Deep cuts proposed at DHHS

keep cutting there will be no one left in maine...

They were give a clear message " enough is enough and the taxpayers have had enough". What is the difference of someone on Mainecare and someone on Dirigo? Mainecare is a freebie while dirigo they have to pay a % of the premium. So why keep Mainecare at all, and don`t tell me for the underpriviledged

I have to pay my way so let they get a job or have their families help but cut Welfare out totally. A girl gets knocked up and won`t get married and "joe taxpayer" has to foot the bill for 18 yrs. Mommy gets a check and everyone gets health care.

DHHS has been poorly managed for a long time and the Gov has not done a thing about it..For years we have been over taxed and now the taxpayers can't do it anymore. Democrats want more Mainers to be dependent on them since that is how they keep and control power. Smaller goverment has to happen now cause the tax dollars and income is not there for Mainers. It is time the Gov. promotes Mainers to get back to self determination, work ethic, personal responsibility..if he did we would all stand behind him to move this state forward to be a lean goverment and revitalize the business community. We just voted back into office the same people who voted in the beverage tax in the dark of night. Until we change the faces in the legislature, nothing will change as they will do everything they can to hold on to power. Hopefully Mainers will realize this and get involved in some way to change the process.

I fully understand the frustration in being tired of having to pay taxes and SOME of it going to pay these benefits for people who make a career out of having kids so they don't have to work, and finding ways to lie about being hurt so they don't have to work etc. However, with that being said, if the taxes we pay didn't go for that, it would simply go somewhere else, and the fact of the matter is, the majority of the people who get Mainecare, don't stay on it forever, and do try to take the steps to better themselves. Things happen in life when people have tough times. They lose their jobs and need help, or they get hurt, disabled, or perhaps they don't make enough money to get ins. Let's face it, in many Maine communities, the job market isn't that great, and many jobs don't offer benefits, and moving isn't as easy as it sounds. I don't think it is right to suggest their families help. What if their families don't have the money, or perhaps they feel bad enough having to get the assistance as it is and having to ask family would be worse. Cutting Welfare might sound good to you, but why punish the children? It isn't their fault if their parents aren't making enough, or any money, or if their parents are deadbeat losers who won't work. They mentioned cutting podiatry, optometry, physical therapy and psychological service....nice, cut mental health care, just what people need. How about having Maine care stop paying for the Methadone & Suboxozone these people are lining up at 5am for? ??? No, we'll just let people go blind, lose their feet from infections, suffer from chronic pain, and not be able to get proper mental health care!, but they can still be junkies! Way to go Maine!

How about instead of a surgical approach, DHHS takes an axe to the deadwood on its payroll. Have you ever had to deal with them? What the state of Maine needs is a leader that will impose a zero-based budget on every state agency and office. You tell me Mr. DHHS supervisor how many people you need and why. A real justification. But we just keep adding to the old budget by two or three times the rate of inflation and wonder why our taxes go up.

"Maine offers many optional services not required under the federal Medicaid program."

Let's start by eliminating the "optional services"

Wake up people, the coffee is there to smell

Can't feed em? Don't breed em. Massachusetts has a limit on children for welfare folks----two children, any more, and benefits won't be paid to the extras. So what happened? Many left and went NORTH!!!!! Is anyone 'getting' this?

i agree methodone program should be under the microscope.....it has gotten out of hand..........stop paying transportation and if the programs continue give a limit as to how long anyone can be on program. the clinics encourage letting anyone stay on it for years. and when someone in program gets pregnant they advise clients to stay on methadone and treat the baby for addiction when born....that whole system is costly and off the wall. profit is bottom line in these programs.

Our state needs to cut-their-spendingway beyond the DHHS, no questions asked.

It would also be nice if they would FIRST stop spending our tax dollars on wasteful projects like that water fountain and fancy landscape project at the capital. Most of our current legislators have proven they'll spend our tax dollars as-they-like.

It's time to watch these guys/gals VERY closely. Two great organizations to assist with this effort are http://www.maineopengov.org/ and http://www.mainetaxpayers.com/.

It's about time some of those on the welfare wagon were pushed off and made to push instead of steer.

mmmm....I have private insurance and I can't just "wander" into the ER without having a pretty heafty co-pay...anyone on MaineCare and Medicade should go to the dr's office, not the ER for a cough like so many are doing now. Go sit in a ER and listen to how many people are there for something that is not serious and listen to what their health insurance is...yep MaineCare, Medicade....

Someone posted: "keep cutting there will be no one left in maine..."

HEY ----> Keep TAXING and there won't be anybody here... well at least there won't be any Taxpayers here!

Too many folks riding the wagons and sleeping in the hammocks - not enough people working private-sector jobs, the only jobs that CREATE anything (versus redistributing tax money, like state jobs, welfare, food stamps, etc.)

For example, as of 2006, only 51% of the personal income in Washington County was from the private sector. That means nearly half (49%) of the personal income was state jobs, state retirees, welfare, food stamps, WIC, Medicaid, etc.

And that was in 2006! You KNOW it's worse now!

Which is why I repeat:

Keep TAXING and there won't be anybody here... well at least there won't be any Taxpayers here!

I agree with bassman4447 -- if we cut the fat, then a lot of these career Mainecare people will leave

I agree with downbeat -- the epitome of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting to get a different result (re: the same people in office in Augusta)

I agree w/elaine -- we have lots of folks from other areas that do not have good welfare programs, so we get all the dregs that want to sap the system

We do need to implement a 2 baby cut off for welfare. We do neet to get new faces into our state government. We do need to get rid of Dirigo, (like someone above stated, it's just Mainecare under a different name; it's not working) we need to cut out methadone clinics & programs. They don't work and they are killing people and encouraging meth addicted babies. Talk about insanity! The only people on welfare should be those who "absolutely" cannot work. Someone above wrote that most do not stay on Mainecare, but I disagree. I know people who have stayed on it all their lives, some working under the table, some just sitting home and doing nothing. Ever notice the people who use the motorized wheel chairs in stores like W*M, etc.? Usually morbidly obese or just overweight. Often cannot get a wheel chair for my elderly mom who has severe osteoporosis because they are all being used by overweight people. The food allotment for those under DHHS care is exorbitant. Way more food than needed for the number of people in the family. I have a family member who is disabled and cannnot work and these cuts willl affect that person dramatically. If we cut the fat, those who really need services could get more that are greatly needed. I have an apartment building and the town paid the rent for two young men both 18 years old and not working. They played dragon ball Z all day. They should have been offered a one way ticket back to where they came from. But of course, the ACLU says that is wrong. We cannot offer them this solution. Why not? We should have drug testing for those who apply for assistance. Any illegal drugs in the system, and you can't be covered. We workers have to submit to random drug testing at our job, why not welfare recipiets? Oh, I forgot, that's against what the ACLU wants. I have more to say, but it's more in the same vein -- you with common sense get the gist. We have to stop the bleeding, folks . . . .

