Alexa- Blog three

I decided to take action, on the topic of drug testing for those that recieve food stamps, by signing a petition.
You can also do so by visiting http://www.petition2congress.com/3202/

This petition was started by a married mother of one who is on food stamps. She began the petition because of her concern of those that abuse the system. The petition has over 2,493 signatures. Yours can be one of those!!!!

The process is very simple. You enter your first and last name, your email, and your zip code. You can then have the option to leave a comment; they give you an example of a comment to look at as a model.
My comment was :

I am signing this petition in support of drug testing for those on welfare. I am currently a single student, working two jobs and paying my own rent and bills.
Many of us have taxes taken out of our checks. A part of this money goes to support those on welfare. I support the government helping those in need; there are many families out there that could not survive without this aid. However, I do not support those that abuse the system.


They use your zip code to find out where you live and give you a list of the appropriate elected officials. They then give you the option to send a private letter to these officials. Since I am from New York my letter was sent to President Obama, Sen. Charles E. Schumer, Sen. Kirten Gillibrand, and Rep. Timothy H. Bishop.

I liked that I was able to scroll through the comments and see how many people had similar concerns to me on this topic.

Alexa

Blog 3

For my Take Action assignment, I sent a message to congress. You may do the same by following this link: http://actfast.oxfamamerica.org/index.php/takeaction/online. The letter went as follows:

As your constituent and a supporter of Oxfam America, I am writing to urge you to support full funding for poverty-focused development assistance in the International Affairs Budget, and oppose any budget cuts to lifesaving foreign assistance for the world's poorest communities.

 While Oxfam America does not take US government money, it does support effective, aid programs that save lives and deliver results. Right now, forty percent of the world's population - more than 2.5 billion people - lives in poverty, struggling to survive on less than $2 per day. The persistence of global poverty poses a challenge to our security, prosperity and values.

 While I recognize our nation's fiscal constraints, poverty-focused assistance represents less than 1% of the federal budget, which is nearly all the funding America devotes to fighting global poverty, disease, hunger and the destabilizing effects of extreme weather on the world's poorest countries and communities.

In order to help address the need of those living in acute poverty, I urge you to fund the poverty-focused development accounts at least at the FY 2013 Senate-passed levels. This includes Development Assistance ($3.1 billion of which $1.2 billion for Feed the Future and $123 million for adaptation programs that build resilience to extreme weather and the effects of a changing climate), Millennium Challenge Corporation ($898 million), USAID Operating expenses ($1.4 billion), and the Strategic Climate Fund ($50 million).

 

These tools are critical for sustaining American leadership to build a better, safer world. I urge you to fully fund these effective programs and oppose any budget cuts to poverty-focused development assistance for the world's poorest communities.

I feel as though it is very important to teach social justice to students. As educators our goal is to not only teach information to students but it is also to help them build character. By teaching social justice to students we build that good character that we strive to teach to students.

I thought this whole current event projects had me open my eyes more to the many issues that we are facing today. As a teacher I feel as though you should be aware of public events around you. Therefore, you teach your students to do the same. And a secret is the more interested you are in something the more likely they will be interested in it too!

I feel as though regarding the topic on food stamps and ebt cards, that citizens should be eligible only if they really need it. I do not have a problem with the government providing care for citizens who are in desperate need. The problem that lies here are the citizens whom take advantage of such care. This is where the problem lies and unfortunately this is the case in many circumstances in today’s world.

Events such as these should be brought up and discussed in the classroom. Therefore I feel as though it is extremely important to teach current events in the classroom. Even in grades as young as kindergarten you can tell them something as simple as a new machine that was invented, or something minor to get them thinking about the world around them. In the upper elementary grades is when you discuss more complex events, but even then students get interested. They too want to know what is happening around them and for them to be able to discuss their opinions in a classroom, really allows them to have a voice. As educators that is what you want for you students.

