Why are my tax dollars paying for middle-class medical marijuana licenses?

[pricejj]

I know a woman who makes $19.50 an hour ($40,000 per year), and has two children (out of wedlock). She collects child support, but the father is not involved otherwise.

1. She just qualified for a $1000 housing subsidy (Section 8).
2. She has a medical marijuana licence, which is paid for by Colorado taxpayers
3. She has foodstamps too, of course


Is that fair? Should a person making $40,000 per year (not including child support) receive a $15,000 taxpayer subsidy? No wonder why the taxpayers are in so much debt.

The part that really chaps my hide, is the fact that she doesn't even pay for her own medical marijuana license...talk about taking advantage of the system. sheesh.

[Rohirrim]

I know a woman who makes $19.50 an hour ($40,000 per year), and has two children (out of wedlock). She collects child support, but the father is not involved otherwise.

1. She just qualified for a $1000 housing subsidy (Section 8).
2. She has a medical marijuana licence, which is paid for by Colorado taxpayers
3. She has foodstamps too, of course


Is that fair? Should a person making $40,000 per year (not including child support) receive a $15,000 taxpayer subsidy? No wonder why the taxpayers are in so much debt.

The part that really chaps my hide, is the fact that she doesn't even pay for her own medical marijuana license...talk about taking advantage of the system. sheesh.

You should write a letter to your congressman.

[Blart]

$40k means something different depending on the area. Where I live, ~$150k means you're an average joe.

To qualify for Section 8, you have to prove you're low-income, which is 50% below median. Either ~$80k is the median income where she lives, or there's some kind of deduction for children.

Do people sometimes cheat and get a nice deal with welfare? Do some people get disability that don't deserve it? Sure, and they walk away with thousands of dollars.

In other news, Bank Of America defrauded taxpayers out of $1,000,000,000 (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/24/bank-of-america-mortgage-fraud_n_2009791.html).

[Rohirrim]

$40k means something different depending on the area. Where I live, ~$150k means you're an average joe.

To qualify for Section 8, you have to prove you're low-income, which is 50% below median. ~$80k must be the median income where she lives.

Do people sometimes cheat and get a nice deal with welfare? Do some people get disability that don't deserve it? Sure, and they walk away with thousands of dollars.

In other news, Bank Of America defrauded taxpayers out of $1,000,000,000 (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/24/bank-of-america-mortgage-fraud_n_2009791.html).

Ha! Wall Street defrauded the American people out of billions in home equity and this guy is worried about some woman getting a bag of bud on the federal dime.

[SleepingTiger]

Ha! Wall Street defrauded the American people out of billions in home equity and this guy is worried about some woman getting a bag of bud on the federal dime.

only if it was only her. The problem is that she isn't the only one. There are millions like her who refuses to take responsibility for their own actions, talk about how they work hard to support their family, cry foul saying that the system is keeping them down.

[pricejj]

Ha! Wall Street defrauded the American people out of billions in home equity and this guy is worried about some woman getting a bag of bud on the federal dime.

It's not on the federal dime...it's from Colorado taxpayers.

[pricejj]

$40k means something different depending on the area. Where I live, ~$150k means you're an average joe.

To qualify for Section 8, you have to prove you're low-income, which is 50% below median. Either ~$80k is the median income where she lives, or there's some kind of deduction for children.

Do people sometimes cheat and get a nice deal with welfare? Do some people get disability that don't deserve it? Sure, and they walk away with thousands of dollars.

In other news, Bank Of America defrauded taxpayers out of $1,000,000,000 (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/24/bank-of-america-mortgage-fraud_n_2009791.html).

Guess what $1,000 X 1,000,000 is. You guessed it $1B. Let's say you have 1,000,000 people defrauding taxpayers out of $15,000 each, like this lady is...that's $15B. My guess is, there is much more fraud than that.

[SleepingTiger]

$40k means something different depending on the area. Where I live, ~$150k means you're an average joe.

To qualify for Section 8, you have to prove you're low-income, which is 50% below median. Either ~$80k is the median income where she lives, or there's some kind of deduction for children.