Well I'm little offended by some of the comments... I get Mainecare.. I am an older adult.. I am disabled and unable to work at a job - so deemed by the state and federal government.. my husband works and has medical insurance for himself but we can't afford the premiums to add me to the health care policy.. it triples the weekly payment.. which would end up to be 1/3 his weekly income..... I also do not have enough work credits to draw Social Security Disability and do not financially qualify for SSI - even though it was SS doctors that deemed me permanently and totaly physically disabled. I have cut back on my medications, and only go to the doctor once or twice a year... and get no special services even though I am unable to do most daily living skills until my husband is home and can assist or do them for me... my attempt at doing my part to lessen cost for the taxpayers who so resent "paying my way" .

Not everyone on Mainecare is lazy or "popping out kids" to keep from working... be careful of generalitites you make in statements.. this state needs a total remake of it's system.. granted.. find out where and how cuts in spending need to be made.. but in doing so.. great care and wisdom needs to be a priority on what goes... I figure I am one of the "MaineCare adults" that will be cut... so be it... how many of you that are so critical of ALL on Mainecare will be willing to come to my house and do things for me when I am no longer able to have the medicine that allows me to even function semi-well at home?

We are all tired of being over-taxed... just be careful to not "throw the baby out with the bath water".

So true Elaine....family in the town I live in is a Mass. transplant with...ready for this...13 children and you guessed it, we pay for all of them. Mom and dad do just enough to get the benefits and get them big. I agree the system is broke. I have no great ideas to fix it and any questions you ask of our government seem to go un answered. So maybe one of you fine folk can answer this for me. Just how much do our elected officials receive after they leave office? I was told by someone that they still receive a check and life time medical benefits. Hey, when you are done your job you are done. Why should we pay for you for the rest of your life. That right there could put a lot of money back in the budget for Maine.

To jlglen. I think most people qualifed folks like you -- who absolutely cannot work, so they are taking you under consideration as one of those who needs help and should get more. Maybe the program could afford for someone to come in and help you some if there weren't so many underhanded sapping the program. That being said, the state/government often qualifies a lot of folks disabled who truly aren't. I've heard people say, "Just keep applying for disability, you'll get it sooner or later, they always deny you the first time". I am so sorry for your situation, but I also have a disabled relative who can't work. This person and you should be getting more/better care, but cannot due to the burden of those who are users. I feel nothig but distain for those who "use" the system. We don't mean you.

QUOTE: Ever notice the people who use the motorized wheel chairs in stores like W*M, etc.? Usually morbidly obese or just overweight. Often cannot get a wheel chair for my elderly mom who has severe osteoporosis because they are all being used by overweight people. The food allotment for those under DHHS care is exorbitant. Way more food than needed for the number of people in the family.UNQUOTE

Wow I must be overly sensitive today... I'm offended again! I'm overweight.. disabled.. but I use my own power chair.. .. because I'm in it 24/7 anyway! And I don't get any food allotment from the government..... again, I repeat from previous post...... be careful making such all inclusive statements.

I am sorry but Mainecare is not the only problem that DHHS. Every one should have access to some sort of health care and unfortunately many employers in Maine do not offer it or offer such terrible health insurance that you are just wasting your money. Until our country does some thing about the issue of health care, programs like Mainecare are needed. yes some people abuse it and unnecessary programs should be eliminated but I would rather pay to have a program there that some day I might need. With tht economy the way it is, no one's job is 100% safe and i honestly do not know what I would do if I lost my job. I am a single mother who works to take care of her child but not having health care is a pretty scary thought with the price of even a routine doctors appointment.

Any way I think that DHHS should look at some other areas. Have you ever had to deal with the Office of Child Support and Recovery. What a joke those people are. They should either make major cuts of useless labor there or actually invest in having the program work. Maybe if more single mothers received child support from the dead beat fathers, then they would not need to use state assistance. I have been trying to get child support for almost 10 years now and the Child Support office has been no help, even though I have given them the name of his employer, where he lives and his phone number. Really, what do these people do?

Something I don't understand about this is if the Feds give Maine 2 dollars for every 1 dollar they spend on Maine Care why is there a need to cut anything? I agree with getting the deadbeats off and stop paying for lifetime Methadone but where exactly is that other dollar going to? Seems to me that's an awful lot of money unaccounted for.

Viper.. I know there is great abuse in the entire system.. I came from the Midwest and it's the same there... it's that way all over.. but unfortunately.. the ones that get cut in these instances.. for a "quick fix" are the very people that NEED the services... so who do we hold accountable? We need to make a lot of noise to the people that get elected.. to do what is right by the people that gave them that job.. we pay their salaries.. so shouldn't they do what we want? We technically are their employer... so why is it the "employer" is the only one getting the short end of the stick?

I am also very frustrated at this state and it's overboard spending... and what do we have to show for it? Did everyone pay close attention in the past election as to who was getting back into office? Do we check voting records? Are the elected people of this state actually doing what they say they are? We ahd one senator back in Illinois that told his constituents.. "Oh yes.. I voted just the way you folks wnat me to".. said that for years.. very respected person... I checked into his voting record because certain things just didn't "set right" to me... he was lying the entire time.. he voted opposite his constituents beliefs almsot 100% of the time.. and people just kept believing his old song and dance for years... we need to hold politicians accountable.. and when they aren't.. get rid of them... they talk about cuts here and there.. any of them offer to take cuts in their benefits? They should be volunteering to do that.. to set a good example to others and help the state they were elected to "take care of".... someone posted earlier about them getting salaries and medical coverage for life.. if that is so... then maybe I should run for office and join that "gravy train"... ;-)

I totally agree with this staement ".anyone on MaineCare and Medicade should go to the dr's office, not the ER for a cough like so many are doing now. Go sit in a ER and listen to how many people are there for something that is not serious and listen to what their health insurance is...yep MaineCare, Medicade...." they should be forced to see a family docter and only pay for the ER if it is a life or death.

Contribute! Contribute! Contribute! If we want to be part of the solution we must not tolorate abuse of our states welfare system! If you don't contribute, you don't eat or heat your home! Too Bad, Soo Sad!!! Back in the 70's I worked with people who had severe disabilities both mental and physical who worked on farms for room, board, and a small paycheck! Nowadays, many of them still work/contribute and the people without real dissabilities sit on their tush and watch the rest of us work for them! It's a sad day in history that's for sure! If you don't contribute you don't get cable, cell phones, cars, heating assistance, cigarettes, beer, McDonalds, four wheelers, or snowmobiles. You get the bare essentials and that's it. There are states that operate like this, and unfortunately the state of Maine is too dumb to realize that migrating these people from other states does not benefit us at all!!!

