The government was shut down for forty three days. Did you notice? I mean beyond the constant news coverage and bickering between the parties, how much did you notice? Not being a recipient of any of the social programs I have to say, I didn't see a whole lot change in my daily life. The news calls those programs, safety nets. Well, a safety net is just there in case you fall, it isn't a platform you should be working on. It's just supposed to be, just in case. My thinking is it only those that relied on that safety net, and those employed by the government that felt any significant impact. Had it continued it would have eventually impacted me financially, I can't deny that. But, the funds I do receive aren't a safety net, they are what I have earned, what I am entitled to because of my participation in the economic engine of America. It's a return on my investment.
It was reported that 43 million people receive snap benefits. Their income level and number of family members secure those benefits for them. The population of the United States is about 350 million, that's our best guess based on the census. That means 12% of the population is getting snap. Doesn't seem like such a big number when looked at in that way. The actual amount of money spent on snap from the government is a difficult number to ascertain. I did google that and the explanation is quite lengthy, complicated, and full of legalize. The best guess number is 10 billion a month! 10 billion. I'm confused though, if you divide 10 billion by 43 million you get 232.558 million. Snap folks aren't getting that every month, so what's up with that? Administration costs? Only the government can do that kind of accounting, especially democrats.
So 12 out a hundred receive snap. The vast majority of that goes to children, a sort of trust from the government that the parents/guardians of those children administrate. Snap is designed to provide for three healthy meals a day. That is the expressed purpose of that. Are those funds being used exclusively for that purpose? I have serious doubts about that, as do many other Americans. Perhaps we should return to a distribution system for actual food stuffs, instead on relying upon the honor system. Those receiving those benefits could be screened for compliance at that time as well, they really should be seeking gainful employment and be drug free. That being their contribution to gain entitlement to the program. If I want a paycheck, I have to go to work.
The government was shut down for 43 days and I didn't feel any significant impact at all. I don't fly for business or vacations, so flight delays weren't a problem. It does make me wonder if we have a bit more government than we actually need. Do you know what I mean? Doge was created to clean up the system a bit, uncover and eliminate waste, fraud and abuse. It's an agency long overdue in my opinion. I recall years ago when the military procurement went though a similar program. No more 1000 dollar hammers and 1000 dollar toilet seats! Yes indeed, I was on active duty at that time and recall seeing all of that. I was in procurement for a short time on a divisional level. It was shocking to see the prices for everyday items, most of them ridiculous. But, it is quite easy to spend other peoples money without even giving that a thought. It's the same "it's free" attitude many of the recipients of social programs adopt. I don't care, just give me more.
I'm not saying those folks shouldn't get anything. I'm not saying everyone receiving those benefits are abusing the system. I'm not placing the blame on any one demographic. I am saying it is legislated charity and should be received as such. You should have to meet minimum requirements, requirements beyond I don't have a job and I have children. You should have to show that you are at the very least attempting to do something about that. You don't get to simply blame the system! And I'm saying we really do need to take a closer look at the whole thing. 43 million qualified recipients costing 10 billion dollars a month? Now that's an expensive program to run isn't it? Just where is all that money going? Must be government workers. That's a lot of workers!
Look all I'm saying here is something isn't right. There is something very strange going on here. How can I be the only one that hasn't noticed that? I'm certain I am not, but why is nothing being done about that, by either side? Just setting aside any requirements to receive those benefits why is the administration so very expensive. It's just straight up math. 43 million people receiving 10 billion a month. Each person should receive 232.558 million every month before administration costs. Yet the estimated amount each one actually receives in 188 a month. The math says that is 8,084,00,000 a month in total. So that means almost 2 billion a month on administrative costs? And this is just for 12% of the population? There must be a more efficient way.
I'm wondering if it is DOGE or a dodge? Someone needs to take responsibility and quit dodging the problem. 
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