November 6, 2025 Warning: Rant Ahead

Last night, a social media post sent me to a place I like to avoid. In fact, it was posts similar to that, perhaps not in content, but intent, was the reason I abandoned Facebook years ago.

Let me preface this by saying, I don't profess to know everything. I do think I try very hard to get my facts straight before posting anything inflammatory. With some people, I know that can be an exercise in futility as there are those who find fault in everything. On this topic, I acknowledge I'm very emotional, which colors my opinion, so please give me grace.

The post to which I've alluded was about being "sick of hearing about the SNAP recipients" and (this is the kicker) they just need to "get a job".  IMHO, this is the height of ignorance.

To say I reacted badly to reading this would be an understatement, for a couple of reasons. One, this is someone who I thought of as a friend, and two, I empathize strongly to those who need help. I grew up not being a stranger to government cheese and gallon cans of peanut butter.

I find it unbelievable that anyone would make a statement like that without having looked into the program better, and found out who exactly qualifies for benefits. Instead, this exposed this person to be a believer that this aid is a free for all. 

I did take the night to cool off and gather my thoughts before posting this morning. I'm not a bleeding heart Liberal, rather I consider myself to be more of a level-headed Moderate. I am, by virtue of being a firstborn, a fixer.  This does not always end well, but I've learned from it. By airing my response, I likely have alienated more than one person. I don't expect everyone to agree with me but I do expect some modicum of respect. Did I give this particular poster respect? Not really, and this is why.

Asking for help is hard for many, made even more difficult with the onus of shame attached to it, as I felt was shown in that post. Hence my need to respond.

Bottom line, my view is this: either be helpful and understanding or just shut up. 

As usual, thanks for your tolerance.☘

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