Dentist: Taxpayers shouldn’t fund soda

I can see the logic of this idea, but it seems to me that people who receive any type of public aid alreay are eyed unfairly in check out lines, doctors' offices, etc. around the nation and to further penalize and ostracize them is contrary to the spirit of laws that allow the aid in the first place. There are already are needy people who reject aid because of the stigma attached. And it also seems to me that depression would result over the loss of rights to make important decisions and to have a few small comforts. Yes, sugar is bad for teeth; and seat belts save lives, but Americans are so completely over legislated, it's hard to call ours a democracy at all. Ben Franklin recognized the need to get adequate sleep, and all of us probably agree "early to bed; early to rise; makes a man healthy wealthy and wise," but to make it a law is unjust, unnecessary, and unAmerican.

I like this idea. Tax payer funded food stamps should be used for real food, not for junk that promotes more public health problems and ends up costing tax payers more money.

“Poor kids are already so disadvantaged,” she said, “and now we’re going to tell them they can’t serve soda at a party?”-"Poor kids? They are just victims of their parents choices. No child "rich" or "poor" should be drinking the garbage.

Just another reason social services are out of control-whats next-Beer & Wine?

Independent: you nailed it on the head.

I also agree with Independent and therefor will not elaborate.

Still more nanny statism and publicity seeking.Bango is already the laughingstock of the country for the fascist law about smoking in cars.Orwell's thought police are next.

When I was a kid it was a privilege to get soda as a treat. It was treated exactly the same as any other non-nutritious snack. We were given limited quantities and my mother kept a close eye on the level of soda in the bottle to make sure we weren't sneaking any if we even had any in the house at all. Generally my mother focused on as much milk and water she could force down our throats. Now that I am an adult, I drink as much soda as I want. But I pay for it myself and I also pay for my own healthcare and dental care.

I have no problem with food stamps. But I would much rather see anybody with foodstamps head over to WABean or any place like that and buy as much meat as they can get. Then use the rest on the staples like dairy and grains (pasta is cheap and filling). Why should somebody on foodstamps be allowed to go to the grocery store and buy lobster or a big deli platter (which they do) when they could could get so much more bang for their buck. And I don't mean to say that everybody does this, I know several people that are on foodstamps and provide delicious, healthy meals for their family for the entire month.

I think the non-nutritious stuff should be paid for out of pocket. Foodstamps are there to provide people and their children with food to live. You don't need soda and oreos to live. If you want this stuff, use it as motivation to pull yourself up and get off foodstamps - they shouldn't be a lifelong thing anyway.

dregsfan: not even close to the same thing. I agree that if you want to smoke in your car with your kid in there that is certainly your right, since you are paying for the cigarettes and the car and the kid. Unless of course you are on some sort of public assistance, such as mainecare. As the taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for a childs medical problems caused by second hand smoke. But foodstamps are different. The government (and taxpayers) has every right to dictate what you can use them for. I wouldn't even have a problem if along with the foodstamps came an exact list of what the user had to buy. And while we're at it, I say we go back to actual paper food stamps instead of the electronic reloadable card. I don't care if is embarassing to have to bust out your little paper stamps. Use that also as a motivation to get off of them.

Gee, I wrote a really long commentary on this story, had it appear after I clicked "post comment," and now it's gone. I am not pleased to have wasted 20 minutes of my time earlier.

Nobody on food stamps wants to be on them. This proposal to prohibit the purchase of soft drinks and other sugary foods would further erode what little independence those on food stamps have. What will be next, the government telling food stamp beneficiaries they can't eat too much meat, too much processed foods, too much fish, too many eggs? A lot of people on food stamps want independence. This idea would erode what independence these people have. The problem isn't that food stamps are buying unhealthy foods and beverages, it's that parents aren't doing their job properly and that people are not practicing good oral health care to begin with. This is not a slope we should be going down.

Unfortunately, my original comment was much better... What the heck happened to it?

Nobody on foodstamps wants to be on them, Ryan? PLEASE. If they want independence, they can get it the old fashioned way and support themselves. I agree with the dentist - taxpayers get a double whammy paying for the very foods and drinks that contribute to tooth decay and obesity, and are then forced to pay for the medical care costs that ensue. I support taking soda off the acceptable items purchased with food stamps.

If people on food stamps want to buy the extras and feel independant then they need to spend their own cash. Food stamps are meant to supplement a family's food budget. My husband works at a convience store and sees people come in all the time with food stamps and buy things when there is a grocery store just down the block. It angers me that people buy the higher priced things and waste taxpayer money. You should only be able to buy foods that are nutritious and necessary. When my kids were younger we went through a period of time on food stamps and I only used them for what should be bought. I would rather see people be able to buy cleaning supplies and other essential but non food items than be able to buy soda and junk food. It would be a better use of our tax dollars. As to the reloadable cards I believe they are a good thing as it safes a lot of money in not having to mail out the packages of food stamps, which is a good thing.

I think schools and organizations that serve children should not have soda machines either, but sometimes the soda companies give them so much money to put their machines there, and they have so little money, they do it.

I think soda, cookies, and chips should be disaloud...you don't need those things...if you wanted pay for them out of pock...and here'e an idea how about homemade..they're better for you in the long run and will make your stamp dollars go farther....these people need to learn to cook..it won't hurt them a bit...how that for a liberal thought?!

leatherglove, you state you don't mind people buying as much meat as they can, but not lobster. You are nuts. Right now, lobster is cheaper than meat, and also it is much healthier for anyone than meat. I do agree that soda should not be purchased though.

I don't think anyone can argue that this is a bad thing, but how many laws do we really need?

leatherglove: I believe the reason for the transition from paper food stamps to the card was to help with the problem of people buying small items to get cash change back and then using that to buy non-allowed items. I don't believe it had anything to do with the stigma of being on the stamps.

MaryAnn, lots of people on disability depend on food stamps for the bulk of their food budget. It bothers me that there are people who think as you do. There is a huge stigma attached to being on food stamps. People receiving the benefits because they have a disability would love to be able to get away from the system. But they can't. People receiving food stamps need independence, if for no other reason than because they are indebted to the government for help. It isn't about taxpayer money. It's about beneficiaries being able to make their own choices and not become slaves to the government. It is not right to treat the poor as second-class citizens and demand that the government therefore micro-manage their lives in ways more fortunate citizens need not worry about.

Yes searoses, making your own is the way to go...yummy. If a person has children they can have them help also. My grand-daughter loves to "cook".

bangorme: good point, the bottom did fall out of the lobster market, but it wasn't very long ago that it was considered a luxury that even most people not on foodstamps could afford. Now, I would say you are correct and lobster could be considered an efficient food stamp purchase.

misslepew: I'm sure you are right, and that it is a bigger waste of money to use paper foodstamps. However, a number of people that I know on foodstamps love the card because then people can't as easily tell that they are using foodstamps and therefore feel less guilty about buying crap.

ryanrrobbins : being disabled doesn't have anything to do with this...you don't need to buy junk food with food stamps...we who pay taxes should be able to say so it's our right...if you want something sweet buy an apple or some grapes...sweet drink buy juice....a 20oz bottle of soda's 1.50 that could buy 3 lbs of bananas now they're sweet and good for you too

My mom taught me to cook and it was a rare treat indeed to have a snack in my lunchbox that came prepackaged. Man, it was like christmas when I found a fruit rollup hidden away in the bottom of my brown paper sack. Of course, all of my friends constantly begged to trade their store bought stuff for my homemade choc chip cookies.