Do people sometimes cheat and get a nice deal with welfare? Do some people get disability that don't deserve it? Sure, and they walk away with thousands of dollars.

In other news, Bank Of America defrauded taxpayers out of $1,000,000,000 (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/24/bank-of-america-mortgage-fraud_n_2009791.html).

If you make 40K a year and you're getting financial aid from the government, that is BS. I don't care where you live whether its san fran or manhattan. Look, why do the tax payers have to pay because you decided to live in a high cost area. Let say she works in san fran, she can easily commute each day from sacramento. People who work in manhattan commute as much as 5hrs a day.

[pricejj]

She lives in Louisville, CO...across the street neighbor.

[SleepingTiger]

Hmmm, i heard in Louisville, CO, if you make 200k per year that your just an averge Joe. No wodner your friend is getting all this help from the government. Man, has the price of milk and eggs gone up. LMAO

[Rohirrim]

only if it was only her. The problem is that she isn't the only one. There are millions like her who refuses to take responsibility for their own actions, talk about how they work hard to support their family, cry foul saying that the system is keeping them down.

Ah, the 47% of lazy bastards.

[SleepingTiger]

Ah, the 47% of lazy bastards.

i was waiting for someone to come up with the 47% liner. I'm sorry you don't feel the same way I do. All I have to say is my family came to the US with no money, no idea of the english language. After 4yrs, my bro and sis graduated college. After 5yrs of government aid, we bought our first house.

My wife and her family came to the states with a bit of money. Again, they don't know the system and don't know english. After 4 years, my wife, her sister and brother graduated college. My wife stayed in school for another 2 yrs and got her MBA, her sister and brother later got their masters. During that time, how did they manage? Her dad worked 2 fulltime jobs, her mother worked a full time job.

Now you tell me, why are people here born in the states and know the system, yet they struggle everyday and need government assistance. Yes there are cases of people who got bad luck, but there are plenty of people who had all the chances in the world yet they live requiring government assistance. If you don't call them lazy, what do you call them?

[DAN_BRONCO_FAN]

marijuana should be legalized and sold to poeple 18 and over and be treated just like alcohol you cannot drive and smoke it . you could be arrested for being intoxicated in public.
medicare caide will not pay for it you will if you want it!
yeah i said it legalize it and lower the age for drinking and smoking to 18

[DAN_BRONCO_FAN]

It's not on the federal dime...it's from Colorado taxpayers.

price is right atm it is illegal to use marijuana at the federal level which in it self is a federal crime to have it illegal shame on our government for making it a crime to smoke use marijuana

[Pony Boy]

I know a woman who makes $19.50 an hour ($40,000 per year), and has two children (out of wedlock). She collects child support, but the father is not involved otherwise.

1. She just qualified for a $1000 housing subsidy (Section 8).
2. She has a medical marijuana licence, which is paid for by Colorado taxpayers
3. She has foodstamps too, of course


You forgot to add that she would also qualify for Earned Income Credit (EIC) a tax credit available to low income earners. In some cases the EIC can be greater than your total income tax bill, providing an income tax refund.

It's not uncommon for families to have had little or no income tax withheld and still receive a 4 to 5 thousand-dollar tax refund check.

[orinjkrush]

everybody's trying to work an angle...all the time.

you and me do it.

the question is: is it more economical/political/moral to go after the millions who cheat thousands

or the thousands who cheat millions?

[pricejj]

everybody's trying to work an angle...all the time.

you and me do it.

the question is: is it more economical/political/moral to go after the millions who cheat thousands

or the thousands who cheat millions?

It is moral, economical, and practical to go after both groups...not encourage it, like the President.

No, not everyone is trying to work an angle on taxpayers. Growing up in poverty, we always took pride in not being on foodstamps, or welfare. That's the way America used to be. I turned out fine, and am self-sufficient for it. If you need it, it's one thing...but a large portion of these people don't.