Amanda Cosgrove

Take Action Against Cutting Foreign Aid

For my Take Action assignment, I sent a message to congress. You may do the same by following this link: http://actfast.oxfamamerica.org/index.php/takeaction/online. The letter went as follows:


As your constituent and a supporter of Oxfam America, I am writing to urge you to support full funding for poverty-focused development assistance in the International Affairs Budget, and oppose any budget cuts to lifesaving foreign assistance for the world's poorest communities.

While Oxfam America does not take US government money, it does support effective, aid programs that save lives and deliver results. Right now, forty percent of the world's population - more than 2.5 billion people - lives in poverty, struggling to survive on less than $2 per day. The persistence of global poverty poses a challenge to our security, prosperity and values.

While I recognize our nation's fiscal constraints, poverty-focused assistance represents less than 1% of the federal budget, which is nearly all the funding America devotes to fighting global poverty, disease, hunger and the destabilizing effects of extreme weather on the world's poorest countries and communities. 

In order to help address the need of those living in acute poverty, I urge you to fund the poverty-focused development accounts at least at the FY 2013 Senate-passed levels. This includes Development Assistance ($3.1 billion of which $1.2 billion for Feed the Future and $123 million for adaptation programs that build resilience to extreme weather and the effects of a changing climate), Millennium Challenge Corporation ($898 million), USAID Operating expenses ($1.4 billion), and the Strategic Climate Fund ($50 million).
  
These tools are critical for sustaining American leadership to build a better, safer world. I urge you to fully fund these effective programs and oppose any budget cuts to poverty-focused development assistance for the world's poorest communities.

I then signed my name and sent it.  This issue connects with our current event issue of SNAP and government aid because if our tax money is able to be put towards our own citizens, many of whom abuse the aid, why can't it also be used for those starving in other countries - the people who REALLY need aid? I felt good about signing and sending the message to congress because it is an issue I seriously support.  Only a small percentage is taken from our tax money, and that small amount can do great things.  I know there are many people in our own country starving, and we need to continue to support those who really need it.  However, there are way too many people in this country abusing the aid they receive.  Funding to these people should be cut and sent to those in other countries truly living day to day in poverty, just hoping to see the next morning.

Sending this letter to congress reflects democratic values because it allows the people of America to have a say.  Whether congress listens or not is another story.  As Americans, we have a right to fight for what we believe in, and we are able to vocalize our ideas and opinions to those in charge, which is an amazing thing.  People fought for us to have these rights, and people in other countries are fighting for the same thing. TO not take advantage of being able to voice our opinions would be a waste of our freedom!

I think it is incredibly important to teach about social issues.  If possible, I hope to start each day in my classroom with one, whether current or historical.  Learning isn't just what we get out of books.  It is about the experiences we are faced with everyday, in our own country and in the world as a whole.  We must be aware of the issues of the world so that we may work together to solve them and make the world a peaceful, safe place for all.

As mentioned in previous blog posts, I am on the fence about the issues surrounding federal aid through SNAP.  There are those in the country who certainly need it and justly use the aid.  However, for those who abuse the system, the aid must stop.  I do not want my tax money to be used for others to buy Coach purses, fancy cell phones, liquor, cigarettes, lottery tickets, strippers, drugs, etc.  I am fine with my money being used to feed children, and I am fine with it being used to feed struggling adults.  I am NOT okay with it being used for illegal or unnecessary items while there are people in serious need starving and dying on the streets.  Something must be done.

Interviews on the Public's Thoughts

Interview: Conducted by Julia Lippi
Problem: Whether drug testing should be done on recipients of government aid and food stamps. 
First name of the person you interviewed and/or their title in the community:

Stephanie; customer service representative. 
Tell the person about the issue you are studying. Then ask the following questions:

