Wednesday, October 8, 2014

A rush to judgment. The Christina Briggs story is creating quite a buzz

I posted this meme on Facebook last night and it has created quite a firestorm. People judging Christina Briggs and then people judging those people. 

Quite honestly, I find ironic when some judges someone else for their "judgmental attitude." Does anyone else see the problem in that. It's like the people who are intolerant of "intolerant" people. Basically, everyone wants everyone to think the way they do, right? But that's not real life and, to be honest, it would be awfully boring if it were. Everyone should have their ideals and beliefs challenged from time to time. 

Free food in a free kitchen
Of course, I based my opinions about the Christina Briggs story after reading some of the numerous news reports about her. (Found here and here and here) Here is a 26-year-old single mother of two who is living off the system in the UK. She does not pay for her home. Get that? Zero rent. Zero mortgage. That's a HUGE break in the budget, right? On top of that, she receives the equivalent of over $32,000 in benefits from the government. I don't know about you, but for me, that's a decent amount of money to live on if you a) don't have a rent or mortgage payment, b)you don't have to pay taxes on it, and c) you don't have to pay for clothing for work, daycare, or transportation costs getting to and from work. Think about it. 

Now, she's asking the government, the government, to pay her to lose weight. She wants $1.62 per pound that she loses. Yeah, I wouldn't mind the government subsidizing my weight loss. Oh... wait... yes I would. 

Before you jump all over me for being judgmental, let me present some facts. Mary, one of the GG community members directed this attack my way: 

"Wow JudgyMcJudgerton much? You have no idea what her kids eat. You're assuming, based on a meme. You're also assuming that she knows about nutrition, and that she knows how to prepare healthy meals. A lot of women in her position don't. 

Hope you never need a hand up... crow's a bitter dish."

Well now, Mary, as I replied to you on FB, let me fill you in on my own situation. You quickly JUDGED me and assumed I never needed a hand up. Silly assumption, for I, too, was faced with single motherhood twice in my own life. The first time was when I was 22 years old. My closest relative was 250 miles away. I was pregnant and alone. I was sick... all the time. I looked around at other single moms I knew who were on Welfare and I said, NO. I wouldn't do that to my child. I would not suck up taxpayer money and raise a child in near poverty. It simply wasn't an option for me or for my child. So I gave her up for adoption. It was the most excruciating decision I ever made in my entire life. I chose life for her in the womb and a better life for her outside of it.

Later, I married and had two other children. And guess what? My husband died and I was thrust into the single parent role anyway. This time, I didn't have a choice.

Add to that, I was suffering from a mental illness that was not yet diagnosed. So there I was, a single mom with bipolar, no family around, and limited funds. My husband's father was a life insurance agent. When my husband signed me over as the beneficiary of his policy seven years earlier, my father-in-law purposefully did not send it in. When Jim died, his parents got my $200,000 payout and kept it.

So Mary, are you still as quick to call me "JudgyMcJudgerton"? Who's being judgmental now?

Yes, I received Social Security Income for myself and my children. But that was from money my husband had paid into the system for many years. There is a difference.

Are we to judge this woman? Of course not. Are we allowed to have opinions about people who are bilking the system? I think we are. And do you know why it bothers me? Because there are an awful lot of people who really NEED the assistance for a period in their lives while they're facing some rough odds. But because of people like Christina Briggs, many others have a predefined distaste for those who are on Welfare. That's just how it is. When we see someone with a brand new professional manicure paying for their groceries with food stamps while talking on their bejeweled iPhone, it's hard not to feel resentful. After all, it's our taxes that are paying that phone bill.

When I was a single mom, I had to cut out unnecessary expenses, and I see many others doing the same thing. They have basic cable, if they have cable at all. They don't get their nails professionally done. They don't have smart phones with data plans. And as a result, they are able to buy healthy foods for themselves and their children. I know families who are eating healthy and living on far less than what Christina Briggs is living on. Far less. It's doable.

Of course, one difference is support and education. The folks I know like this do better because they know better. Perhaps that's what Ms Briggs needs. Not more taxpayer dollars. But someone who will come beside her and teach her a better way.

That's what I'm hoping for for Christina Briggs and her children. And, if you've judged me for judging, I hope you will forgive me. These are just my opinions and, last I checked, I was entitled to them the same way you're entitled to yours.

Sharing a bit of my story and thoughts with you,









So, what are your thoughts? 