Chris Hastedt, policy director for the nonprofit Maine Equal Justice Partners, said “Poor kids are already so disadvantaged,” she said, “and now we’re going to tell them they can’t serve soda at a party?” That's it folks, we are not funding the food stamp program in order to provide healthy foods, we are providing them so the recipiants can throw parties for their kids. Amazing, simply amazing.

The WIC program only allows the receipent to purchase healthy foods, the food stamp system should be the same. Those EBT cards are already designed not to pay for non food items. Seems it wouldn't be to hard to add soda to the list. And while they are at it, it wouldn't hurt to add cookies, candy, ice cream, etc. Why stop with soda? If you don't like the government telling you what you can buy or eat...then don't participate in a socialist program.

when i was a kid many many years ago...we always had homemade bread ect in our lunchboxes (this was before hot lunch..you see I am old) we were made fun of because we were poor and couldn't afford store bought....I remember thinking my moms bread taste better then that other junk so laugh all you want...big old sandwich of homemade bread and goverment cheese would hit the spot rightnow yum! I still make my own bread in the winter...

I agree with some of my fellow commentors....If your getting a hand out then there is no reason why it can't come with stipulations on what you can purchase. Let's make use of that food pyramid that should help dictate how much of what we should all be eating. I too have been in the grocery checkout and been appalled at some of the choices people are making with "their" money. WIC is a great example of money given out but with stipulations on what you can use it for (milk etc)...

Lets give people a choice between a food stamp credit card (with restrictions) or a block of government cheese and a few bags of flour....seriously does anyone know how to make a loaf of bread anymore?

"being disabled doesn't have anything to do with this...you don't need to buy junk food with food stamps...we who pay taxes should be able to say so it's our right..."

It most certainly does have something to do with it for those receiving food stamps because they are on disability. The individual's right to choose how he spends his benefits outranks anybody else's rights. What this proposal would essentially do is outlaw certain foods for the poor. That is wrong.

Ryan, it bothers me that people DON'T think and come up with conclusions such as yours. I know there are people out there who legitimately need help - and that's fine. I don't want to see people who can't help it, being out on the streets and/or hungry. However, there are people who abuse the system. And I, like many others commenting here, have seen it first hand. It IS about taxpayer money - and TAXPAYERS have a RIGHT not to become slaves to the government. The illusion of being free from government interference while being dependent on them for your survival is 90% of what is wrong with this country. So sorry, but I'm not interested in your brand of freedom.

"If your getting a hand out then there is no reason why it can't come with stipulations on what you can purchase."

There are stipulations already in place: no alcohol, no prepared foods, no take-out, no restaurants.

Well, MaryAnn, let's see you push for legislation that would outlaw soda and sugary foods for everybody. Why not? What right do you have to tell anybody else what they can and cannot eat? Food stamp recipients can also be tax-paying citizens themselves.

It wouldn't outlaw certain foods for the poor. They just couldn't buy those certain foods with the foodstamps. I am assuming, and correct me if I'm wrong as I honestly don't know, if a person is disabled and getting foodstamps, then they are probably receiving disability payments? If this is the case, then they can use the money from their disability to buy junk food. And while this takes money away from the other things they need to pay for, that is their choice. Limiting people's foodstamp purchasing power to healthy options will only benefit them in the long run anyway...

If a food stamp recipient is also paying taxes, which in most likelyhood means they have a job...then that means they have money coming into their budget along with their foodstamp allotments and it is their choice to use their wages to buy unhealthy food options.

Ryan, I don't believe in the nanny state. People who earn their own wages can spend their money on whatever they want. If you're using someone else's money, there are restrictions. This is a restriction I support. We're just going to have to agree to disagree. Our opinions on how things should work couldn't be more opposite.

AMEN! That was one of my points for the Dirigo soda tax... How could that have REALLY worked when the majority of the people buying this stuff is getting it tax free from food stamps!!! (there are other issues why it would not have worked too) The people on welfare should have to buy nutritious foods/beverages! Then maybe they would be healthier... I said MAYBE..

Friendly, I think it's a bit of a leap to go from not being able to purchase soda with food stamps to being over legislated. Currently, you can't purchase hygiene products with food stamps. I think it's more of an outrage that people can't purchase toothpaste, shampoo or deodorant! All products that go a long way toward improving appearance (and self concept) and thus reducing stigma around those in need or those who are using state funded programs. Also, I have to say that this seems to be a common sense issue. Clearly soda is not good for people to consume in mass quantities daily. I don't see an issue with telling people to purchase these items with their own cash rather then using food stamps. I don't partake in food stamps money nor do I buy soda at all, ever for my kids. Even for a party, Chris. Kids don't need it, they don't miss it and are perfectly content to drink sugar free kool aid at parties.

If diet soda pop is targetted for taxation or food stamp exclusion due to its lack of nutritional value thats one argument that might merit some consideration. If instead it is targetted due to the argument that it promotes tooth decay and obesidy, that is rubbish. It's the sugar content in soda that rots teeth and delivers calories that promotes weight gain. Diet soda doesn't contain sugar and therefore doesn't contribute to either of these two problems.

Lets all just drink more milk and water. If we all did that regardless of foodstamp status, we'd all be better off. Well except for maybe the lactose intolerant.

While all of us are willing to help the needy, we aren't willing to help them rot their teeth. This incurs dental expenses under Mainecare that the taxpayer shoulders, as well as the dentist who has to wait for the state to finally pay the Mainecare to them for the service performed. In effect, you pay taxes and dentists make significant loans to the state while waiting for payment for services rendered directly attributable to soda. It's economically unsustainable, unhealthy and very poor public policy to allow food stamp recipients to purchase soda, period.

I just can't accept the stupidity contained in the remarks of "friendly" and "ryanrobbins". The idea that the "right" of a public assistance beneficiary to choose how he spends his public assistance benefits trumps everything else is utter nonsense. Frankly, most of us who pay for their benefits could care less about whether they might feel stigmatized or depressed because they can't use their food stamps to buy soda pop, candy, and other junk foods. In fact, a little depression and stigma would probably do these people a world of good. They should never forget that they are a burden on society and that they receive their benefits through the grace of a generous public.

I believe that if this is allowed it is just the first step for this nanny state to broaden the proposed ban! Many people on this forum think that debasing and humiliating our fellow Mainers is the only way to get them off welfare. I agree that some are lifers and know how to get around the system but it seems that the ones that are truly using the welfare system in the way it was intended are painted with the same broad strokes. So many opinionated, grandstanding, judgmental people comment here; well, I would like to propose a ban, that anyone who can not spell properly is no longer allowed on this forum. Before you jump down my throat I am only playing the devil's advocate here as I don't judge people on their ability to spell or their status in life because we all have our foibles and we would do well to remember that before we judge others who may not be as fortunate as we are. Some people talk about it being the taxpayer's right to dictate what our tax dollars are used for; when did we become eligible to micro-manage the policy making of this state or country? if we could I would be scared to death considering some of the narrow minded comments here.

People are going to find a way to buy soda regardless of whether or not they can buy it with food stamps. Some get disability and will use that money.It's silly to think that people can't think for themselves. "Soda is bad for my teeth and my health? Jeez, why didn't anyone tell me this?" Yeah right. You can't legislate health or good dental practices so why try? You certainly can encourage people to buy other things which is why the tax on soda was a good idea. If doctors and dentists wanted to do some good, they could start a public health campaign about the benefits of drinking plain or flavored water. The biggest complaint I hear about people not liking water is "It has no taste/" Well duh, it has no sugar. That's the point.

