$2000 Debit Cards Given to Evacuees

competentone · 09-07-2005, 08:49 AM

I just heard this on CNBC. These debit cards are being issued from the Homeland Security Department.

They are supposed to be for "essentials"-- I wonder if the public is going to be provided with the records on just what "essentials" end up being bought with these cards?!

Where will the hand-out madness stop?!

HardDrive · 09-07-2005, 08:52 AM

$2000 buys a whole lot of meth.

But that won't happen. It will all be spent on diapers and milk, right?

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

Beer and cigs - essentials man!

Rot 911 · 09-07-2005, 08:54 AM

Only in America.

competentone · 09-07-2005, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by HardDrive
$2000 buys a whole lot of meth.

But that won't happen. It will all be spent of diapers and milk, right?

The street value of the card -- depending on what sort of "essentials" can be purchased with it -- will probably be around $1000, less if the cards are issued in the name of the holder. I haven't heard the details yet; I sure hope someone put at least a little thought into how to avoid abuse.

amity914 · 09-07-2005, 09:34 AM

I would like to know why it is assumed that survivors will buy drugs or resale them??? Race? Why would you assume that this is what will be done? It is really the least our gov't can do since it took 5 days for our gov't to respond. These are not people that are getting welfare or food stamps becase they don't want to or can't work, these are people who lost everything in a natural disaster. I am assuming that one could get into an apartment, buy some groceries and be thankfull to have a roof over their families head or at the very least they will have some basics to start rebuilding their lives.

Hiedi

legion · 09-07-2005, 09:38 AM

How about because the people who were looting, raping, murdering, and firing at rescuers are still among the refugees.

lendaddy · 09-07-2005, 09:40 AM

Only white people will get the cards.

gaijindabe · 09-07-2005, 09:42 AM

Well, you have a whole lot of folks who have lost everything. And if they have not - they still cannot go back and get what is theirs.

In the short term, I dont know how it could be done differently. It really is not a lot of money..

dhoward · dhoward's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by amity914
I would like to know why it is assumed that survivors will buy drugs or resale them??? Race? Why would you assume that this is what will be done? It is really the least our gov't can do since it took 5 days for our gov't to respond. These are not people that are getting welfare or food stamps becase they don't want to or can't work, these are people who lost everything in a natural disaster. I am assuming that one could get into an apartment, buy some groceries and be thankfull to have a roof over their families head or at the very least they will have some basics to start rebuilding their lives.

Hiedi

Perhaps if one were to closely examine the demographic of the typical 'survivor', or not-refugee, or evacuee, or what ever, one might draw the conclusion that many are well versed in the ins and out of the welfare system. True, not all, but many. Giving this demographic essentially free money, with no accountability is not a formula for social elevation....

I think you're the only one who mentioned race.

Why would that be?

amity914 · 09-07-2005, 09:44 AM

there are people that are there doing these bad things, but there are a LOT of them are are innocent civilans that were not doing these things, how is the gov't supposed to weed these people out? Is everyone going to pay because the few looters and shooters might get some undeserved money?

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

The least our Gov't can do since it took 5 days to respond? What logic is that? So your saying evacuees should "make" $400 a day. $12,000 a month, sign me up.

dhoward · dhoward's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by amity914
there are people that are there doing these bad things, but there are a LOT of them are are innocent civilans that were not doing these things, how is the gov't supposed to weed these people out? Is everyone going to pay because the few looters and shooters might get some undeserved money?

I didn't say looters and shooters....

competentone · 09-07-2005, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by amity914
I would like to know why it is assumed that survivors will buy drugs or resale them??? Race? Why would you assume that this is what will be done?

These were people who were (for the most part -- this does not apply to all the evacuees):

Too stupid or lazy to have savings for an evacuation.

Too stupid to know, or too lazy to care that they were living in a location below sea level.

Too stupid or lazy to evacuate when a Category 5 hurricane is bearing down on them.

Too stupid or lazy to follow mandatory evacuation orders.

Too stupid or lazy to have supplies ready when they stayed behind.

Now you expect that they can be given $2000 and they will spend it wisely?

dhoward · dhoward's Garage

Reality's a b!tch...

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

Where are they going to shop?

lendaddy · 09-07-2005, 10:09 AM

Only wealthy white people will get the cards.

Rot 911 · 09-07-2005, 10:11 AM

I'm white.

lendaddy · 09-07-2005, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kurt V
I'm white.

Send me you info, I'll get you a card..........you're wealthy right? No black blood in the family at all I assume......

dhoward · dhoward's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by lendaddy
Send me you info, I'll get you a card..........you're wealthy right? No black blood in the family at all I assume......

No, but he is a lawyer...