To Megs23:

So sorry that you are one of those "left out" by that department..... my sister went through the same thing.. gave them all the info to where the "Ex" was.. nothing... but his "child by a woman not his wife" that lives down the street from my sister gets hers... but the "legal" child bearing his name gets nothing... what do these people do all day?

Now the State is talking about cutting "physical therapy and psychological service....nice, cut mental health care", so then tose people getting the help weather for an injury or for a mental help will not be able to get the help and be forced from getting the help and apply for SSI or SSDI. Thier are many people being able to get those services that because of those services are able to work. You take the services away and they won't be able to work.

The cuts that DHHS is looking at making will do nothing to satisfy those of you who are calling for the blood of Welfare recipients. Please take time to understand what these cuts will really mean - the loss of services to people with serious problems like physical and mental disabilities and children in abusive situations.

I agree that a lot of people using the wheelchairs are overweight but a lot of that weight comes from their disability and not being able to be active and exercise, so don't judge a book by it's cover. I agree that the methadone clinics must go--they are NOT helping people. I worked with many of these people and their families--it was like a party for them! They would all gather together, laugh and talk about going to the methadone clinic and then continue using their street drugs. I also had a sister in law who was a severe drug addict--has since died from this. She could collect SSI because she was a drug addict--this was considered a disability---she was only in her 30's!!!! I also worked with a family that was very limited mentally, they in turn had two children--also limited mentally--they ALL received SSI! The parents each recieved by the time they had collected they had over $2000 a month! Maybe I can understand the parents receiving money as they were not able to work--or were very limited in what they could do--but why the children???? It wasn't like they had severe handicaps so the parents had to care for their special needs 24/7 and couldn't do anything else. Things do need to change--let's just hope the changes don't hurt the people who really do need the services.

Another logical idea-----People recieving welfare must live in MAINE, legally, before applying for benefits. This will help weed out some of the people from other states sucking us dry. But then, common sense does not prevail---it won't be 'Remember the Maine', it will be 'Remember Maine'. God help us all.

OOPS-----I mean live in Maine, legally for two years prior to applying for assistance........TWO YEARS.

I was told recently by a top official in a local social services agency that Maine is the only state on the east coast U.S. that allows immediate eligibility to welfare benefits upon arrival in Maine. If that's truly the case, there is something very wrong with that. And to take it one conspiracy theory step further, which political party would you suspect they would enroll in?

Hey Elaine, what you're really saying is: some kids with lousy parents should have to eat poorly for two years before they can receive state assistance. Does that really seem reasonable to you?

huh???? No----again, I'll try. People should not be allowed to come in to Maine from another state, to reap bigger benefits immediately!

check out Manchester New Hampshire, mostly Mass folks that migrated there as soon as the new law went into effect in Mass, a few years ago. New Hampshire now, has huge problems. Read the Manchester Union Leader on line everyday-----drugs, robberies, mayhem. Not the nice City it once was. Check out the crime report, see whats going on. I get it, I don't live under a freakin' rock.

Also, 30% of the populations of Piscatiquis and Penobscot counties is disabled, according to state data. Is this similar to the national average? How about China, Russia, France, etc.?

All of these comments talk about how bad the system is, yet Baldacci gets re-elected, and the house and senate gained democratic seats in the last election. I don't get it. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Now we have elected a president who believes that the government should provide for everyone. Hang on, it's only going to get worse.

Common sense says that cuts must be made. Common sense and past performance suggests that any cuts-----if any----will be restored. Why do I say "if any"?: because local politics will now come into play. 'Cuts' themselves will be cut simply because no politician dares to take a real stand and everybody has their pet programs. I like kylie00's comment above;she drives home the point. My suggestion: an across the board 10% to 15% program cut, a 10% to 15% supervisory lay-off, and a 10% front-line lay-off---and ALL of those classified State positions will be permanently removed from the register of available/future openings. As for the freebees, when the money runs out the money runs out. If you have to stand in line now for 2 hours at DMV for a renewal,so be it. If you need public assistance from the State, and there is none, so be it. Hard times call for hard measures. The State cannot continue to provide, provide ,provide.

Got that right, Boogyman. Be careful what you wish for, you want CHANGE??? Yup, you'll get change, that's all that will be left in your pocket.

New Hampshire's motto is 'Live FREE or die', they are coming in, living free,,,what will Maine's motto be?

Oh come on people... You sit there and whine and cry about these welfare druggies taking all your money, you judge them walking down the street (because they can't afford a car), you all seem so petty about what truly is a paltry sum of money -- if you really want to think about it, it really is nothing... If you want to really get worried, start thinking about the banks and financial institutions that fill out forms and receive not a few dollars per day but billions upon billions, all in the name of "bailout."

Perhaps you people who worry so much that the welfare system is bleeding you dry should look at the bigger picture.

Seven-child welfare families with a morbidly obese mother and an absent daddy with a crack habit might be an easy target, but really the big crooks who are hoodwinking you and the government are already among the richest people in the world.

And what whining do we hear from you about this?

jlglen wrote I am an older adult.. I am disabled and unable to work at a job - so deemed by the state and federal government....well that is part of the problem, the state "deemed" you unable to work. I know of many people who were "deemed" unable to work, who collect full social security disability, get maincare, foodstamps, etc. etc. yet they are allowed to work 20 hours a week by social security. If you can work 20 hours a week, why can't you work 40? It is a big game, designed by trial lawyers and allowed to go on because our elected officials are spineless, lazy, braindead hacks who have come to realize that it is simply easier to take money from one person and give it to another, than to actually design a system that creates growth of business. Apparently, a huge part of the state and country thinks that is perfectly fine. The recent election results proove it. Now, we are providing welfare to banks, and it looks like soon the car companies. The people who created their own problems get rewarded, and the rest of us will suffer. If you had a kid you can't afford, tough, figure out a way to afford it. If you ran your company into the ground because you basically blew all of your money when times were good and were not planning for the bad times, tough, close the doors. If you were disabled in a car accident and can't work construction, then go to school and learn a skill that will allow you to work with your diasbility. As someone pointed out, nearly 50% of the income in Washington County is provided by the government. Looks like people in Washington county either need to create some jobs, or MOVE. Holy cow, anyone ever heard of the Oklahoma dust bowl in the 30's? When people realized their was no way to make a living and provide for themselves, they MOVED. The problem is, we have come to be such a lazy self-serving society, that we just turn to the government to decide what's best for us. Well if that's your plan, than get comfortable being poor, look to your future and know it will be nothing more than an existance provided to you by a ruling elite who will tell you what you can eat, what you can have for medical attention, where you can go and what you can see. Sounds a little like North Korea if you ask me. Google it and see what your future holds.

markko, if you read my post under Senator Smowes trip to the middle east, you will pretty much see that you and I are in agrement. Frankly, that bailout is/was a disaster waiting to happen.

my spelling sucks today----sorry

I agree DHHS is out of hand. My grandmother who SHOULD be in a home (near 90) calls 911 if she has a fever and that angers me more than anyone can imagine. BUT I have no say in the matter! It is obscene!!