Is this a problem you think is important? 
“I do think it is important because I know the people downstairs and the people across the street are definitely on drugs all the time, and they don’t even work! They just sit on their a$$es all day and I seen them drinking even in the morning in the summer. They’re useless and they are getting food stamps and cash benefits, too. There should also be “lazy testing” because they literally do nothing all day. They’re always home, and they are just sucking up all the people’s tax money. They don’t deserve it. I know I get those things but I try my hardest and try to work a lot. I’m not the most positive example and I know I made mistakes in the past, but I don’t do drugs anymore and I try to set a good example for my girls.”
Do you think others in our community think it is an important problem?
“I don’t think anyone really cares as long as they get their money! HA! There are so many people who sell their food stamps, like for fifty dollars in food stamps I could just get like thirty dollars in cash. I get seven hundred dollars in food stamps a month and I never use that much. It’s too much for one month, so I can trade some for cash and buy diapers or clothes for my kids. I know I’m not supposed to do that, but at least I’m not buying crack or alcohol with it. It’s to benefit my kids and as far as I’m concerned, it’s money that is given to me anyways, no matter what I spend it on.”
What are advantages of this policy?
“People who are clean should be able to get help if they really, truly need it. I really need it and I would be so screwed if I didn’t have it. What would I do? Live in a shelter for my whole life? Thank God I don’t have to and that there is money to help me out. I hope I don’t have to stay on it forever. I’m really trying.”
What are disadvantages of this policy?
“Maybe some people who are clean for like a year suddenly slip up. Should their kids suffer for their mother or father’s mistakes? Whatever about the parents, but little kids or babies?! I don’t know to get around slip ups or even people who stay on drugs, but what about their kids? Is there something in place for them so they can eat? What about if they test positive for drugs? Would the kids get put into foster care? You have me freaking out about those poor kids. I don’t know why people start on that stupid stuff in the first place.”
Do you think it is a good idea to start drug testing people when they apply for food stamps?
“I do and I don’t. Like I said, what about the kids? They have to starve or get taken away from their parents?”
I never really took the kids into consideration when thinking about drug testing.. hmm.. I’ll have to look into that, but I’m assuming that they would get free food from school.. I’ll check it out, but let’s just say that the kids would get what they need, regardless.
Do you think it violates people’s rights and invades their privacy to drug test them?
“I don’t think it violates anyone’s privacy. If they are doing drugs then they just shouldn’t apply for it, and if they do then they are stupid for doing it. If they want the money, then they should be willing to do what it takes for themselves and their kids.”
Would you mind being drug tested?
“I wouldn’t mind at all. I'm not on drugs so if it helps me, then I’ll do it.”

Reflection: This young woman was who I had in mind when I thought of the whole drug testing for government benefits, so I knew I wanted to interview her. She has had it rough: abusive ex-husband, three kids under 6, lived in a domestic abuse shelter, single mother, and alcoholic past. She is now on a very positive path (thankfully) and has worked hard to get there. She speaks in a very real and open way and so I wanted to get her take on the issue, seeing as she is a recipient. I hadn’t put much thought into the fact that children could suffer from cutting off benefits. According to NCSL.org, “The requirements often do not affect the eligibility of a child in a home where the parent tests positive, however, a family member or other designated person who has also passed a drug test is required to be the protective payee for the child's benefits.” She was relieved, as was I, after reading this.
(Photo is not of actual interviewee, as for privacy reasons.)

Interview: By Alexa Reinhardt
 Should drug testing should be done on recipients of government aid and food stamps??
 Interviewee: Courtney- cashier and student

Is this an issue you find important?
Yes I find this issue important because there's a great deal of people who abuse the availability of food stamps.

Do you think this is an important issue to the people in your community?
I can't really speak for people in my community but I do think that if you're on drugs and not working then you definitely don't deserve this aid. I work my ass off only to barely keep myself above water so I appreciate the help I can get from food stamps.

What are the advantages of this policy?
The advantage is that people that work hard and are clean can get the help they need.

What are the disadvantages of this policy?
I don't really see any disadvantages to be honest.

Do you believe people should be drug tested when they apply for food stamps?
I think its a good idea to start drug testing people when they apply for food stamps. I'm actually surprised that I wasn't drug tested, I just thought that was what they already did. I'm sure a lot of people will be upset but they're the ones on drugs that won't get the benefits so that doesn't concern me at all. No one should be able to get paid to be a drug addict or alcoholic.

