Pilots on Food Stamps | MichaelMoore.com

By Michael Moore

 

Pick a thread....

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/se...archid=1069808

 

I was afraid of how true it was...i knew i couldnt of been the first

 

I get food stamps and both our children are on medicaid. I'm not proud of it, but if the program is out there I need to take advantage of it while I'm making all $24,000 a year.

 

The article says that one pilot took a second job as a "dog walker" - how exactly do you get a job as a "dog walker"?

On another note... the food stamp thing is a little ridiculous...

 

I hear what you are saying Ryan, as far as tightening the belt and all. Also I am no fan of Michael Moore, who is referenced in this thread's original post. I believe he is a snake oil salesman, selling only the extreme viewpoint, and editing his gathered video and facts to fit his desired statement.

That being said, I do have to wonder about your response stating that "the food stamp thing is a little ridiculous".
I am not wanting to pick a political fight here, as I know that is against the APCF terms of service, but I do feel somewhat strongly that there does need to be a counter argument to your statement.

Specifically, I don't feel qualified to judge anyone's necessity for claiming a benefit. I have to wonder how qualified you are to judge another American citizen's desire to feed themselves, or their family. I would also state that if a pilot has been paying state and or federal taxes, they have contributed to the program they are now claiming from. Honestly, I do not know where most food stamps come from, or are specifically funded, although in Alaska I believe they are a state program. To me, it seems as if you would also advocate not claiming social security upon reaching the end of your working life, or unemployment insurance after an unexpected layoff. Both of those are programs which you have contributed to if you've ever earned a paycheck.

I understand the whole desire for self reliance, and freedom from government intrusion. I do not understand the impetus behind denying or ridiculing another American for claiming the help at feeding themselves and their family from a program which they have most likely contributed to financially through their working life.

I know there are exceptions to this, but I would caution you to not judge too harshly until you too have walked the same walk in the same shoes.

Respectfully,
KT

 

I'll have to agree with you, it did come off a little harsh in hind sight... however....I'll try to give sort of an explanation of what I said.

I've seen some interesting things around my parts, and I suppose it's probably similar to other places. You have a pilot who has either been laid off or just not really making much as a pilot. He refuses to get another job, whether it be waiting tables or what not...because well he's a pilot and that job is below him. Everyday he comes to the airport and complains about not making enough... he gets laid off from his flying job... and his first action is to file for government benefits and other freebies.

Then you have your newly-wed guy who is working a full-time job and going to school full-time (but because he doesn't fit the profile, he doesn't qualify for too much student aid, other than federally subsidized loans), and he's got all of his ratings, which he paid for himself at the local FBO by working two jobs... he's got a decent chunk of hours from various contract work, but it's just that... contract work... no guarantees for the future. Rather than just complain, he continues to bartend at night... works at the airport in the morning - thanks to internet classes, goes to school at 3-4am and various time during the day.

Could that newly-wed guy (who paid for the wedding by selling his car, and getting a cheaper one) have taken a job making $17k? Of course... it probably wouldn't have been that bad, because of the 0-debt from flight training... especially with a supportive wife. Either way that college guy is eligible for food stamps... but he knows that he doesn't really believe in them if he can provide for himself (even if that means outside of flying).

Is it my position to judge? No not really... but these people do have a choice of taking out a rather large loan to pay for flight training and take that $17k/year job.... I just don't think that taxpayers should have to pay for someone who could otherwise get another job and/or make better decisions.

If you have kids... that's totally different. Kids need food regardless.. If you have a family to provide for...it's a little different, but that $17k job, however shiny the jet looks is probably not a good move.

Respectfully,

Ryan

 

Roger that Ryan, good copy and I agree with what you've written above.

I guess my problem with some of the perceived bias against those who claim benefits comes from a sort of closet liberal in me.

Damn closet liberal! I am trying to move past what is perceived as independent, if that is possible. I hope to someday describe myself as Egalitarian. I think the Founding Fathers were all about that.

Enough about political labels as they set off alarms here.

Food stamps, social security, etc.
I mean, we contributed to these programs, right? So my thinking usually goes as follows- having contributed, these programs should be available when needed.

 

I think you're just a nice guy. Sometimes I forget that some people are actually in need. Unfortunately, though... I think the programs are used more for political leverage, rather than real benefit or charity. ...guess that's a topic for a different forum. Either way, thanks for your input.

 

My viewpoint is, if I'm paying for it there is no shame in using it. The unspoken understanding though is that you better be trying to do as much as you can already to help. I'm only getting $53 a month in food stamps but hey, anything helps.