This immediate eligibilty thing is nonsense. No other state does it... Why do you think they all move here..... it isn't because of the overabundance of jobs. Maybe if we had stricter rules on eligibility then these people would think twice before moving here. Their kids won't go hungry there are many a food pantry throughout the US!

Another thought.. why don't we cut off some of the State Reps healthcare? THey only need serve 2 terms then then get it for life on our dime!!

markko that is FEDERAL $$ and I don't believe in that either.. The banks should be made to work it out or close. The weak businesses in America should be weaned out... If I were not to preform good at my job, nobody will bail me out!!

Most people go right to the people on welfare as the problem with MaineCare. Are all of you aware that in the state of Maine if you adopt an older child who is deemed to have special needs that it does not matter how much money you earn, you do not have to put that child on your insurance you can keep that child on MaineCare.

But people who have children, single parents or marrried couples who work minimum wage or a little above and are trying to make it, can't afford benefits or their company doesn't have benefits are turned down for MaineCare because they make too much money.

For all the people who adopt children, if you put them on your own insurance, because if you have a natural child, even if they have special needs you have to put them on your own insurance how much money would the state save?

I don't believe anything should be for free. The working poor should get some assistance, they are trying. Not everyone will be middle class or rich. IF you receive a welfare check and there is nothing physically wrong with you, you should be sweeping streets, volenteering at soup kitchens, shoveling, doing something to earn the money given to you.

I totaly agree that there should be a limit on how many kids you are allowed to have when using the MaineCare system. My boyfriends ex-wife is on the welfare program and is about ready to pop out her fifth child. Also owns a farm and claims a loss in taxes every year but yet drives around in a 2008 Ford F250 and used it as a tax write off as a farm vehicle. We also have insurance on the 2 kids that they have together and pay a significant amount in child support. Yet she sits on her behind and keeps having kids and contributes NOTHING financially. If we stopped the child support payments she could take us back to court and have his professional licenses taken away along with his drivers license. Where is her part in contributing financially and why isn't she held accountable for her 50%. Last i checked it took two people to have babies but yet only one is responsible financially. I think they should have stopped paying her after the second or third child but five thats B***S*** ! GET A FRIGGIN JOB!!!

Nothing changes if nothing changes!

If enough Maine residents get sick and tired of the status quo approach, and get up off the couch and take-some-action, we might just get things changed around here. Until we stand up and hold our legislators accountable, our spending problems will never go away on their own.

Had an emergency with my oil delivery today.... Now I know why PROP never answered their phones. This is how DHS works and always has worked. They are your authoritorian, not your Humane Service Provider! This is one Department that has to oust it's administrators and begin all over again. Bet that would make some place to do an audit, beginning at the top!

Me again...my uncle was was WWII vet, who had stepped on a land mine, blew his heel off, and had a leg brace. Constant pain for 50 years, never complained, and he worked. Other side of coin, my neice ----2 children, different fathers, nicer place than I live in, claims fibromyalgia and stress, she did some 'homework', found where the pressure points are for the 'illness', and found a few otheri llneses that can't be truly verified.....YUP, Welfare, oh she also goes to yard sales, picks up stuff, and sells on Ebay---$1500-$2000. a month TAX FREE!!! Am I missing something? She can carry her babies, but has 'carpal tunnel' in both wrists? Can use a computer, digital camera and all to sell things, but can't work?? It has to be me....I must be an angry white person, or just too dumb to get it. Oh, her nails are done professionally, but then again, poor thing, she needs something to enjoy in life.....has another guy on the line, we are awaiting baby #3. NO I WILL NOT GIVE A BABY PRESENT! My uncle would roll over in his grave.

IMPEACH BALDACCI

I work 35 hours a week, i can't go on a welfare plan because I live with my mom - yeat I'm struggling to pay for the taxes in this backward ass state. granted living at home is going to save me A LOT of money over the longterm - who can afford $600-$750 a month rent anyway; its outrageous - but still I'd like to have a little extra cash for my bad back and my video game addiction. and of course I want money for my carpal tunnel and clogged throat. i work hard, i should get something. I've worked for the same company for 4 years and only make $1.40 more than when I started.

kylie00: good plan. If a baby is born and the parents can't afford it, let it die. let it starve. let it freeze. let it get sick. if it dies, it can't grow up to have more children and only those who can afford children will have them. good plan. survival of the fittest. we should let everyone fend for themselves, especially the corporations, no more bailouts with taxpayer $$.

To thekingofmaine. You ARE joking right? Please tell me you are.

not about living at home, and i'm too proud to go on welfare at this point in my life (I'm only 36).... .... ....

But seriouslyI would like to know why people who drive around in "decent cars" have one or two kids, have big screen tvs, the latest gaming systems, a nice house, and are working of all things get to go on Welfare when someone in my situation making less than $13,000 a year and a college student can't go on anything

I've worked at several different jobs over the past 15 years, most of the time sitting at my desk. I'm gonna go to my Dr. tomorrow and see if I can get dissibilty because of hemorrhoids, just can't sit around on my ass being productive anymore. Gonna shoot for some free housing, free food, free medical care, some oil, maybe get hooked on H and see if I can get a free fix, knock up some chick then pretend I neve met her, let someone else take care of it. Gotta get my peice of the pie while theres still some to go around. Sorry, one of you other guys is going to have to make up for the nine to ten thousand a year I pay to the state of Maine in property/sales/income taxes every year. Anyone have a problem with that?

Marko, you seem to rail about corprate welfare a lot, just a point of curiousity....what is you opinion on obama wanting to bail ot ford?

Jlglen, I am sure that I will take a beating for this question. I aknowledge that I know little of your situation. You only said the doctors deem that you can't work, not what you underlying issue. Either way you may be just the kind of person that does need some help. I just wanted to point out that as you posted on here many times today , you seem well spoken and educated. have you ever looked into a home based computer job?

lol thats the spirit boogyman...it goes on way too much everyday

Someone mentioned getting other family members to help with care and expenses, and others balked at it. What is so wrong with that? Think about how it was years ago, before all of these social service programs. The entire family lived together, or nearby and they all helped each other. My grandparents ran a farm, and though they didn't have much, they always were sharing what little they had. What happened to individuals taking care of each other, instead of depending on the govt. to do it for them? I'm not saying that we shouldn't help those that are physically or mentally unable to help themselves, but give me a break! I take care of my children, pay my mortgage and if I'm lucky, have $20 left over. Why should the govt. be allowed to take that $20 and give it to someone that I don't know for God knows what? The citizens of this state need to take back the power from the govt. You help your neighbor and I'll help mine and tell the government to keep their nose out of it!

duckwa: I think there is not much difference between Obama and McCain and their support of the bailout is proof. I didn't vote for either of them, I voted for Nader, because he didn't support the bailout, not that he had a vote, but.