Holy crap Bandbox, tell us how you really feel. Harsher than I have the b*lls to be, but I agree with you completely.

Yah, I know, but sometimes the stupidity of what I read here makes me let my hair down.

If people will find a way to buy stuff that they want that is unhealthy, then fine, let them find a way. Doesn't mean the government (ie the taxpayers) should have to pay for it. And then pay for it again when they go to the dentist to have their teeth ripped out because they are rotten.

Bandbox, well said. A good dose of harsh reality is what our state, and society, is in desperate need of. Run for office!

Well it seems that some people here would like it if Beer and wine could be purchased with foodstamps. I mean really, it's so stressful being poor, they should be able to kick back and unwind with a cold one. Personally, I don't like this Dentist guy. Ever since he landed here he has been trying to ban this or that, but I gotta agree on this one. It simply boils down to this: What is the purpose of the foodstamp program, and does allowing the purchase of non-nutritional foods serve that purpose. The answer is no. Again, I am paying taxes to support this program. I expect my tax dollars to be used in a manner that benefit society as a whole. I do not see how buying soda for the “disadvantaged” benefits society.

What about requiring food stamp recipients to complete a nutritional education program. Then let them make their own choices about whether or not to buy soda. The irony here is that trying to find a denist who will serve a Mainecare recipient is nearly impossible - why do they get to dictate social policy when they aren't even involved in it?

FOOD stamps should be for FOOD!

I'm a single mother and for the first time I'm having to get state assistant. I had a full time job for the last 10 years and was laid off this summer. I now work 1 full time job at minimum wage and a part time job. I'm working 60-65 hours a week, which I don't mind but I still need the help. I don't have health insurance and had to get Mainecare for us. I also collect food stamps. Not much, only about $80 a month to feed 3 of us. Not all people who are on state assistance want or like to be on it. It took all I could muster to walk into that office to ask for help, then promptly went home and was sick. They offered to help me with rent but I turned that down. My part time job pays the rent. Yes, I know of people who enjoy living on the system. But please don't generalize all people receiving state assistance. Some of us truly don't want to be on it but do need insurance for our kids and some help feeding them. The COBRA insurance I was offered when I was laid off was going to cost me around $600 a month for myself and my boys. How does anyone who just lost their job pay that please be able to keep a roof over their heads and food in their tummys??

With that said, I REFUSE to buy junk (ie soda, chips, cookies) on food stamps. I use this little bit of money I do get towards fruits, veggies and meat for the month. Where I work for my partime job, I see many many people using their food stamps for what I call "treats" and it's not just the overweight people buying it, but all shapes and sizes. I for one, am not opposed to having more regulations for what can be purchased on food stamps. I also don't believe when people receive a cash payment each month in addition to their food stamps, they should not be able to cash back when they make a purchase like they would if they used a debit card.

Just my two cents....

ryjacksmom: Bravo to you for having the courage to ask for help. You are the exact type of person that state assistance was made for. You should feel no shame in using food stamps to help supplement your income and feed your family. I also applaud you for using that food stamp allotment to purchase healthy food options. It seems like you have a great work ethic and will do what it takes to provide for your boys. Hopefully your work ethic combined with the little bit of help you are recieving will help you get back on your feet and to a place where you won't need to work so many hours or have any foodstamps at all.

ryanrrobbins 'alot of people on foodstamps want independence"? Then they should get a second job and get off foodstamps. I don't see how you can possibly equate foodstamps with independence. If you get food stamps, you should be happy, you could live in a third world country where you get a five pound bag of rice tossed to you once a month if your lucky, and drink water that the rest of the villagers clean their clothes in. I just can't believe people think like this anymore. I know a lot of people in their 80's who lived through the great depression. They lived on potatos and oatmeal, yet here they are 80 years later, healthy and active. There was no welfare, no foodstamps, no mainecare. They surived by being resourceful, and they became independent from that and that alone. And in those days parents typically had many more mouths to feed than they do today.

There once was a day when the only people who were considered poor were those with mental or physical disabilities that totally prevented them from not working. It is a fallicy that people can't survive without government assistance, and the notion that they can't simply perpetuates poverty.

ryjacksmom; the system was designed to help people like you. There is no shame in what you are doing. You will get back on your feet for sure. Your children are lucky to have you as a parent.

Unlike costly dental bills, if you ignore your teeth, the will go away.

Bandbox, let's hope and pray that you and your family NEVER find yourselves in a position that you may need help some day, especially the way this economy is going at the moment. before you open your mouth you should walk a mile in someone else's shoes. I do agree however that when a participant in the food stamp program one should stretch their stamps as far as they can and not buy things that are unnecessary. Cooking form scratch is a good way to have treats.

It''s good to know now just where all the heavy supression is coming from. Hmmm He wouldn't be the same DENTIST that does NOT Accept .....you know it....MAINECARE! What are his dental charges per tooth???????? Zionists attack your rights from within, MAINERS!!!!! This dentist is a mockery to his profession of PROFITEERS! If he was honorable to his business we would have cures for gingervitis instead of a new fancy tooth brush, or toothpaste whiteners that do not work... we would have no tooth decay at all in this town, state, country if this dentist was a dentist and not the egotist zionist young plant tht he is. The dentist industry has expanded it's so called experts and absorborant prices but certainly not it's technologies. If we keep allowing these young people to takeover and rewrite our constitution we are plain stupid!!!!

My son is a dentist and my friends son has two dentists sons, we would break our kids necks ourselves, if we thought for a moment they believed this guys views!

I dispute the facts of the story that says soda is a major contributor of tooth decay, obesity and other health problems. I'm 44 having been drinking Coke since I was a kid. Only a bottle or two a week as a young child. But as a teen I began to drink what most people would consider alot. As an adult there have been many days when I've drank as much as two liters. I'm 6 feet tall and within the last year I've come up to my current weight of 175. The most I've ever weighed in my life. My dentist tells me ever 6 months that I have the best teeth in my family. My last fasting blood test put my blood sugar around 100. Maybe I'm a lucky person, but did you ever consider that there are more reasons then just soda for a person tooth decay, obesity, and other health issues?

I agree with many the post that the government is WAY to involved in our every day lives and choices. This is just another example of the slippery slope that will have government telling you what to do every minute of your life. As I posted a couple of days ago in the story about the tragic boating accident in Dover, government wants to tell you you have to wear a seat belt, whether you can smoke, what to eat and drink. People are calling for mandatory helmet laws and life jackets. This is the land of the free. But it hardly seems that way when the state tells you how you can live your life.

Bangorian: I usually agree with the things you say but...this time I think you'er just plan wrong....My husband works at an apartment building that houses mainly low income people...or should I say welfare people...some of them need to be on welfare and others in my mind don't....here's the thing most of them won't eat left overs....they have peanut butter and cereal given to them by a church that they won't eat because it not what they like : ie "sweetened" one lady had 20 or more boxes that she sent home to my chickens because they were out dated...and 20 or so newer boxes that we ourselves ate...and I made muffins with..4 new tennants moved here from FL because the could no longer get help there...a couple in their 30's who can climb 3 flights of stairs should beable to work...not live off the state...I know times a hard and jobs are not easily available....but a part time job is better then none...these people have no pride...because they have always been given to...