Do you believe people have a right to be offended by this policy?
I don't think it violates anyone’s rights or privacy. You're asking for money, the least you could do is do a drug test.

Would you be willing to take a drug test for your food stamps?

I would be super excited to be drug tested. If I was doing drugs I wouldn't deserve the benefits.


Reflection: 

  Courtney is currently a student at SSU; she is twenty-one years old. Courtney has been on food stamps for the past four months. She lives in an off-campus apartment and pays for her own food, books, rent, cellphone, car insurance, gas, utilities, and more.She does all of this while working a part-time job at Dunkin Doughnuts.
The reason I chose Courtney to interview was because I found her easy to relate to. She is close in age to me, and many of the students in our class. I agreed with much of what she said in her interview. I also feel as though many people abuse the rights of food stamps and that drug testing is a solution to that problem. I learned that her opinions are much like mine, and this may have to do with the fact that we are in similar situations. Although I am not on food stamps, I am a financially responsible student who struggles,


*This photo is not of Courtney.


Interview by: Amanda Cosgrove

This person who I choose to interview is Alicia. Alicia is a married woman who runs a business and is a current undergraduate at Salem State University.

** This photo is  not of Alicia****

The problem in which I interviewed her was regarding Food Stamps and EBT Cards

Is this a problem you think is important?  Why/ Why not?

Yes, because all my hard earned tax money is going to people who don’t deserve it

She doesn’t go out and buy herself nice things because of lack of money people who are sitting and not working are able to but nice things with government taxes

Tax payers money

“Have you ever seen Markey Basket on the 3^rd on the month?”

Do you think others in our community this is an important problem? why/ why not?

Yes, because they do work and have to pay taxes due to working and don’t get any “breaks”

Breaks as in here is $100

If it wasn’t abused it would not be a problem

What policy, if any, does government now have to deal with this problem?

 Immigration laws becoming stricter, but its not just immigration

They need to do investigations in household

She told a story of girl who collects food stamps and collect ebt cash lied and said she lives with her uncle but actually using ebt cash for hair products

If their is policy around your issue/ problem/ topic, ask these questions:

Drug Testing for Food Stamps and EBT ?

More important to find out why they don’t have a job why do they need food stamps?

There should be a stricter application process

Further and deeper Investigation on household situations

Doesn’t have to do with just immigration, have to go into further investigation on household

MANY situations in which people are cheating the system

I chose to interivew Alica because there are many people who feel the same way Alicia does. People are just more offended by people whom abuse the government supply rather than people who actually need it. This is where the problem lies. I also chose Alica because she is a married woman who works full time and attends school to support her and her husband's financial needs. It just fustrates her that some people chose to not work because of the government money that is given to them.

My name is Alanna Antonelli. I interviewed my mother, Kathy.  She is a radiographer and mammographer at a local women's health center. I interviews her on the issues regarding food stamps and EBT cards.

Is this a problem you think is important? Why/Why not?
- I do not think this is a huge issue that we should worry about.  There are greater issues in the country that the government should be worried about.  There are greater issues that the PEOPLE should be worried about in terms of where our tax money is going, because a much larger amount is being taken away from us for reasons other than to provide federal aid.
Do you think others in our community think it is an important issue?
- I can see how some may think this is an important problem regarding their hard-earned money; but as previously said, the government is using our money (and much more of it) for things we aren’t even aware of, and I think we should be more concerned about that. 
What are the advantages of drug testing?
- While I am against drug testing, doing so would help to weed out the people who are cheating the taxpayer’s and using their EBT cards for things like drugs or alcohol instead of what they are really meant for.
What are the disadvantages?
- It is a complete violation of these people’s privacy, especially those who are not cheating the system and are properly and honorably using their food stamps/EBT cards. 
How might this policy be improved?
- EBT cards should be able to be used like debit cards, not to take out money, but used at cash registers like a debit/credit card.  Purchases could be tracked this way to see what the money is really being used for.  Also, the government should look into why these people do not have a job (for those who are unemployed) and perhaps help them find jobs to get them off of the aid and able to support themselves and their families. While federal aid is important for those who really need it, there ARE people who receive it and could be doing fine on their own.