Not only welfare recipients have to be cut off the welfare dole, but there have to be major layoffs of state workers too. The budget is a disaster.

I just love getting paperwork from them that makes no sense, and then try to call them and NEVER get the person you need. I care for my 13 yr old special needs child, and honestly now have been waiting almost 2 months for a return call.. I will not call them anymore..no orginization there..just pass the buck..

duckwa, yes I suppose I do rail about corporate welfare a lot, at least here. I am not totally versed on Obama's position on a proposed bailout of Ford, but I can say that I feel more comfortable saving a company like Ford Motor Co. that actually produces something (and a lynchpin of our economic system for the past near-century) and employs thousands and thousands of people, than I do about saving a company that does nothing except creates paper debt and does not do anything, like the bailout of the banks and investment firms.

Additionally, the banks and investment firms, unlike thekingofmaine, are decidedly NOT too ashamed to line up to the government teat of "bailout" money, while still planning to give their top employees BILLIONS in Christmas bonuses.

One could say that Ford (as well as GM) dropped the ball when they refused to do the proper R&D for alternative energy vehicles like Toyota and Honda did... Now the US automakers are playing catchup during a time when they could be swimming in profits. Instead of investing in the future of alternative fuels they decided to market the SUVs and trucks that many of you drive (and were almost crippled by the gas costs this summer).

Why do you ask?

I think we should just spend money on war and not on schools or welfare or healthcare, war is more important. definitely. let's keep the war going until all the soldiers are dead, then we can dedicate a holiday to them, they can have their own day to be remembered, separate from regular veteran's day. war is the answer, that's an expense we can be proud of, not like education or healthcare or heaven forbid, welfare.

Don't forget our Poor Billionaires, Cherry. They need our help, too!

Yeah Cherry. Who needs protection from those pesky terrorists anyway. I mean really, we only lost 3000 people on 9/11. Even if we lost that many innocent Americans every year to terrorism, it would be well worth it to maintain a broken social system that encourages people to pump out kids they can't afford and have no intention of supporting.

The terrorists did not come from Iraq. Wny are we there?

Oh yeah.

They may not have come from Iraq, but when we showed up there, they all seemed to converge there as well. We've been killing quite a few of them there on a daily basis ever since. Seems the good thing about chosing iraq as a battlefeild is that they can't seem to hide as well as they can in Afghanistan, in the Mountains of Pakistan where we can't get to them. Does not matter anyway, Obama is fully prepared to return us to a state of pre 9/11 readiness. He's gonna sit down with all of the terrorists in the world and talk about how nice we are. Then they are going to toast marshmellows and sing Michael rowed the boat too shore, and we we all be safe.

'If' the banks were to be held responsible -- they would fail --- and have to find a better way

car Co.s were held responsible they would fail and have to-

Wall st were held responsible they would fail and have to

we stopped spending 90 cents of every town tax dollar on an archaic school systems they would fail and have to

we said no and stopped funding D.H.S. bloated waste -----

Might it not be time for a 'better way'.

There I go --dreaming of hard work / fiscal responsibility and character--

Sorry --have to go --have to see if my check from Obama is in the mailbox.

Yup, many of the terrorists did not come from Iraq.....AND MANY OF THESE WELFARE FOLKS DID NOT COME FROM MAINE...Get back on subject, ok???? Or better yet, MOVE to San Francisco!

You are right again Boogyman, the Messiah has arrived! KUMBAYA! All will be well with the world, there will be joy in all our hearts and the evil ones will unite to dessimate our country. Those who are so blind, cannot see. They vote, and they breed......................

So, boogeyman, it makes sense to let more people, whether they are american or not be killed because 3000 precious americans died on 9/11? that's stupid. american lives are not worth any more than any other life. 3000 people a day die in some countries and we don't care cause they aren't americans.

3000 precious Americans? You sound like Bin Ladens spokesperson Cherry.

Hey, Cherry---YOU need a life, life is cheap in many of these countries---like worthless. As in beheadings, suicide bombings, mustard gas....Hey, guess what??? Americans don't do this to OUR KIND...get a grip, or better yet, move out of the 'Eveil Empire', and join the Taliban...oh, forgot, they won't dole out the bennies...and you won't have the right to mouth off.

Marko, I ask because it is clear that you are passionate on the issue, and to be honest I am still 100% un decided on either bailout. I know some of you don't believe me and mock because a lot of my views are very conservative,; but I really like to hear other opinions on subjects to help form mine. I too would hate to lose Ford, weather they are mis managed or not. Even more I don't want to see the people lose their jobs. I also worry that if we were to ever be in a large scale war the likes of WWII that manufacturing base would be very necessary. It won wwII for us along with the brave troops. I just worry though, cuz where does it stop. Next do we want the airlines to go under? I worry bailing out ford will get everybody with their hands out.

Yeah, right, americans do it to each other all the time, that's how we got this country in the first place then we were so lazy, we had to forcibly import slaves to do our work. we kill ourselves every day, now even 8 year olds are killing their parents, and men have always killed their wives. we die from cancer, heart disease and auto accidents every day, yes, we are doing this to our own kind. but, i know, it's okay if people who are different from us die or even if we kill them. Too bad we weren't this passionate about terrorists when those white men killed all those americans in Oklahoma. no one was hating on white men when that happened.

Thank you boogyman and elaine. Cherry, americans are very precious to me. But at the same time this country is the greastest force for good in this world that the world has ever seen. We are made up by the poor and abused of other countries. Those people coming here (legally) and becoming americans makes us even greater. We are the most excepting, helpful, and protective country ever. And while we aren't a perfect country, we are as close as anything made by man will ever come to it.

well said duckwa.

Cherry, you need a history lesson....or a labotomy

Cherry as you parrot your hate from the left, do you have any idea what the evil Mr. Bush has done for Africa in the last 8 years? Let me help you.... more then all the other presidents from either party put together. We are the most generous people in the world, and for all your putting down of Bush we are still seen as the greatest hope for life improvement by the needy the world over.

Not one red cent from any contry when we had Hurricane katrina, and Ike======not a penny. We who give so much to so many with no acknowledgement. Bush sent 15 milliion to Africa to help with the aids crisis, and on and on. I guess it is just expected now, heck, we are 'rich Americans', you know. We have nothing better to do with all our money than to help people that are not thankful/ Travel sometime, the whole world thinks every one of us is wealthy. Perhaps, compared to most of them, we are.

GOD BLESS MY COUNTRY

Cherry, there is not an ethnic group in the history of the world that has never suffered at the hands of other ethnic groups. Whites included. This country was founded by abused white men. That is because man is sinful in his nature. I find it funny that the party that "is against racism are the same people that bring skin color into everything. As I said we aren't perfect, but we are great. I can't fix mistakes of the past, I can only work for more of a great future for this country and by extention the rest of the world. Stop being such a bitter little hater. All of your posts are just flamer posts.