Now, middle-class people are trying to get as much subsidies as they can, so they can live a better lifestyle, get rich off the taxpayer...it is not sustainable. Taxpayers can't afford it.

[ghwk]

It is moral, economical, and practical to go after both groups...not encourage it, like the President.

No, not everyone is trying to work an angle on taxpayers. Growing up in poverty, we always took pride in not being on foodstamps, or welfare. That's the way America used to be. I turned out fine, and am self-sufficient for it. If you need it, it's one thing...but a large portion of these people don't.

Now, middle-class people are trying to get as much subsidies as they can, so they can live a better lifestyle, get rich off the taxpayer...it is not sustainable. Taxpayers can't afford it.

This is such an ironic srtatement coming from you but totally understandable given your view of the world.

What you are basically saying is these people are doing their best to manipulate a system for their own gain at your detriment. You are correct.

What you seem to miss however is that Romney and those with his type of wealth and power are doing the exact same thing!! They have bent executive compensation practices to their benefit, (you can't do that), they have ensured tax laws benefit thier types of income gain (you can't do that), they have ensured that their corporate tax breaks and subsidies stay in place so they can accumulate more wealth (you can't do that), they can create and pay lobbyists to protect and continue this type of "cheating" (you can't do that).

BUT WHAT YOU SURE AS HECK CAN DO IS CONTINUE TO SUBSIDIZE IT ALL THROUGH YOUR TAXES TO HELP MAKE UP FOR THE SHORTFALLS DUE TO THE LOOPHOLES THEY HAVE ACCESS TO! THEY ARE DOING EXACTLY WHAT YOUR "FRIEND" IS DOING JUST BY ANOTHER MEANS!

So to pin your neighbor's abuse of the system on Obama you must pin the exact same type of systemic manipulation on Romney and the Republican party, going back say about 50 years now.

Get it yet? thwack

[pricejj]

They have bent executive compensation practices to their benefit, (you can't do that)

What are you suggesting? Capping salaries like Soviet Russia?

they have ensured tax laws benefit thier types of income gain (you can't do that)

If you're referring to capital gains tax, then you are referring to "our" type of income too (401k). Increase the capital gains tax, and you will see VERY slow growth in the stock market, which would be bad for our 401k's.

they have ensured that their corporate tax breaks and subsidies stay in place so they can accumulate more wealth (you can't do that), they can create and pay lobbyists to protect and continue this type of "cheating" (you can't do that).

Romney's plan is to close the corporate tax loopholes. That's something you should be in favor of.

[ghwk]

What are you suggesting? Capping salaries like Soviet Russia?

When was the last time you got to dictate your own contract and your own terms of pay? you just can't argue with stupid but you would have been thrilled with knowing your place and being a serf in the 1600's

If you're referring to capital gains tax, then you are referring to "our" type of income too (401k). Increase the capital gains tax, and you will see VERY slow growth in the stock market, which would be bad for our 401k's.

Another myth you have bought hook line and sinker. Just like if you tax companies it will stifle job creation.

Romney's plan is to close the corporate tax loopholes. That's something you should be in favor of.

Romney will NEVER go after corporate tax loopholes and if he does it will only be set up to fail from the start. More of the flip flop myth you have bought into. He OWES these people his presidency if he gets elected, he's not goping to bite the hand that got him there. Part of the same reason Obama pussed out on going after the banks and the Fed when he brought in Bernanke again.

I like Martin Sheen's take on this the best. Mitt was born on third base but thinks he hit a triple to get there. He has NEVER had to work for anything in his life, everything has been guaranteed to him, he has never had to fight for a job or worry about his family like you and I have. Obama has at least some semblance of compassion for those that have.

[Rohirrim]

i was waiting for someone to come up with the 47% liner. I'm sorry you don't feel the same way I do. All I have to say is my family came to the US with no money, no idea of the english language. After 4yrs, my bro and sis graduated college. After 5yrs of government aid, we bought our first house.