I don't think the government should be able to tell you whether to wear a life vest or not, whether to smoke or not, whether to wear a seatbelt or not. UNLESS the governement is paying for the boat or the car. Its not like every cashier at the grocery store works for the government and is going to tell every single person what they can and can't buy. But since the governement (ie the taxpayers) "own" the foodstamps and choose to allow people to use them, it is of course up to the governement to impose whatever restrictions they see fit upon those foodstamps...

PS: What if all the parents stopped taking their children to his practice??? I bet he would feel the CRUNCH and may be in the food stamp line himself.

BANDBOX WHERE ARE YOU...some of these people need another dose of your harsh reality...

SethFortier: noboby is saying they can't have these things they are just saying you can't buy them with food stamps..If people want to be a part of these programs they have to comply with the restrictions...it's plan and simple

I have worked in a grocery store for over 20 years. It has long been an issue for me that people who recieve food stamp benefits have the choice of buying soda pop, snack cakes, candy bars and the like. Food stamps, like wic are a privilege that are given to people in this country who are struggling to provide the basic needs for their family....so if the WIC program can dictate what may be purchased, why not food stamps?? Yes, there are those that use food stamps wisely and make good choices, but trust me...work in a grocery store for a week or so and see what the majority of the population purchases. It would be a eye opening experience to say the least. One transaction that sticks out in my mind was 2 young adults purchased an overflowing cartload of junk food...and nothing else but junk food. soda, little debbie snack cakes, chips, ice cream...you name it. The total came to more than $200. All I could think to myself is they just bought that cart of junk food with my tax dollars. I work a full time job and 3 part time jobs to help support my family. I hope and pray that I never have to utilize our welfare system....but if I do I would certainly have more respect for those that help me in my time of need.

I suppose most of the commentators here would deny a young soldier who comes home from Iraq without his legs also. People are too high and mighty with their words and you are passing too many laws to govern what every little part of life. The economy is in a bad state right now and who know how many of you will be needing government help in a very short time. You don't know why anyone is receiving aid or who a child may grow up to be no matter what they ate as a kid whose mother let him/her drink soda bought with food stamps. The USDA should be able to make their list of approved foods and beverages without the general population trying to make the "list" a law

Plastic has saved us millions of dollars in printing and postage. It is also harder to sell food stamps this way.

This dentist needs to get his head out of his rear end and stop trying to decide what is best for everybody. If he sticks to his own problems he will more than have his hands full As for the issue itself, it is dumber than dumb. I am waaay more enraged when a customer hands me an food stamp card for a gallon of milk and then turns around and buys $20 woth of lottery tickets. THAT'S wrong. If you can spend it on that then why in God's name am I buying your milk for you?

Thank you anyway "sacurtis", but I don't need or want your hopes and prayers, or your cliches ("you should walk a mile in someone else's shoes"). I'm quite capable of taking care of my family and myself by myself.

OK here's a plan. Lets put all of this to the test. Let's all e-mail our respective representative in the state and ask them to work with Hannaford and Shaws to pull from their databases itemized lists of items purchasesd with foodstamps (i am sure they can do this). I think we as citizens and taxpayers have a right to know exactly what our money is being spent on. I would like to see as a percentage what amount is being spent on soda, ice cream, candy etc. I think that should be public information. I will be more than happy to shut up if I find the percentage is less than 15% in total.

fishinwidow35....I've read your comment several times to see if I understand what you are saying.....I'm not sure I do.....I am high and mighty because I don't feel that people who receive public assistance should be able to buy soda,chips candy bars??? Am I being high and mighty because I get steamed when I drive by public housing in the middle of winter and see window open with fans in them while I am struggling to pay my own heating bill??? or when I drive by and see groups of them smoking cigarettes and drinking beer. If that makes me high and mighty than I am proud to be so.

right on scrappygirl, right on...

Searoses my point is this; the dentist is using health concerns as his basis for saying that people using food stamps shouldn't be able to buy soda. I'm question whether or not soda in and of itself is behind all of these health issues. If soda isn't the cause of the tooth decay and obesity why should there be restrictions on them buying them. Is his motive better health for his patients? Is it to save taxpayers from paying for these items there by supposedly saving the state money. The state should be more concerned with stuff like Nobama brings up. Where they have food stamps then buy lottery tickets. I see plenty of people on public assistence driving new vehicles than I've ever had. Get the cheats of the roles and there would be plenty for the really needy.

But most of all government needs to stop controlling every thing that people do.

Couldn't have siad it better myself, SethFortier.

I'm not sure if bottled water is Food stamp eligible, I'd guess it is. But if soda is removed, bottled water should be too as it is a waste of scarce money.

Ok - I thought I was done with this article until I read the following comment from Yvonne: "When did we become eligible to micro-manage the policy making of this state or country?"

You have no clue how much reading something like that makes my blood boil. Yvonne, unless you are writing in from Russia get a &^%$#@ CLUE. This is AMERICA. OUR government is supposed to be held accountable to the 9th degree to our citizens - have you ever heard of DEMOCRACY?? I don't think I have ever gained utter and complete contempt for someone so quickly than to have read that one sentence from you.

You're scared because of narrow minded comments? I'm scared trying to figure out where the hell you think you're living - because I can tell you right now, America didn't get to be one of the top powers in the world by thinking government has all the answers and that the citizens should have limited control.

Sorry...but I think that if people are using food stamps...which is government funded...then yes...they should be able to control what they are buying!!!!

Wow. This sure hit some nerves! I'm not even going to comment on the dentist, whom I know nothing about, but the issue of what food stamps are used for has been something that has bothered my husband and I for many years. We have also seen food stamps used to purchase soda and junk food more times than we can count. I don't begrudge anyone using food stamps, because I do not know their situation, and I always think: "There but for the grace of God, go I" because I am old enough to realize how my current life status can change in an instant (death/job loss/Iillness, injury). I DO feel that they should be used for food and I do believe that the debit cards can be programmed to work that way.

I just get blown away sometimes by the mean spiritedness and pettiness of some of you folks. You have a right to your opinion, but some of them sure make me feel sad.

Hope you ALL have a nice day :-)

Hi Dr. Shenkin, Thanks for doing a really great job on my son's teeth. (this is not a sarcasm remark)

P.S. my son (Adam) says thank you!

Reading most of your self-righteous comments has made me ill.

Shame on you people.

Especially the halfwit Bandbox.

You sound so bitter and mean. Your contempt for the poor truly shows what kind of person you are.

How would Jesus distribute food stamps? Make the needy jump through hoops, make them beg for mercy?

And for the wretched soul that sneered at the idea of a financially struggling parent to be able to serve soda pop at a birthday party... God have mercy on you.

We don't know how or why those collecting aid are in the situations they are in. I don't think we give our disabled vets and many enough yet they are grouped into the same food stamp program as everyone else. Also not everyone who draws aid or has food stamps drinks soda and eats junk food all day. And someone who can climb three flights of stairs may be disabled in a way which doesn't affect his or her ability to climb stairs. I happen to have a job and a budget and I can bake bread from scratch if I want or need. I also do not like others dictating to me with a law about every little thing. We are supposed to be a free country!

markko: i usually agree with you too...but I have always felt that food stamps should be used for healthy foods not junk..if someone wants have soda at a childs party buy with money not food stamps...or how's this for radical buy some juice and make punch...Jesus would have given them wine and you can't buy that with food stamps either

Since when are Maine dentists concerned about the dental health of children in struggling families? Good luck finding one who accepts Mainecare.

bitter and mean? high and mighyt? self righteous?? yes I have problems with our welfare system....it is BROKEN!!!

