Greedy Congressmen Who Cut Food Stamps Program Got a Lesson They Will Never Forget (VIDEO)

zaterdag 21 september 2013

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota
by Rebecca Stokes 20 hours ago

Cuts to SNAP (the food stamps program in the U.S.) have been in the news lately. This is horrible for the people who rely on the less than $5 a day the program provides to buy even basic groceries. Congresswoman Jackie Speier of California is appalled by the cuts, and she recently spoke up in Congress against them.

She chose to make her point in a very unique way. As is customary, Speier had a speech prepared to present to the floor. That's where what's customary ended. She accompanied her speech with props to hit her point home. Those props and what she had to say about them made an impression no one who saw her speak will soon forget.

Speier called out the members of Congress who pride themselves on being responsible for the SNAP cuts. She points out that these same members have taken "business trips" where their per diems were hundreds of dollars. She held up a cooked steak, a bottle of vodka, and even caviar to demonstrate all of the things the Congressmen were able to buy in one day. 

It's depressing that Speier had to go to such drastic lengths to gain the attention of her colleagues. But, if such demonstrations are going to promote a dialogue that makes for real change, bring on the props! If it takes visuals to get things done, maybe we should make them mandatory in Congress. 

Do you think we should have more props used in Congressional speeches?

Image via David Leo Veksler/Flickr

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rebecca Stokes

Rebecca is a writer who lives in Brooklyn with her cats. She is probably even at this moment spilling food on herself.

More
?

reacties | | Read More...

Greedy Brides Still Angry at Guests Who Didn't Give Them Wedding Gifts 10 Years Ago

maandag 26 augustus 2013

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota
by Sasha Brown-Worsham 7 hours ago

It seems as though there is a trend lately of badly behaved brides who expect their wedding guests to provide them with at least the cost of their meal (and then some) at their weddings or to be prepared to face their wrath. First there was the bride who did not enjoy her guest's thoughtful gift basket (and she let them know) and then there was the bride who had the nerve to complain about a cash-strapped guest's "cheap" $100 cash gift. What is wrong with these people?

It seems these rude brides are not alone. An article in the Sunday styles section of the New York Times highlighted a series of brides and grooms, some of whom have been married close to a decade, who are STILL angry over their wedding gifts -- or lack thereof -- and can't forgive the friends who cheated them.

Are they out of their minds? How is this a news story?

When I got married a decade ago, we registered and we got a lot of beautiful, generous gifts. We still use our copper pots and crystal, among other things and when I do, I remember the people who bought each item for me and I appreciate them.

But I also remember the fun of my wedding and the number of people who trekked all the way across the country to see us get married and gave us a ton of love. Whether they gave me gifts or not is really beside the point. I was just glad they were there.

I am not sure when weddings became opportunities to be completely greedy, but it does seem as though they really have. Obviously, weddings are expensive, but if you choose to have a $200 a plate wedding in a part of the country that is very expensive, then that is your choice.

Guests should not be expected to make their gift according to the budget of the bride. A gift is an expression of love and should reflect the budget of the guest. And you know what? A gift is not mandatory, either. There are plenty of circumstances under which it is perfectly acceptable not to bring a gift.

If someone spends more than $2,000 to come to your wedding (hotel, airfare, etc.) then really to ALSO expect a gift is a little selfish. If they can provide one, awesome. But if not, wouldn't we all rather have our loved ones present?

It is sad that we are letting go of all the beauty of weddings in favor of viewing them as fund-raising opportunities. They are not. We are lucky when people come to love us at all. It makes me sad that so few people remember that.

Did you expect a gift from everyone at your wedding?

Image via torbakhopper /Flickr

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sasha Brown-Worsham

can't decide whether she is a mother, writer, or runner, but is usually all three at some point each day. She has written for dozens of print magazines, newspapers, and websites. She rarely ever writes on bathroom walls.

More
?

reacties | | Read More...