My wife and her family came to the states with a bit of money. Again, they don't know the system and don't know english. After 4 years, my wife, her sister and brother graduated college. My wife stayed in school for another 2 yrs and got her MBA, her sister and brother later got their masters. During that time, how did they manage? Her dad worked 2 fulltime jobs, her mother worked a full time job.

Now you tell me, why are people here born in the states and know the system, yet they struggle everyday and need government assistance. Yes there are cases of people who got bad luck, but there are plenty of people who had all the chances in the world yet they live requiring government assistance. If you don't call them lazy, what do you call them?

Well, like Jesus said, "The poor will always be with you." Anyway, the truth is that purely for political posturing, the Right loves to scapegoat the poor. I'm sure there are some who are lazy, some who are addicts, some who are just plain dumb, some who are disabled, some who are old, some who are psychologically damaged, etc etc etc. I'm glad to hear that you had the intelligence and ambition to get ahead, and I'm glad that our country was able to provide you with the environment in which you could advance. You're very fortunate. Not everybody is so fortunate.

[Rohirrim]

It is moral, economical, and practical to go after both groups...not encourage it, like the President.

No, not everyone is trying to work an angle on taxpayers. Growing up in poverty, we always took pride in not being on foodstamps, or welfare. That's the way America used to be. I turned out fine, and am self-sufficient for it. If you need it, it's one thing...but a large portion of these people don't.

Now, middle-class people are trying to get as much subsidies as they can, so they can live a better lifestyle, get rich off the taxpayer...it is not sustainable. Taxpayers can't afford it.

Just remember this: The government spends $52 billion per year on social welfare programs. It spends $92 billion on corporate welfare.
http://www.cato.org/publications/policy-analysis/corporate-welfare-state-how-federal-government-subsidizes-us-businesses

[pricejj]

Romney will NEVER go after corporate tax loopholes

Yes he will. He has too. U.S. Corporate tax rates are the highest in the world. His plan all along has been to lower corporate tax rates and close the loopholes...which is a very good idea, and necessary for the U.S. to start bringing jobs back home.



Anyway, the truth is that purely for political posturing, the Right loves to scapegoat the poor. I'm sure there are some who are lazy, some who are addicts, some who are just plain dumb, some who are disabled, some who are old, some who are psychologically damaged, etc etc etc. I'm glad to hear that you had the intelligence and ambition to get ahead, and I'm glad that our country was able to provide you with the environment in which you could advance. You're very fortunate. Not everybody is so fortunate.

LOL

This person makes around $60,000 annually with her subsidies...I would hardly call that "poor". She has had the same opportunities as everyone else...and she makes more than I do...without having to pay $40,000 for an education, and go to engineering school, like I did.

[Rohirrim]

Yes he will. He has too. U.S. Corporate tax rates are the highest in the world. His plan all along has been to lower corporate tax rates and close the loopholes...which is a very good idea, and necessary for the U.S. to start bringing jobs back home.





LOL

This person makes around $60,000 annually with her subsidies...I would hardly call that "poor". She has had the same opportunities as everyone else...and she makes more than I do...without having to pay $40,000 for an education, and go to engineering school, like I did.

You sure do know a lot about your neighbor. I know very little about mine, other than their names and what comes out in passing conversation.

[Play2win]

Romney will NEVER go after corporate tax loopholes and if he does it will only be set up to fail from the start. More of the flip flop myth you have bought into. He OWES these people his presidency if he gets elected, he's not goping to bite the hand that got him there. Part of the same reason Obama pussed out on going after the banks and the Fed when he brought in Bernanke again.

I like Martin Sheen's take on this the best. Mitt was born on third base but thinks he hit a triple to get there. He has NEVER had to work for anything in his life, everything has been guaranteed to him, he has never had to fight for a job or worry about his family like you and I have. Obama has at least some semblance of compassion for those that have.

Romney... The Pitch Runner... Hilarious!

[pricejj]

You sure do know a lot about your neighbor. I know very little about mine, other than their names and what comes out in passing conversation.

My wife works with her, and is her friend.