I've known people that were told by DHS in order to get food stamps they would need to get divorced. I know a young single mother of 4 trying

to get out of an abusive relationship that was told she would need to sell her car....which she used to go back and forth to her full time job w/ health benefits in order to receive food stamps. Where was Jesus when these people needed help? So pardon me for being a little miffed that there are people out there buying soda, chips and candy when I know people in my life that can't get a dime!!! And what about those of us who work multiple jobs but can't afford a birthday party let alone the soda to serve at it????? Apparently Jesus did see me fit to provide this to my children!!!!! Please...

I find it comical that ryanrobbins states that no one who is on food stamps wants to be on them.

Well if this were the case then we wouldn't see people buying lobster and filet mignon at the local hannaford.

I have personally seen a food stamps recipient buy $60.00 worth of lobster (when it was $10.99 a pound) and another buy a $18.00 piece of filet mignon.

Clearly these people making such transactions have no shame and are quite happy with the benefits of the program it seems. Why wouldn't they want to be on them.

When speaking with those working the registers at the supermarket I am told that this phenomenon happens just about every day. These ARE NOT isolated situations.

The food stamp program needs to be overhauled to be more like the WIC program (which does have some problems of its own). However these people are not using the money (OUR MONEY) as economically as we with our own money.

Something needs to be done soon.

Sorry markko, but I thought that the whole idea of the food stamp program was to provide nutritional meals to those that did not have the means to provide it for themselves. I see now that it is designed to make sure that every child is guaranteed the right to a good birthday bash. Wish my parents had tought me that. I'm sure I'd be much better off.

Bangorian. Shenkin runs a Maincare only office. Here's one for you. My ex has my child on Maincare, even though I have him covered under my own insurance & dental policy ( a very good one). I had to take my kid to his office for an appointment that my ex made. When it came time to settle the $200 bill, I offered them Cash, I do not want my kid to be paid for by the taxpayers when I am perfectly able to afford it. They told me that I could not pay cash, that they were a Medicare only facility. THEY WOULD NOT TAKE MY MONEY! I was totally floored. I pay good money to my ex for child support, damn good money, and she is not even required to make the insurance co-payment when she takes him to the doctor. Mainecare picks up the $30 co-pay. Outrageous. I can't tell you how much money she blows on cigarettes, soda, junkfood etc. And oh yes, she gets foodstamps.

There's no question about it: soda rots teeth.

I weaned myself off soda, and now drink plain seltzer water. I no longer use sugar of any kind, either, and I don't miss it (would taste yucky to me now).

I'm an ex-smoker, but I think garbage food like soda is a worst health menance than tobacco--because not everyone who smokes gets sick from it, but everyone who drinks soda for sure damages their health.

searoses: You're right about baking your own bread--best tasting bread comes fresh from your own oven (and without all the junk they put in store-bought bread, 90% of which is loaded with corn syrup).

That said, however, I will add that I suspect eating bread may not be healthy.

Yes, we are a free country. There are some of us that live here for free...and then there are those of us who pay for them to do so!

Spoke with my sister just a second ago and she stated that her company that serves Mainecare patients is waiting for over $250,000 in billings for the year. Our family doctor has been increasingly frustrated with state reimbursement as well. And that's at the reduced state rate and including the write off... I'm not going to hammer on who gets what but this state is going to be in a welfare bankruptcy case pretty soon if things don't turn out, that includes more fiscal responsibility towards those who are receiving benefits... I fear things are going to get worse before they get better, we as a society are learning that more for less is the way to go...

Searoses, I've struggled with your comments over the last few months, but you are dead on today... I feel some bi-partisan work going on... Thank you...

bandbox,didn't your parents ever teach you about having compassion for your fellow man? Apparently not. My husband and I support our family too and do not get any assistance from the state or fed. gov. But unfortuately there are people out there who can't make ends meet on minimum wage and need some assistance. Maybe you shouldn't judge others.

ParkAvenueJoe not everyone who drinks soda damages their health. Read my 10:53am post. I've never had a health problem caused by drinking soda and I'm 44. As a matter of fact I just finished my second glass of Coke so far today and I'm heading to the fridge for another one.

Yeah, it was you, boogyman... well, here is a little bit of your own (ridiculous) medicine:

Maybe if you didn't "make the decision" to get divorced you wouldn't have put your child in the hands of a smoking, soda pop and junk food addicted food stamp recipient?

How do you like that assumtion? I did it all by myself, just like every time you do when you stand behind people at the checkout counter, coldy calculating what should and should not be in the shopping carts of people who use food stamps.

I have not said that soda pop should be at the top of anyone's shopping list. It just sounds so impossibly mean to talk about people the way many of you do. I used to wonder about the crap people bought with food stamps too, but I have since realized that many people have never been taught how to eat properly. It takes parents.

And it seems to me that many of you here calling for further restrictions about what food stamps can and cannot buy are the ones who scream "SOCIALISM! NANNY STATE" when other people suggest things like this:

Maybe the schools should teach kids about nutrition?

Maybe the recipients of food stamps should be required to attend a course on nutrition?

Overweight children (and their parents) should be put on dietary and exercise regimens. ...

What is the difference between these suggestions and the one you are proposing about "only good food on food stamps!" If people think that Hot Pockets are food, then they need re-education. Right?

Kudos to Mr. Shenkin for bringing this issue to the public attention. As a responsible, working, taxpaying citizen of this state, I am sick and tired of seeing my tax dollars doled out to every tom dick and sherry with little to no restrictions on the use of those dollars. It is COMPLETELY fair for us, the providers of those food stamp dollars, to have some say in the usage of those dollars. Soft drinks have no nutritional value, contain exorbitant amounts of that horrible corn syrup which in turn make them huge empty calorie injesters, thereby contributing to: rotten teeth as described by Mr. Shenkin - rotten teeth in 3 and 4 year olds mind you!; obesity as a result of the sugar calories - leading to our latest reports on high type-2 diabetes in young people. And one prior commenter was totally inaccurate in his or her statement that diet soda is not harmful for teeth - fact: the acid in both regular and diet pop has the potential to contribute to enamel breakdown. Drink water, drink some pure juice, but don't drink soda pop on my taxpayer dollars I say. The article did not say if state legislators have any say in this, but I am going to contact mine to find out where and when I can sign my yes vote on this ban.

Certain folks act like this is some new great idea. I've been outraged about this and have openly said so for years. When a family is on state assistance, there should be certain guidelines. Kind of like W.I.C. with that program, you can only purchase approved, healthy, foods. Why is it that folks who receive food stamps can purcahse whatever they want with MY money!? Why is it that they can go to the store and purchase not only junk food, but expensive foods as well (ie: lobster, rib eye, etc..). The program should insist that they purchase mostly generic foods, when available. NO junk foods (chips, soda, candies, etc), meat, chicken & produce, along with healthy cereals and what-not. Some of you may not be aware, but folks on food stams are allowed to use those stamps to purcahse food off of the Schwans truck! These people should be forced to stretch those food stamps as far as they can go, not spend it all on one trip to the store because they think they are entitled to eat like kings on MY money. Spend your money as freely as you want, but spend mind frugally - or not at all.