Good night Cherry. I still think your just a flamer, but its good to see that it got blown out.

Ms. elaine, the Bush administration accepted nearly $1 BILLION in foreign aid for Katrina.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-09-07-katrina-world_x.htm

But the administration has been blamed for not using the money, in essence, refused the generosity of several nations.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/28/AR2007042801113.html

Ya gotta ask, why?

Hey this just has a little bit to do with the question on the balot that a lot of people voted against..raising taxes on candy, soda, and malt liquer to make up for some of the loss we have gotten ourselves into. But everyone was too concerned about their own pockets to change anything. I worked in the mental health field for 4 years, after being laid off twice because of state funding I got tired of it. Doesnt mean I dont care for sure. I actually worked with teenage kids in a drug rehab group home..funny how the old saying goes..the children are our future? Well God help us all if these poor kids keep getting into the drugs that they are..and no its not just smoking a little weed anymore. Most of the kids in the group home I worked at were addicted to pain killers or other highly addictive drugs, but without help they will turn to the drugs they feel "comfortable" with and get into more and more trouble, just chasing the high. Then when its time for them to be the adults....good luck! So in closure.,...it was a stupid stupid idea not to vote for the tax on the candy, soda, and malt....

Amanda, if I had the time I could really talk to you about the kids and the drug issue in a very personal way, but it is assuming alot to think that passing another tax would help.

While I feel for the kids Amanda1982 wrote about, sometimes a little tough love is the best thing a kid could get. While a little hand holding should never be completely discarded, our society has tried to become the savior for everyone and every problem. The liberals might like to think that way, but a capitalist society is unable to function that way. Besides, why should healthy people get free handouts without working for it? IMO, they shouldn't!

Our state's economy is falling apart, and Baldacci wants to ask the Fed for money to save his flaming failure of a pet project called Dirigo, despite the fact that the vast majority of residents just made a STRONG statement with the YES on 1! vote. Why doesn't he understand that the majority of Mainers have finally said "Enough already!"

Based on what I experienced when working for this wasteful administration for 6+ years, we should demand a simple 10% cut in positions across all departments. Keep it simple, but cut the number of state positions by 10% for the next two years. While I realize it would mean less services for the taxpayers, we might just be able to get a handle on a more realistic budget for this state. It's time for some our so-called state leaders to wake up and climb down out of their dreams of socialist rule. If they want to live with socialism/communism rule, they should leave the USA alone and move to another country like Russia.

Cherry those "white men" who bombed the federal building in Oklahoma got what all terrorists should have coming to them. Swift Justice. They are dead and I didn't shed a tear. All death is tragedy but your apologist attitude, and general bitterness towards America is troubling. Those were 3000 precious Americans that died on 9-11and if I could trade there lives back for 3000 people around the world that would like to see our way of life detroyed I would. Sometimes you have to choose sides. For all your complaining about what a horrible place this is I sure hope you have some pride in what this country represents. We have tripped and stumbled over the decades, but no world power in history has been as generous or done more to promote liberty that ours. They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. If we ever lose this country that saying will ring more true than ever. It may do you bllod pressure good to look at some of the good around you.

Duckwa, you need to stop asking people to be honest. "Do as I say, not as I do."

Having worked all my life and facing a career ending diability at this point in time really gives me a warm and fuzzy.My body is worn out and it looks like SSI may be my only hope.Reading here really makes me feel like I would be better off jumping off a bridge.

Crosshaul, don't feel that way! These negative people are but a tiny minority of the people of Maine. Their words are ephemeral. What is real is that most of us here want you to do well and we happily pay taxes so that there are programs are in place to support you. I hope you find it easy to access them, and I wish you all the best.

P.S. Crosshaul: and stop reading these comments! They are depressing for even the strongest of us.

Amanda - you are right on. I too think it's a sad state of affairs that Mainer's are unwilling to pay five cents more for a bottle of Allen's in order to help people insure their families.

Anne - you happily pay taxes huh? Thats a new one. Do you check that little box and offer more of your hard earned each year? Crosshaul for those truly in need the programs are necessary the frustrations you read here are with the all to many abuses of a well meaning system.

Five cents for a a bottle of soda, 42 cents for a gallon of gas, 5% for everything I buy, outrageous exise tax, income tax, property tax, estate tax. Dirigo is a failure, taxing soda was not going to change that. Thats the problem with you libs, does not matter if the tax is actually going to a successful program or not, as long as it sounds like a good idea, you could care less if it was actually working or not. ITS MY MONEY, I EARNED IT. If someone is going to TAKE it from me, than I have every right to make sure it I am getting value for it. DIRIGO IS A FAILED PROGRAM, it was supposed to be self supporting, but when it failed, they decide to pick our pockets to keep it going. Then it would get bigger, and require more funding to keep it floating, and then something else would get taxed, hey it's only a nickel. Heres a great idea, all of you fine folks that voted no on one, why don't you all get together and figure out how much each of you can contribute, and then send the money to Baldacci. What, you don't like the sounds of that? I bet $1000.00 a year each would cover it. Come on surely you can afford that, it's only a thousand dollars, I bet all of you libs spend at least that on Birkenstocks every year.

Saltair, YES I DO! Would you like to know why? Because I used to live in Massachusetts, and then New York State, where the taxes are MUCH HIGHER! Jeez. You people do not have a clue!

I have a better idea, Boogyman. Why don't you move to another country where you don't have to pay any taxes? You figure out which one you like best and then it would be nice if you would let us know where you decide to move, 'kay?

Yeah taxes are bad in MA and NY and the fact that thats were you come from explains a lot. You know I grew up down there on MDI but those taxes your so fond of are so high I cant afford to live in my own home town. Maybe if I made the kind of money available for my level of education in Mass or New York I could swing the tax bill.

"You people do not have a clue!" little self right righteous dont you think? What is it exactly I dont have a clue about? Are you picturing some hill billy who has never been across the bridge in Kittery? I left and moved back what I have a clue about may surprise you. What I do know for certain is life down there on fantasy island is a long way from the reality of most of this state. You, being from away, should no that better than most.

Those of you who think "it's my money, I earned it," and no one should be able to take it away from me. Listen. The only reason you are able to earn money here in the U.S. is because you are here in the U.S. Think of your income taxes as a little "finders fee," or rent money. None of us own the land we live on, or the right to work here. If you think you should be able to keep every penny you earn, you really need to consider living elsewhere. There is a price for living here. It has always been that way and will always be that way. You might as well accept it. The same goes for employers. You can't have free access to the U.S. labor force without paying a price. If you don't want to pay it, go elsewhere. Nobody's got a gun to your head.

anne its easy to be you ain't it.