[SleepingTiger]

Well, like Jesus said, "The poor will always be with you." Anyway, the truth is that purely for political posturing, the Right loves to scapegoat the poor. I'm sure there are some who are lazy, some who are addicts, some who are just plain dumb, some who are disabled, some who are old, some who are psychologically damaged, etc etc etc. I'm glad to hear that you had the intelligence and ambition to get ahead, and I'm glad that our country was able to provide you with the environment in which you could advance. You're very fortunate. Not everybody is so fortunate.

and the left loves to blame everything on the rich. No one wants to accept responsibility for their actions.

What do you mean by "our country"?? I paid my dues. I served in the US military, I work in annual charities helping disabled veterans, I pay my taxes. As a matter a fact, I have paid enough taxes to pay back the American government 10x over. I am sorry you don't think I am American. I consider myself American even if you don't.


I am fortunate? I don't consider myself fortunate compared to the 47%. I wasn't fortunate to be born in America, to grow up thinking America is "my country", taught in school that I am a 3rd rate human being compared to people born in America. To have people like you telling me that it is "his" country and not mine.

Fortunate? You make it sound as if I wont the lottery. My family worked their asses off to be where were at. Fortune only brought us to America and hard work did the rest.

Lets get this straight, I am NOT in any way saying that I am better than anyone else. All I am saying that people will blame everyone else for their own problems but never look at them self in the mirror. Nothing gets me more irritated than to hear someone who was fortunate to be born in America, with all the advantages given to them, yet throw it all away. The minorities blame that the majority is holding them down. The majority blames the minority for taking up all the jobs that they used to have. The poor blame the rich, the rich blame the poor.

[Rohirrim]

and the left loves to blame everything on the rich. No one wants to accept responsibility for their actions.

What do you mean by "our country"?? I paid my dues. I served in the US military, I work in annual charities helping disabled veterans, I pay my taxes. As a matter a fact, I have paid enough taxes to pay back the American government 10x over. I am sorry you don't think I am American. I consider myself American even if you don't.


I am fortunate? I don't consider myself fortunate compared to the 47%. I wasn't fortunate to be born in America, to grow up thinking America is "my country", taught in school that I am a 3rd rate human being compared to people born in America. To have people like you telling me that it is "his" country and not mine.

Fortunate? You make it sound as if I wont the lottery. My family worked their asses off to be where were at. Fortune only brought us to America and hard work did the rest.

Lets get this straight, I am NOT in any way saying that I am better than anyone else. All I am saying that people will blame everyone else for their own problems but never look at them self in the mirror. Nothing gets me more irritated than to hear someone who was fortunate to be born in America, with all the advantages given to them, yet throw it all away. The minorities blame that the majority is holding them down. The majority blames the minority for taking up all the jobs that they used to have. The poor blame the rich, the rich blame the poor.

And you're blaming me for something I didn't say. "Our country" means yours and mine. For your information, the kind of economic chasm between rich and poor that has developed in this country over the last couple of decades is the road to major instability. That's history, not "blame." Equality is not possible, but an equal playing field certainly is. Then, like TR said, it's up to each man to make his way. When the game is rigged, it's not "blame" to call out the fixers.

BTW, paying taxes is not "paying back" anybody for anything. It's how the citizens of this country sustain the kind of country they want to live in.

[SleepingTiger]

And you're blaming me for something I didn't say. "Our country" means yours and mine. For your information, the kind of economic chasm between rich and poor that has developed in this country over the last couple of decades is the road to major instability. That's history, not "blame." Equality is not possible, but an equal playing field certainly is. Then, like TR said, it's up to each man to make his way. When the game is rigged, it's not "blame" to call out the fixers.

BTW, paying taxes is not "paying back" anybody for anything. It's how the citizens of this country sustain the kind of country they want to live in.

If you had no intentions behind "our", my apologies.

You and I definitely don't see America in the same light. You see it as a corrupt and rigged system to help the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. I see America is a land of hope. Where one can have nothing, work hard and can achieve the impossible. Don't get me wrong, the system is not perfect and it is fubar in many many ways. Compared to where I come from, this is a perfect system for those who want to achieve.