I find it truly hilarious that so many of you believe living at or below the poverty line is some sort of life of luxury of lobsters and steak. OK, I'm sure that someone has abused the system at some point, but if they blow it all at once on lobster, how do they eat the rest of the month?

What most of you are talking about is welfare fraud, not saving the little darlings' teeth.

ParkAvenueJoe: it may not be healthy but it taste good and is good for the soul....I am good cook,and proud of it...I make most everything from scratch. and to markko I agree with you about teaching these people to cook and make good choices...and I would be willing to do some of the teaching...even as volunteer...I a question do they teach Home ec in schools any more

Markko you are living in a delusional world.......

You are sure that "someone" has abused the system at some point..... Try a majority of people.

Next time you are at hannaford or shaws ask the cashiers how often this abuse occurs. It is not occasional..... Wake up!

markko, I think that what people are mad about here is that many people (not ALL, MANY) live below the poverty line because they choose to. Some people have just had some hard luck, others have created their own mess though their own poor choices, and then demand that everyone else just shut up and give them money, and say it's none of their business what they do with it. From what I gather from your comments, you are in agreement with those people, just gove them money with no expectation that they ever take any personal responsibility. They teach it to their kids, and then you have a whole new generation of people who refuse to take responsibility for themselves.

"It wouldn't outlaw certain foods for the poor. They just couldn't buy those certain foods with the foodstamps."

In other words, it would outlaw certain foods for the poor. Quite a few people on disability and receiving food stamps do not have any other way of buying food other than with food stamps.

What is the difference between these suggestions and the one you are proposing about "only good food on food stamps!" If people think that Hot Pockets are food, then they need re-education. Right?

No, I think if they can't figure that out for themselves, they are just plain dumb, there is no hope for them at all.

ParkAvenueJoe, are you for real? soda is a worst health menance than tobacco? I would rather drink soda every day than to a have EVEN ONE cigerette. You do know that smoking kills you and not soda. EVERYBODY WHO SMOKE WILL EVENTAULLY GET COPD!!! OR WORSE LUNG CANCER!!! SMOKING IS A GUN WITH A VERY SLOW BULLET, IN TIME THAT BULLET WILL CATCH UP WITH YOU.

"People who earn their own wages can spend their money on whatever they want. If you're using someone else's money, there are restrictions."

So poor people needing food stamps don't count as citizens, or at least their voice on the issue should be ignored?

"I think it's more of an outrage that people can't purchase toothpaste, shampoo or deodorant!"

Uh, what part of "food stamps" do you not get? Since when is shampoo, shave cream, or tampons food? How could anyone argue that these items should qualify as food?

oh by the way ParkAvenueJoe, there is no SURGEON GENERAL LABEL on soda, like there is on tobacco, you idiot!

All the guy cares about is having a healthy environment give him a break....If it means food stamps can't buy soda, great! Who cares, get over it...If you want soda bad enough get off the food stamps like everbody else says. Unless you're on disability, what have you done to earn the food stamps? Go to McDonalds...theyre always hiring...You do realize, it's okay to work at McDonalds......get off your lazy asses!

"While all of us are willing to help the needy, we aren't willing to help them rot their teeth. This incurs dental expenses under Mainecare that the taxpayer shoulders, as well as the dentist who has to wait for the state to finally pay the Mainecare to them for the service performed."

If soda drinkers brush their teeth, floss, and was their mouth with fluoride regularly, their teeth won't rot. Furthermore, MaineCare does not even cover cleanings or fillings for adults. Again, this is a parenting and oral hygiene issue, not a consumption issue.

"In fact, a little depression and stigma would probably do these people a world of good. They should never forget that they are a burden on society and that they receive their benefits through the grace of a generous public."

Sentiments such as those are what's terribly wrong with society today. Way to help the poor feel like valued members of society. Let's call them a burden and all. Very nice.

Hey jackass, how many of them can buy fluoride and floss on a regular basis? If they CAN, how many DO?

With the obvious exception of ryanrobbins, most of you sound like extras in the movie "Idiocracy." http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387808/

i agree with ryanrrobbins, this is really about educating those on mainecare or anybody about oral hygiene preventitive care. So usabangormaine, if people on mainecare can afford to a cell phone and buy a pack of cigerettes or a case of bud light, i think they can afford to buy some flouride. Oh by the way, people on mainecare get free preventitive dental care, all they have to do is go and get an teeth cleaning every six month.

Like I said, if they can do they?

I'm not judging their knowledge or education, just throwing this out there as a question, how much knowledge or care do they have for their kids teeth when in their eyes another bill or need is perhaps more important to them?

now that i think about, they probably don't

i think i rather take a bullet, than to be a dentist and clean rotted teeth everyday. I think Dr. Shenkin is getting sick and tired of treating these kids who's teeth had rotten because of the lack of self preventitive care by them selves or by their parents lack of deligence in getting their kids teeth brushed before bed.

agreed kboot....

Markko, do you know if Dr. Shenkin wants to impose restrictions on buying Brawndo with food stamps?

Soda has been proven to cause cancer so put that with cigarettes and alcohol no one under 21 years can have soda or carry a can opener.

Soda has not been proven to cause cancer. However, a recent study found that burnt meat on the grill may cause cancer. So why not just have the government enact the following restrictions on all poor people needing food stamps or medical care:

1. You can't cook your meat on the grill. You might get cancer.

2. No eggs; they're too high in cholesterol.

3. No fish; you might get mercury poisoning

4. Forget fruits or vegetables treated with chemicals; they may be harmful, too

5. Let's throw out any fruit or vegetable with sugar; it causes tooth decay, you know

6. Nope, you can't have milk, either; too much whole milk will make you fat

7. Sorry, you can't buy so much bread, either; too many carbohydrates

8. No orange juice, either; it's acidic and has sugar, too

9. No potatoes for you; you might use them to make french fries or potato chips

10. No exercising on that bike, either: You might injure yourself, causing taxpayers to pay for your medical help

11. You can't hang out with friends who smoke, even if you don't; you'll get cancer, and the taxpayers don't want to pay for your care

12. You can't buy that cheap used car; it doesn't have sufficient safety features

13. You're not allowed to spend more than an hour outdoors each day in the summer; you'll get skin cancer, causing taxpayers money...

ryan This story must hit REAL close to home for you, you are very offended!

I don't think I'm going to lose too much sleep over it. Does beer rot your teeth too? Who cares. Toothless is the way to go. Toothless women make good lover's.

baltimorean, what in the world is Brawndo?

Oh, jeez, I spaced. Of course I know what Brawndo is. Duh.

Oh, and a Brawndo should be made available to each and every American. Every day!

Hey steveydee, your comment made my day! (ha ha ha)

i don't get it, what is Brawndo? i'm going have to google it now!

.

SethFortier wrote: "ParkAvenueJoe not everyone who drinks soda damages their health. Read my 10:53am post. I've never had a health problem caused by drinking soda and I'm 44."

.

You never had a cavity?

.

