With regards to Anna Helland’s front-page article concerning food stamps (“Stamps ease burden,” ODE, Oct. 22), I feel you missed an opportunity to explain where this money comes from and to provide another viewpoint. Scott Wells, when referring to the aid he receives each month, says, “It’s free, and it saves money — everybody could use that.”
Unfortunately, your article provided no counter to the notion that this money is, indeed, “free.” In fact, according to the Oregon Department of Human Services, in May 2009, the average recipient received $250 per household and the state of Oregon pays $78 million per month for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. For those of us who pay into the tax system, it is troublesome to see this program seemingly promoted without discussion as to where this money comes from.
Benefits should not be viewed as a “reward for hard work.” A degree and a paycheck should serve as Wells’ rewards for his deeds. By Wells’ own admission, food stamps are frequently abused by purchasing “Slurpees and junk food.” I’m glad Wells refrains from such frivolous purchases himself, but the fact remains that those who work for their money and legitimately make ends meet often cannot afford luxuries such as delicious convenience store treats. Those on a tight budget often shop in bulk and eat at home. The message of this article seemed clear enough to me: Why work under the constraints of a budget when you can simply get “free” money from someone else’s pocket? A little balance of discussion in the future would be greatly appreciated.
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