much money, at least in CA, they will deny your case, but when they see you need it like we did, why would I turn from help?
Sound reasonable to me. Indeed, I believe, with the average person, the government already takes 50% of your paycheck.
I say this because of "hidden taxes." The registration on your car, that is a hidden tax. Part of your cell phone is hidden taxes. The cost of your drivers license is a hidden tax (in that most don't even consider it a tax!) Your car insurance, a significant portion of that is a hidden tax. There are "federal excise tax" on the tires for your car, along with any sales, state and local taxes (all hidden in the "cost you actually see") are hidden taxes.
Readers Digest, years ago-don't know if they still do it, used to take a loaf of bread, figure all the taxes in water, land, fertilizer, pesticides/herbicides, transportation to mill/warehouse/store, etc., etc. I remember a .35 cent loaf of bread, way back then, would actually cost .05 cents if all the taxes, both seen and hidden, were removed. To say they are not just giving you your $200.00 bucks back is just kinda naive ... ROFLOL!
Anyone with enough interest should be able to investigate these for themselves. A lot of consumer groups used to keep data on all of this.
If you are having a hard time "swallowing" what I just stated, you ain't alone--I was when I researched it!
Way I figure it, we are already paying for Universal Health Care, we just ain't gettin' it!
And, once again, my irrelevant .02 worth ...
Regards,
TA