I know that this sounds terrible but here it is: I am tired of working my 40 hour per week job, paying my health and dental insurance policies (which I can barely afford) only to see these "poor people" who are getting foodstamps, free medical , dental AND if they want to can have their schooling paid for. And if they go to school- they can get reimbursed for their mileage, and don't forget free childcare!!! The rest of us are busting our buts to make ends meet- because we are paying for these people. I didn't give birth to them- they are not MY responsibility. While we are on THAT subject... how about a new law requiring any person COMPLETELY dependant on welfare to be required to have the Noraplant birth control system- injected into their arm and prevents pregnancy for 5 years. If they get on their feet and can support themselves- it can be removed. I just had to get a credit card to pay 5K for braces for my daughter because my insurance doesn't pay for them, guess what...MaineCare does!!! The new Guardisil injection that is recommended for teens- most insurances do not cover it- guess what...Maine Care does!!! Let's keep paying for things for these "poor people " that we can't afford for ourselves. For all of you bleeding hearts out there- if you want to help so much call the state and tell them to take more taxes out of your paycheck and a litlle less out of mine!

PS- Don't forget to go yard saling in Capehart this summer- they have ALL the brand name clothes and toys you could want! Don't plan on any early bird specials though- there's no life in Capehart before noon- too many Allen's the night before!

When you take the money....... they own you. Government enslavement.

Well, i would be so more happy if the food stamp card would be more like the WIC. Im so glad that i can bust my ass off so i can pay for many of people to by chips soda and candy. GO buy some real food.

Since when are foodstamps to be used for serving soda at a party?

I agree with usafbangormaine - ryan, why are you so riled up? I don't think anyone here is saying that those less fortunate should not get help. What everyone seems to be saying is that, when you have your hand out, you should automatically be thinking of how to make the funds given to you last for more than 10 minutes and you should not be wasting! Lets just say for example that someone receives $500.00 a month in food stamps. Rather than spend it all in two weeks on expensive food, they could make it last all month and then some! In fact, if these needy people spent our money with any degree of graditude and intelligence, the benefit could be cut because they'd be spending wisely!! The extra money could go towards elderly services -- you know, those people that worked hard all thier lives and actually put in to the system??? The system is broken. When you sit there with your hand out, you should be regulated. Same things with having more children. If you are on the system you should be made to have some kind of IUD in places so you cannot have more kids. My husband works 60 hours a week - we spend $300.00 a month on groceries for a family of FOUR. Why? Because we have to spend our money wisely - the money he busted his ass to EARN. We also pay almost $500.00 a month on health care PREMIUMS. I am disabled and my healt care costs on top of those premiums is over $300.00 a month. Our cars are 5 years old each. I shop in Mardens, Ophelia's, Save A Lot, etc... I have a lovely family, in a beautiful home. We all have nice clothes, we are well fed, well taken care of and have all we need and want. WHY?? Because we spend our money wisely!!! I would love to spend more at the grocery store, shop at Macy's, get free health insurance and drive a new car. I would love the state to help me pay for my oil bill and my medical expnses. But guess what? We are over the "limit" by about $120.00 a month. So, we get nothing. And you know what?? I wouldn't take it if we did qualify! It's called working for a living - not having your hand extended to get a a free ride!

I just saw that Dr. Shenkin has an op-ed piece in today's paper. It seems that most of the commenters here are in adamant agreement with what Dr. Shenkin proposes. I'm just wondering how they reconcile this issue with the recent referendum opposing placing a tax on soda for the exact same health reasons. Isn't that kind of a "Do as I say, not as I do" mentality, in that we are willing to impose health restrictions on welfare recipients but not on ourselves? Shenkin also mentions in his op-ed piece that the soda companies will most likely launch another expensive (and successful) campaign to prevent such a food-stamp regulation to go into effect.

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but do food stamps cover toothpaste?

Whatever has hit the NAIL DIRECTLY on the HEAD!!! You don't contribute, you don't have money, you don't have money, then you don't get cable, cell phones, soda, chips, internet, or HEAT!!! Tuff doo doo!!!

This state has very little logic and common sense! It is just about time that I let the bank come and get everything that I have and move to Canada!!! Time for change! Overdue change must happen. Tax payers are tired of taking everything up our posteriors. There's only so much room in there!

I just read back through the comments and saw that someone said that food stamps don't cover toothpaste. Shouldn't Dr. Shenkin be rallying for toothpaste instead of against soda?

Growing up int 70's/80's if I was thirsty I was told to go get some water. The faucet and outside hose were as close to me as the lawn mower and rake. Kids dont need soda...Adults dont need soda. I say raise taxes on soda and decrease the tax on beer.

Thanks DavidJ. I don't object to the regulations, but I think they should be logical and not mean-spirited. Therefore, if the goal is better dental health, then toothpaste, toothbrushes & floss ought to be covered. And straws! If people drink soda and juice and kool-aid with a straw (someone in here was actually against soda but for kool-aid), then the sugary liquid never touches their teeth. But from the tone of the comments here, it doesn't seem that people care at all about better dental health for food-stamp recipients. Most of the comments here seem to reflect a desire for food-stamp recipients to have a worse quality of life as punishment for being poor, kind of a "kick 'em when they're down" mentality.

From the "food stamps" (now called SNAP) website FAQ at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/OIAS/foodstamps/faq.html:

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance cannot be used to buy:

* Any nonfood item, such as pet foods; soaps, paper products, and household supplies; grooming items, toothpaste and cosmetics

* Alcoholic beverages and tobacco

* Vitamins and medicines

* Any food that will be eaten in the store

* Hot foods that are ready to eat

* Any food marketed to be heated in the store

I think that because excludes toothpaste, vitamins and medicines, clearly the program is not intended to promote health, only to help low-income people purchase food. Made up of sugar and water, soda is technically a food, which is defined as "any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue."

Anne you're wrong! The feeling is Kick Me when I'm Down. I'm gainfully employed, at a very successful job and make good wages however can't afford to live due to paying for people not willing to contribute! Don't work, don't eat, don't heat, don't complain! Period!

Mainefriend, call it a pet peeve but I find it annoying when people commenting on an opinion board say "period!" or "end of story!" I mean, this is a place for opinions so there is no period or end of story. And you might note that it's not the poor folks who are complaining here.

Mainefriend, if I were in as tenuous a financial situation as you are, I would be more concerned with the economic crisis and the skyrocketing unemployment rate which is going to start affecting Maine in a big way any day now. Everyone's jobs are at risk. When you lose your job and your unemployment benefits run out, will you reject all public assistance programs and be the guy sitting in front of Walmart with the "Will Work for Food" sign?

Yes I would, ecspecially if that's what it takes! I will find a job, even if it means picking up cigarette butts along Main Street! Letting my house go to the bank and relocating, what ever it takes to make it! That's my attitude and that's how I started. Nothing free here!!! Started with nothing and gradually building my life, in case you care! There's work out there. No body is above work!!! My situation is not tenuous! I am scraping by while people who live next door to me do not get out of bed until 1300hrs. and get financial benefits that I pay for. This attitude makes me sick!!! Freebees are not free!!! Somebody always pays!

just read john64's comment and i agree to everything that was said, there are so many people who abuse maincare and will not do anything to get off the system. I work in the health care system and believe me when i say that mainecare is BROKEN! I have seen way too many people on mainecare on the health insurance card and most of these people are in their dam 20's with cell phones. there is something wrong with this! I myself is sick and @#$%'n tired of this CRAP! I and everyone who works for a living pays for this.

For example; I had a young man (19 yrs old) came to hospital (where I work) and want to qualify for disability because he has asthma and therefore cannot work. I told him that asthma is not a disability and having asthma is not an excuse to not get a job. This was a young punk who was trying to get a free ride.