Saltair, my taxes in the town of Mount Desert are highly satisfactory as far as I'm concerned. Sorry if your "nanny-state" mentality makes you want me to feel the same way you do! You should consider moving, because I'm sure your "skills" would be much more appreciated elsewhere.

crosshaul no shame in a brother or sister needin help only in taken what you can provide for yourself

Anne I have no problem with paying some taxes, but to say I do it with Joy would be something of an overstatement. I surprisingly dont disagree entirely with your pay to work theory government has its place. But to argue that the State of Maine has it together with how they are spending our money doesn't make a lot of sense to me. We'll have to agree to disagree on that one. Its curious though your the second person on here with whom I have disagreed that has suggested I move away or ridiculed a comment about levels of education versus compensation. I guess i'll have to look at me to figure that one out.

night...

Hey Bangorian, The recent YES on #1 victory was not just about your so-called "five cents" in additional tax. You really should wakeup, do your homework before typing such a false statement, and recognize just how crooked and wasteful our various levels of government have become. Look at the outrageous salaries the state workers under Dirigo are earning while so many hard-working Maine famailies are barely getting by these days. Stop drinking the democrat's kool-aid, and you might just realize it's time for Mainers to take back our state.

bthanson: Yes.

Saltair, as long as you understand that you have an obligation to pay taxes, then it's up to you as it is every American citizen to make your voice heard on as to how those taxes are spent.

I am outraged. This is the original Cherry! I don't know who you are, posting this crap using my name! I didn't think this site allowed duplicate sign in names, now I will have to change mine. I am writing to the BDN so they can stop this. I am a very patriotic American and would fight for and die for this country.

Here is my new account. I don't know how you did it, but you did, because when I tried to register with my original Cherry, it wouldn't let me, saying it was a duplicate, I know I am old, but I don't understand how you got to use Cherry.

Hey anne. Guess you missed the point. I don't mind paying taxes. However I expect that my tax dollars are used in the most effective manner. And I expect value for my dollar. I guess you are ok with new taxes being created by our elected officials, with no public notice whatsoever. The reason they did that is because they knew that people would balk as soon as they understood what a fiasco Dirigo Health is. And where in the hell do you get off telling me to go somewhere else! I served in the US ARMY for 8 years. I have paid more in taxes in the last five years than the average Mainer makes in two years. Don't sit there and tell ME to just sit back and let some political hack to piss away my money and to leave if I don't like it. Why don't you go live in a socialist country? This one was built on the premise of capitalism; it is what built it into the strongest noblest nation in the history of the world. In this country, revolutions have been born from taxation without representation. Obviously, based on the outcome of the recent referendum the people of Maine believe that the Dirigo tax was exactly that.

People, who posted comments that mainecare is a free-be.... ARE WRONG!!! Now if the people saying this would be down on there luck.. by eather losing there job, getting sick and they couldn't Afford insurance... they could get mainecare. They wouldn't say FREE-BE THEN!!! Hey, we both work and pay taxes.. We get maine care... At Almost $400 every 2 weeks for insurance from my employer. and don't even make $600.. With all other bills We can't afford it...

Were not the only people like this...... Just like LiHeap.. Thats a free - be... Bet you go for that......

People complaine... But, don't know the Facts!!!!!

I can complaine too... I watched 15 to 20 state workers last week working on route 1.... drove by them at least 40 times in a 7 hr span.... the same 4 men worked all day... But, the white hats... Smoked, and leaned against there state paid pick ups talking all day.. they didn't do a thing... Remember the white hats are making $ 15 to $20 something an hr.... For what too bullshit while our tax dollars pay them?FOR TALKING ALL DAY???? THINK ABOUT IT!!!

All the money the State of Maine gets from taxs is alot every yr...... WHERE DOES IT ALL GO???????

ALSO, people who get maine care have to pay co-pays if there over 18 yrs of age....

It's people like us who use it right, that loose it!!!!!!! The people who scam the system, and use the maine care everyday are the one's that keep it....

The maine system of goverment is really screwed up...... It's truely run the wrong way... But, i don't know all the facts....

alot of kids and people need maine care... Free or not.....

And for the one up top who said that mommy get a check and mainecare..... You, don't know your facts..... the check is called TANF... and under that program.. They have to go get a job.... It's not like it was 20 yrs ago!!!!!!! get your facts right!!!!!!

kylie00 you cannot possibly be serious. You are going to tell adults with developmental disabilities and major mental illnesses to get a job? Don't you realize that the people under State guardianship are there because nobody else would step up or there simply wasn't anybody available to ask. You are going to cut medical coverage for people in that situation? If that is the case, may God protect you from ever having a major accident where you have a brain injury, may he also protect you from ever getting dementia and may be protect you from ever becoming ill with a debilitating mental illness. I hope you never have to suffer what you are wishing upon other people.

Anne, I like you for the most part. We don;t agree on much, but you at least put your opinion out there with a little wit and humor most of the time. I do sometimes feel disappointed when you feel the need to make random accusations without backing them up. First off, I didn't ask any one to "be honest" I used the word in reference to my self in a post to Marko @ 4.53. If you feel that I lied to you or anyone else I wish you'd say where as opposed to vauge accusations. I will say that would be hard for you to do as anything i say on here is my opinion. It not being the way you feel about things doesn't make it a dishonest, its called different opinion. We are all aloud to have one. I've said it 100 times, just put your own out there, if you disagree with what i say or think i'm wrong say so and why. That is why I'm here to see what others think and say what I think. Don't try to silence others with accusations you can't back up or with the other tactic of some here , which is just to say people are dumb or uneducated. I feel confident that the worst I have said to anyone here is that they are just intentionally throwing out insults like a flame thrower (flamer) and there a people like that on both sides. Again anne loosen up that sweater and back up your comment if you can. We know your here every day so.....

On 11/12/08 at 06:24 PM, anne_of_mdi wrote:

Duckwa, you need to stop asking people to be honest. "Do as I say, not as I do."

Not sure what the deal is with cherry, but if I for one said something against you screen name it was in response to what was posted about this country I love. If that wasn't you then i have no problem taking it back. Also the BDN needs to look into it. Anne mentioned the same thing the other day, and for me it ruins the board if people on either side of an issue are having that done to them. We need to leave everyone alone and let them say there own thing.

Last thing back to the actual issue. Anne you way over simplify things. We all understand that some taxes and even some welfare is necessary. I've said before that I grew up at points in the welfare system. Its the wastes and abuse that we object to.

Anne, one other question--- what do you mean when you say we don't own the land we live on. I like to think of that as the one thing that is mine. I share everthing else with the bank. What is your point there? Well the fire has me warmed up now so back to bed. Nite all!