(Credit: http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/foodstamps.jpeg)  

Reflection:

I have been able to see/hear several people's different views on this issue.  I can see where my mother is coming from because she feels this is something that does not directly affect her, regardless of the fact that she is a hardworking taxpayer of America.  She is more focused on the other ways the government is using her money (i.e. in unnecessary ways such as government employees salaries).  Also, she knows that some of her money IS going toward food stamps and EBT cards for those that do not deserve or need them, but that there are many people receiving them that desperately DO need this aid and she is glad she can help.  My interview with her opened my eyes to the other side of this conflict. 

My name is Amanda Cosgrove and I firmly believe that government benefits should be handed to people whom really do need the support.  There are many issues facing the Food Stamp program in America. I believe that there should be stricter on the application process:

 “Food stamps are for U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens with limited incomes that buy food and make meals at home. People living in homeless shelters, group homes for the disabled, drug and alcohol treatment centers, and subsidized elderly housing are also eligible. Some people must work to qualify for food stamps, while others are exempt from the work requirement.”

I want people to be aware of where our government money is going towards and are some people taking advantage of their benefits? Should people be allowed to use EBT cards to buy lottery tickets and cigarettes? Issues such as these is what I want to address and bring awareness to where some of our tax dollars are going. 

http://www.roundupweb.com/story/2012/01/25/opinion/food-stamp-controversy/012420121333385328067.html

         My name is Alanna Antonelli and I believe food stamps are a crucial form of aid for many people living in the United States.  Without this aid, many adults and children would go hungry.  In a world full of starving people, it is lucky that we as Americans have the option to get this help.  However, in today’s day and age, anyone can apply for this federal aid, but not everyone uses it for the right reasons.  Some people fraudulently receive food stamps. They may use these to buy food, then use the money they saved to buy other things they do not need - new TVs, six top of the line cell phones, even drugs which is the most alarming.  Because of this, many states require a drug test be administered, and I agree with this.  While the honest people receiving aid may find this as an annoyance and possibly be insulted, it will weed out those who are using the food stamps unjustly and for negative reasons, therefore increasing the amount of aid available to those honest people.

Hi there, my name is Julia and I believe that there should be better control over the food stamps program in the United States. There have been talks about drug testing in some of the states to be one of the processes to be eligible to receive food stamps, and I think this is a great idea. I think it should have been put in place during welfare reform in 1996.  

In 2009, more than twenty states recommended legislation that would call for drug testing as one of the conditions for eligibility for these public assistance programs. A year later, twelve more states joined the bandwagon. Of course, these proposals were never made into law, because it was believed that drug testing, without a reason to believe that the person was actually using drugs, was unconstitutional. (Massachusetts was not part of those proposals.)

There are seven states that currently have enacted some type of stipulation to receive government aid, but it is far from where it needs to be. I know of people who take part in illegal drug activity and receive government assistance, and I think this is absolutely ridiculous. I see abuse of EBT cards and have credible witnesses that prove that the government is far too lenient when it comes to who is getting this government aid. 

Hi everyone, my name is Alexa Reinhardt. I believe that the issue if food stamps in America has become a very hot topic in recent years. There are very many components to the issue and these make it difficult to pick a side. I do believe that food stamps are important; they give aid to those that would otherwise starve. On the other hand, I do feel like there needs to better control with food stamps. I believe that food stamps should be an aid, but not a crutch. Too many people rely on this form of help from the government without trying to make life improvements. Many people "use" the government; taking advantage of the help. I truly believe that a step to improve the food stamp issue in our country is to make drug testing mandatory. I think it is important that we make sure that those who are using food stamps, are also taking care of themselves.