Here one more example; a 17 yr old girl wanted to get pregnant so she can qualify for maincare. WHAT THE HELL!!

THIS IS NOT RIGHT!

When I cant afford the extras, I dont buy them. Its called common sense. I am sick and tired of seeing generation after generation of welfare kids grow up and have their own welfare kids, who will in time, grow up and be on welfare. Cant afford soda for your kids party? Try Kool Aid. At 4/1.00 and a little sugar, you surely can afford that. Cant afford sugar? Take the free sugar packets they have on the tables when you go out to eat. *sarcasm intended*

kboot, I agree with you totally. I also am employed at a Hospital and see similar situations on a daily basis. Some of them make more money that the people who take care of them!!! It's insane!

Did you know in this state that you can qualify for disability and mainecare because you are a depressed alcoholic? It's true. Does anyone see the problem here!

I have a new retirement plan: i'm going to start drinking and tell my doctor that i can't stop drinking because i get too depress and can't work anymore.

Since when in this state that working for a living became a choice? My parents and grandparents didn't have this choice, they worked hard and got an education and they contribute to society.

I am surprised that your grandmother worked. For a long time one income per family was enough and women stayed home to raise the kids and do the housework. I guess I'm a lot older than you, but I remember back in the 50's and 60's my mom was concerned a rarity because she was a career woman with kids.

Why are we jumping on soda and poor people? If we are concerned about money and necessary supplies how about the cost of a toothbrush, floss, and mouthwashes? Are we covering the cost of the preventative maintenance? Many necessary foods break down to sugar and acids in our mouths and can rot our teeth pretty rapidly.

I also know people who have money who drink more soda than any poor person I know, because they can afford to buy the soda or sugary drinks while the poor people are drinking water. The difference is that the person with money can afford their dental bill, and the supplies for preventative maintenance, i.e. regularly buy fresh toothbrushes, floss, and mouthwashes.

Hey mainecitizen, I think you’re not in touch with reality. "Poor" people in this state can afford to a have cell phone, an iPod, an x-box 360, have tattoos, have a Harley-Davidson and the list of "Necessities" goes on. Why, because everyone in their family is on mainecare, disability, have food stamps, and so on. If you haven't notice, it pays to be poor in this state and get a nice free ride!

I'm not sure, but I've seen more people in Maine with bad teeth than I have when I add up all the people I've seen all around the world. They can't all be on welfare can they? That would mean that over 80% of the state is on welfare. We've also got quite a few smokers and meth heads. What gives? I sure hope my taxes aren't paying for their cigarettes and crystal meth! I find it fascinating how all you wingnut "country first" folks are so concerned with the personal lives of complete strangers. You sure must have a lot of time on your hands to be able to worry about who people sleep with or want to marry or what people eat. You hospital workers get a lot of financial info on complete strangers too. Are you paid for invading other peoples privacy? kboot73, when you see a kid with an iPod or cellphone how do you know how wealthy he or his family is? Mainefriend, if the people you see looking for hospital care make more money than you do, either they aren't on welfare or you need to start a union. Oh, wait a minute, that would make you a commie. Better to let some big out of state hospital corporations make grotesque profits off your back.

DavidJ...They wouldn't be willing to give up their ciggy butts to but the oral hygeine products their children need...Or be willing to make sure their children ACTUALLY BRUSH AND FLOSS BEFORE BED!!

I have a 94 year old family member who still has his teeth to this day!! They didn't have toothpase 90 years ago...He tells me how they used SALT because it was abrasive, wheat grain as well.....If a 94 year old man can still be supporting his natural teeth...I think these people can get their heads out of their rears and BRUSH AND FLOSS!!! My son is almost 6 yrs old and is sooooo proud everytime we go to the dentist and they tell him how great he does for he has NO cavities!

I actually got aggravated one day in May for they were sooo excited his teeth were so nice..I looked at her and said....HE IS 5 YEARS OLD! She looks at me and responds....I HAVEN'T SEEN A 5 YEAR OLD COME IN HERE IN MONTHS THAT DIDNT HAVE ATLEAST 5 CAVITIES!!!!!!!

Now that is SAD!

bluecollarbob, i may not know what someone's sitaution is, but when a 20 something yr old comes in with there mainecare insurance card (i know this because i see it first hand) is talking on their cell phone. i have a big problem with that! If you claim to be poor, then be poor. If you can afford to have a cell phone, then you should not be on mainecare! The assistance program in this state is very broken and needs to have strick regulations. personally i don't think anybody in their 20's should be even on mainecare to begin with, because it just inables not to get off their ass and get a JOB!

bluecollarbob, if don't believe me, come up here to Aroostook county and see for your self. everybody in the county is on maincare! mainecare, what a big %^@*&ing JOKE!

I must say that as a former recipient of welfare growing up, we had next to nothing and were on food stamps. I was on the food stamp program for 16 years of my life as a child. Now, I've grown up and moved away and become very successful! I must STRONGLY disagree with anyone saying this is a bad idea to to "take these few sweets these kids have left" like it will destroy their poor little hearts. This type of thinking is ignorant to say the least. There are so many things in this world that one can get excitement, happiness or thrills from.. isn't that what we are supposed to teach our children? That life is what you make of it... not what you can't have or what you can't afford. This is negative thinking and only adds to the declination of health across the board. Soda, for instance, is not necessary to make a child happy... A loving parent makes their child happy. I can assure anyone reading this, that my lack of soda as a child did NOT break my heart. I am very glad actually, because now I am 25 years old and I get so many comments on how great my teeth are! Talk about a self-esteem booster! Something the state of Maine really needs.. Soda and other junk foods and poor health habits are leading contributors to the stereotypes associated with being within the welfare system... For instance, a lot of the adults on this welfare program long-term, have little to NO teeth by time they are in their 30's! I have nothing against welfare or the food stamp program, however, I agree 150% with this article that junk foods should be cut off the list because welfare is for people who are in NEED not for those who just WANT. It is a necessity, not anything other. Though I no longer live in Maine, I still pay taxes for these programs and they all operate the same essentially. I have no problem with my tax dollars used to help people who need it, but I have a very big problem with my hard earned dollars going to people that don't need it and waste it on junk food and free housing because they are too lazy to work. Why should everyone esle pay for another to be unhealthy?

Which leads to another point that was mentioned above. We are quite literally, paying for other people to take even more money out of our own pockets! How scary is that?! The food stamp programs currently ALLOW people to become obese and develop a man made disease called Type 2 Diabetes! They currently ALLOW people to lose their teeth at a young age requiring multiple visits to the dentist.. I don't know the last time you have seen a bill from any doctor, but I can assure you it is very expensive for each visit. The ideology behind all this is similar to giving a bully money so he can buy a gun to shoot you.. I think the statement above made most sense "No-Brainer!"

white people never have anything else to with their own life but try to bother someone else's life you are worried about someone else's mouth get a life it's not your problem peopl recieve food stamps because they can't afford to pay for food why should they not be able to go to the store and shop just like you crackers it's not against the law this is whats wrong with america you stupid people tend to focus on things that does'nt matter and don't think about things that do matter not all people that are on foodstamps want to be on them i bet if you lost your job today and you wre hungry you would go and apply and then what would you feel like???? no one should treat the other less just because they have less sometimes i wished god just banned white people because you guys are dumb and cold hearted. start thinking about tomorrow and not today loser