Govt2big, I gotta agree tough love is probably best love for these kids. But when you see that they havent really experienced any love its hard to say that from the outside not knowing whats going on behind their families closed doors. But like some say, well thats not my problem. Well its not, but when we are old and these kids are basically running the country, what are we going to be facing? I was in charge of 6 teenage boys from ages 14-18 that were not only drug addicted but mentally unstable as well. Seeing cases as bad as kids being burned by their parents with hot irons, cigs, etc. its enough to make you sick. So when they turn to drugs because their life is so unsettling, and get into trouble with the law. They dont have any more love, no tough love, no nothing. Especially since if they do turn to get help, theres no funding! We had kids that needed to stay in a group home setting to get "better" but when there was no money there was nothing we could do. But thats just a little piece of the pie.

they call this a 'deep cut"? Please, its only a fraction of what the department has "misplaced" over the years. Somebody wake me up when they hit 75% cuts.

I agree with the 2 baby cut off for the state programs. i know of a woman who moved here to Maine from Rhode Island with 6 kids because of our system. Not only do we pay for section 8 housing for her, we also heat the place, electric is paid, and food stamps. On top of that. we are paying for her education on top of it i agree that some people need a little help, but help those from here! I pay my taxes, my Father owns a small business and pays $1100.00 a month for insurance through Dirigo for he and my Mother. On top of that te is a huge co-pay and deductable. They are working to keep business in Maine, our Government is pushing them out the door, and handing the earned money from people like them to LAZY FREE LOADERS! I at least give these people credit for being smarter than I, they figured out how to sit on a couch all day and not worry about how to heat the house, or feed the kids! Enough is enough! For those single mothers out there, what happened to CHILD SUPPORT. I divorced 11 years ago, I have paid every week from that time, and between my exwife and I, the kids NEVER needed the State funded programs. If one job didn't cover it from time to time, I would take on a second job to make it. I can't seem to find enough after the bills are paid to buy a six pack of beer, however, I do notice the amount of these "WELFARE" people that can smoke, drink, and oh yes.....The drugs they use? If you don't believe about the drug use, just check out the article from 2 days ago. Aroostook County's Grand Jury handed down over 50 indictments last week, 75% drug charges. Out of that % I bet over half of these people are in the "State's system" one way or another. Make them all get jobs. The kids deserve a warm home, and food on the tables, But Mom and dad should be earning their share of it. I earn all mine...be a real man and try it!

How many people simply do not work? Yet, they come to Maine. Why? Because our politicians fall over each other trying to throw free money at people. If a two parent household where both are "disabled" (everybody is bipolar, right?) and both smoke 1 pack of cigarettes per day, that costs TAX payers approximately $4,000 per year! how can this be?

Young girls learn that the more babies they have, the more state aid they get! Maine is one of THE most generous states in the union, but it is not generous to hard working tax payers; but to those who spend their money on tattoos, cigarettes, cats, and Allen's coffee brandy. What do they do all day? Play video games. Who pays their rent? who pays their utilities? who pays their healthcare? who pays for their internet access? who pays for their cigarettes, brandy, and tattoos?

Tax payers.

I think it would be more effective if people starting monitoring the people who receive the benefits. There are a large number of people who need assistance but a large number of people use this as a way of life. There are a number of people who receive this help and sell drugs on the side or sit home all day and smoke them. I along with a large number of people go to work, get drug tested to do it, and pay for medical insurance through our employers. Maybe things need to be reexamined. Maybe we should start to drug test people for the benefits that i am helping to pay them for like we are getting checked. They should only get assistance for a limited time to use as a safety net not a way of life. Maybe have a weekly job log like the unemployment system. Use some of the state employees to check up on these instead of seeing what else we can do for people whom will not do for themselves.

Duckwa thanks for your questions. First, no one can fully own property here, not even the banks. It really belongs to the U.S.A. through eminent domain. You probably knew that, just forgot. Also, re the honesty comment, first of all posting here anonymously is inherently dishonest. Second, it seems that now we have more and more instances of people posting under more than one username (you know who you are), and even of people hijacking other people's usernames. I think everyone needs to use caution here just as you would any other website, and not to divulge any personal information, because I think there is always the possibility of predators lurking here. For example, what if you are a harmless person who divulges your personal information here, but then someone hijacks your username and then insults somebody else, as we have seen done here not once but now several times, then the insulted person has your name and can easily find out where you live. I just think people need to keep that in mind.

I think all of us should stop at applebee's this Saturday for lunch. Why not? Then we can see who the real person is behind the curtian.

well anne you are right about the name point. in your case it was easy to spot. you cant take a name that is in use, so thae changed letters on yours. tat is what is weird about cherry's claim. she said it was the same username; i do find it hard to believe that the bdn cant figure it out. Either way i don't see how that applies to you calling me dis-honest. I try to be as fair as possible while putting my view out there. So if you just saw me use the word "honest" and took a shot at it fine say so, I wont cry about it. I just really wanted to know what I said to provoke that reaction out of you. Like i said, even though i think your wrong about most things, your funny and witty about it most of the time, and i might think your mean once and a while, but never dishonest or a liar.

Thanks duckwa! I don't know what happened to Cherry either, which is why we need to be REALLY careful. So you would recommend that people stop posting under different names, yes?

giv me 5 mins anne, cant type wit baby in my arm but want to answer

ok, for sure no one should be posting under someone else name or a name intentionally meant to look like someone else. i am not convienced about cherry. i dont see how anyone could take an exact name. she may have left her name logged on some where. My wife has even joked about using mine. i would like to know more about that one. it could always be an excuse for being nasty in the first place and not wanting the heat. i just dont know. i know where you are going with the "different name" thing. i'm just not sure that is happening. who is it you think jip is now? i just dont think he would go that long with out talking about himself. any way to answer .....YES, i guess i agree it would be a lot easier if people used just one name, far less confusing and better for the purpose of the board as a whole. i don't see a need for anyone to have multiple names, screen names are already like an alter ego. that said it hard to prove and point less for the person because they are just giving their opinion, it cant be wrong. if people have more then one name they use then they are in waaaay too deep and should come up for a little air. Make any sense?

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How do you guys know who is who? One Cherry is an lady in her 60's and then the other is younger and a pot smoker with kids. Some websites list the URL number with each post, it makes it easier to see if the same person who posts uses the same URL but under a different name. Where's Johnny cakes?

did you see cherrys claim above stevey? i just dont see how you take an exact name from someone. i tried just now to sign up under duckwa using a different email and it said the name was taken. anne's was obvious once you looked at it, but i really question cherry. I think maybe ol johnny cakes is on vacation or traveling

I don't know about Cherry or johnny cakes (which is way too nice for him by the way) but I think a word to the wise is sufficient. I thought I remembered Cherry saying "he" was a guy! Anyway, there's no security here, so everyone should just exercise reasonable caution.

stevey, how do u know about cherry the pot smoker? you all dont pass the ol' bone around before going to applebees do you?

boogyman, sorry if I offended you.

She said she did about a month ago.

Anne your being nice on purpose to confuse me aren't you? :-) night!!