24 comments:

  1. I think she is gross and stupid, she looks perfectly happy and proud and that is the problem. i believe this is shedding light on a problem and I think that it is sad that people assume that all people on assistance are living like this its not so. Many people on assistance in the US are working families that pay bills and are smart enough to not buy that garbage.

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    1. It is sad that people lump everyone on assistance into this kind of category. But I wouldn't call her gross and stupid. She just isn't educated. Maybe someone will be able to step in and help her learn a better way and she'll be able to turn her life around. We can only hope.

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  2. We have a food bank in our neighborhood who provides cooking classes twice a month to teach people how to cook with the healthy food they get from the food bank. I love that!

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    1. That's awesome, Danielle! Education is so important.

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  3. I couldn't have said this better myself. It's not people who need a hand up that are the problem. It's the people who abuse the system to avoid digging themselves out of a bad situation.

    I lost almost 100 lbs after my youngest was born. I did it for free (no gym membership, no special diet subscription, no child care for my kids while I worked out), I simply walked a lot and did exercises at home. My food bill never increased. Yes, fresh fruit and vegetables can be more expensive than ramen and junk food, but I shopped smart, bought what was on sale (learned to like kale because it was inexpensive and healthy) and I saved a lot of money by just simply eating less and not buying things like soda and juice - water is cheaper, especially from the tap.

    I am all for public assistance, everyone hits a rough patch and deserves a little help to get back on their feet. I am not for people who abuse the privilege and make it a lifestyle. Welfare should only be a benefit to those looking to get back on their feet and become responsible, tax paying citizens like the people who are supporting the welfare system!

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    1. Thank you, Diana. I agree completely.

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    2. Spot on, Diana. Way to go! I couldn't agree more.

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  4. The reasonable part of my brains says: I don't think we can really learn enough from newspaper stories to have an informed opinion. Most (I'm not saying these reports specifically) exaggerate any negatives and forget to mention any mitigating circumstances. The British system is very different from ours.
    The side of my brain I try to keep hidden from public view says: I'd love the irony of seeing the government agree to help her lose weight by cutting her food benefits. . . . and who paid for that orange hair? Belinda

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    1. Belinda, there are a lot of factors here. And, of course, the media presents what the media wants to present. Obviously, a problem occurs when governments cut benefits... it's usually the children who suffer.

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  5. My heart goes out to you. I was diagnosed with Bipolar after having my third daughter (PPD is a huge risk factor for bipolar). It was and still can be, brutal to parent with Bipolar. I am so sorry you faced that after the loss of your hubby. And the life insurance thing? I have no kind words for your in-laws, so I'll keep my mouth shut.

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    1. Thanks. It was a rough time, but it was also a growing time and I wouldn't be who I am now had I not gone through it. Still wouldn't mind that money, however...

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  6. I know it happened a while ago, but did you try to get a lawyer after your husband died? It seems that you would have been protected at least in some right since you are his wife. I am so sorry for the things you had to go through (my husband and I have gone through a lot of stuff and never went on welfare) and I do not think you were harsh in your opinions. Some people do abuse the system and it is wrong.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words. Yes, there was a lawyer involved. It's a long and unpleasant story. Let's just say the lawyer was not really on my side. It was an ugly time in my life.

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    2. May God continue to bless you, Green Grandma! I love your blog post and couldn't agree more!

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    3. Thank you. I lost a fair amount of followers over this, so I really appreciate your encouragement.

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  7. As someone who helped start a food pantry and worked for them for many years, I think I make a few statements on observations I've made. First, I have had to learn not to be too quick to judge. When I saw people coming for free food in fancy clothing, with fresh manicures, perfectly styled hair, tattoos, and my personal favorite, smelling like cigarette smoke, I was judgmental. I had to learn to give people the benefit of a doubt. The expensive clothing may have been purchased during hard times. Next, I was told that in the "community of friends," some of whom came to the pantry, people traded services, so if someone had a fresh manicure, styled hair or even tattoos, it could have been done friend for friend. I'm still judgmental about the cigarettes smell. Yes, some of those people may not spend a cent of tobacco products, others are spending big bucks these days. So, yes, I judge. But I'm working on that.

    Next, as I worked at the pantry I was among those who thought we should teach people how to use the products they receive to the most benefit to their families. Most of the "patrons of the pantry," preferred the free samples to the education on how to make them. When surveyed, they even said they didn't need cooking lessons. We also had health screenings and info, and that was met with mixed reviews. So, I would say most just want to come and get their food. A few want free health screenings and info. A few more like the free samples.

    Last, I had first hand experience in my life where I received food from pantries. When you are down to your last dollar and don't know whether to pay for your prescriptions or groceries, you have a difficult choice. If I had children still living with me, there would be no choice; I would see that they were fed.

