Soda Ban for Food Stamps Recipients--Violations of Rights or Common Sense?

Food stamps will no longer be used for soda pop or sugary beverages, if 18 big-city mayors get their way. Leaders including NYC's Michael Bloomberg who has long-opposed soda, are pushing for limits. Ostensibly, they're doing it to curb the nation's obesity problem. I've got mixed feelings on this. Of course bevvie makers are objecting. But that's profit-motivated, more than anything. My humanitarian self says you can't legislate morality (or lifestyle, dietary choice). It's also a little shame-based and patronizing. But the big picture is, we taxpayers are funding unhealthy habits. We have a right to object to misuse of our money. We have a say in how it's spent. Soda Ban for Food Stamps Recipients--Violations of Rights or Common Sense?

Shopping, Money Saving Tips for Welfare Recipients

"Octomom" Nadya Suleman, the single mom of 14 (including octuplets) is back on welfare again, says TMZ. Suleman is an extreme example of negative welfare stereotype. But her unhealthy financial choices highlight key issues that we can all learn from. Here are money tips for parents on welfare, culled from five months when we received food stamps and Medicaid.   Money Tips for Welfare Recipient Parents

No, 'Octomom' You Can't Afford a $520 Hairdo on Welfare

 Mom of 14, Nadya Suleman, dubbed "Octomom" for her octuplets, was investigated by Child Protective Services after photos appeared showing unsanitary, dangerous conditions at her home. Suleman lashed out in an ABC Good Morning, America interview, saying that her hairdresser who took the photos "set her up." I'm glad to hear that the door that appeared to be barred keeping a child prisoner was, in fact, just closed being held closed to keep little ones out. But I still have some concerns about Octomom's attitude toward money, particularly her welfare payments. Read on 'Octomom' Nadya Suleman Exemplifies Misconceptions About Welfare