General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Food Stamp Reforms Are Ruining Christmas [View all]madamesilverspurs
(15,800 posts)Problem is, if you're on assistance and experience a moment of unlabored breathing the next thing that happens is an agency accusing you of breathing and your benefits will be cut accordingly.
While I was going through the disability application process, some caseworker would decide I was capable of performing certain tasks; then he would decide that his assessment would make that job magically appear and would deny benefits.
Like medical workers, caseworkers are advised to remain detached; problem is, they confuse detachment with indifference. I've taken complaints upchain following rude comments from a worker, only to have the supervisor hang up on me. Our social services offices are overseen by the county commissioners (all far right GOP), and their sneering indifference is palpable and very nearly visible.
The way the poor are treated in this country should serve to remove all questions about how we can allow such things as torture.