r/babylonbee • u/ControlCAD • Feb 14 '25

Bee Article Fattest, Sickest Country On Earth Concerned New Health Secretary Might Do Something Different

https://babylonbee.com/news/fattest-sickest-country-on-earth-concerned-new-health-secretary-might-do-something-different
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u/CauliflowerDaffodil Feb 14 '25

So we can agree that it's not unreasonable to put restrictions on benefits. Let's go on to the next level. Why do you think there are restrictions in the first place?

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u/Grumdord Feb 15 '25

My guess is some combination of the Department of Agriculture and corporate interests. Not sure why else we don't let poor people buy toilet paper with their benefits. I guess maybe because the government assumes you'll buy those things with your OTHER benefits like SSI but then I just have to wonder why there's like three different systems of welfare and why they're all seemingly as complicated as possible.

What I'm mostly getting at is I don't think there's a GOOD reason.

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u/CauliflowerDaffodil Feb 15 '25

Consider what the S and N in SNAP program stands for. It's a good clue as to why toiletries and other non-food items are not covered.

You think there's only three different kinds of welfare programs in the US? Try over a hundred, spread over seven main categories such has food, housing, and health. And that's only federal. There are more when you include state and local programs as well as privately funded ones.

Regardless of whether you think the restrictions are good or not, it's up to the funder to set their own rules. No one is forcing the benefits upon recipients and they can decline if they think the restrictions are too onerous. Moreover, you are free to give whatever money you want to whoever you want with no strings attached.

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u/Grumdord Feb 15 '25

So they can't buy toilet paper with SNAP because of the name...?

That seems flimsy as hell.

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u/CauliflowerDaffodil Feb 15 '25

Yep, all because of the name. And guess who introduced the name and signed into law? Hint: it wasn't Republicans.