    However, one thing I learned was that there are may people who generously donate to food pantries across this country. Unfortunately, there are some who will only donate what they won't use themselves, like out-dated products. Another point many don't realize is that pantries get a carefully calculated amount of money from the government to purchase food, an example in my area is Philabundance. It is where most food in SE PA buy much of the food that stocks their shelves. That food dollar has to be stretched just like anyone's personal budget. And like we all know, the cheapest non-perishable foods are often not the healthiest.

    Thank goodness during the growing season there is an abundance of fresh produce available. Not all of it looks exceptionally fresh, but it is better than processed foods. Less desirable is the fact there is an abundance of baked goods available year round as pantries often get what stores can't sell. Delicious goodies! Fresh baked breads (at least fresh a day or two before.) Again, these are not always the most healthy items.

    The bottom line, is that it is hard to maintain a healthy weight on free pantry food. Not to mention other health issues. Creative cooking can help, but as I established above, most people just want the food and don't care how to prepare it.

    That's my two cents. I may have shared an opinion or two. Mostly I have shared facts I've learned from running and working at a food pantry. So judge if you will, but base your judgement on facts.

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    1. Thanks for your input, Pam. As far as Ms Briggs goes.... she has a fair amount of income coming in from the government, so free food from a food bank isn't necessarily an issue. She just isn't spending it wisely.

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    2. What you said about free pantry food often not being very healthy, and not conducive to health issues is SO true!! I only use them when I absolutely must, because I end up only able to use a tiny portion of what I get. I tried declining what I couldn't use, once, thinking to leave more for those who could, and was given a very loud and downright rude lecture by the pantry worker about eating what you're given when you're hungry enough. I left in tears. I'll admit that I don't like doing any of the extra stuff offered because of the horridly condescending attitudes I keep running into. I'd rather figure it out myself than leave so sick to my stomach I can't even eat the food whether it will make me sick or not.

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  8. Seriously impressed with your lifestory. And really pissed at your father-in-law. Seriously and really.

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    1. Thanks. I still have to fight the urge to be angry as well.

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  9. I would like to see a program through out the US for those who are low income, on welfare, food stamps, whatever to be able to join together to buy at farmer's markets and/or auctions for their fruits and veggies. Then, have community kitchens available to them whether it is at a school, churches, restaurants to teach them how to can what they have bought. I'm sure they program could get the needed canning equipment and jars/lids at a discount so they could get a break on the jars and lids or have them pay a deposit on them that they get back when they return them empties.

    Not only is the buying power better in numbers, but they will get better food. They can control what goes into their food – no more corn syrup in their tomato sauce, low salt or no salt, nothing hidden here because you did it! Much healthier and better for you.

    I realize not everyone has the same opportunity we have locally here with the Amish farms and auction but many areas will have something similar. We bought 20 pounds of tomatoes and canned roughly 98 pints of diced tomatoes that will last us a little over a year – for $20! Our tomato sauce for the year cost us about the same, corn for the year was about $30, green beans were $35, and so forth. This is spread out over the course of the summer and into fall as we can apples, pumpkin, squashes, we even can meats. I buy very little from the grocery store.

    Yes, it's work and takes time but when you come home from work you can throw together meals that taste like it has been cooking all day long. And while they are coming to can each weekend/weeknight they can get lessons for some nutritious meals to make with what they are canning. It can really make a difference in your diet for the better.

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    1. That's an awesome idea, Carrie! I would love to see someone implement it. Maybe it's your calling!

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  10. I could write a novel here. I agree that too many people preconceive those on welfare, but I also think that stereotypes always start from reality. I've had to be on food stamps at one point in my life, just to feed my boys- but I was working 70 hours a week and I got off of them as soon as I could . . .

    Then there's my boyfriend's Mom- She's in her 50's and never worked a day in her life. Has a HUGE house, new car, every technology item available and goes on fabulous vacations three times a year. Because she plays the system- and quite frankly, it pisses me off. Sure, I took the help when I NEEDED it, but I would never do as she does. I work hard, make really decent money, and still can't afford all of the luxuries she has- and she's the reason, just like the girl you're writing about, that so many judge those on welfare.

    The system needs changed. Bottom line.

    (P.S. See you tomorrow! :D)

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    1. Thanks for your input, Starr. My husband volunteers for an organization that helps people out when they need it and he's becoming quite adept at spotting the people who are playing the system. It makes him very angry because he also sees the ones with real needs.

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