The Organic PrepperRemember last month when EBT cards in Louisiana showed no limits? Remember how all of those EBT users had a chaos-fueled shopping spree and emptied store shelves within hours? Remember how that one woman with only 49 cents left on her card tried to leave with $700 worth of food?
Well, the governor of Louisiana remembers too, and he has taken the unprecedented move of canceling the benefits cards for every person suspect of participating in the fraudulent free-for-all.
… Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal’s office will cancel food stamp benefits for anyone who participated in a fraud and shopping spree catalyzed by an EBT malfunction.
More than 12,000 people were sent an insufficient funds notice when the problem with the EBT cards was fixed on Oct. 12; those who transgressed may lose their EBT cards for a year.
Suzy Sonnier, the secretary of state at the Department of Children and Family Services, released a statement saying: “We must protect the program for those who receive and use their benefits appropriately according to the law. We are looking at each case individually, addressing those recipients who are suspected of misrepresenting their eligibility for benefits or defrauding the system.” (source)
It all started on October 12, when technical problems plagued the EBT system across the country. 17 states were affected. Most of the benefits recipients couldn’t use their cards at all, causing mini-riots across the country when they were unable to buy food for their families. Within a few days, the USDA had sent notices to the states ordering them to freeze SNAP funds as a contingency plan because of the government shutdown. Meanwhile, in a few places in Louisiana, the EBT malfunction caused the cards to show no limit, and many stores allowed users to shop anyway.
And shop they did. Even though the accepted policy is to allow benefits recipients to purchase $50 worth of groceries in the event that cards malfunction, many stores did not limit purchases. Grocery carts were filled with reckless abandon and users gleefully left the stores with hundreds of dollars worth of ill-gotten supplies.
It looks like dishonesty was not the best policy, however.
Governor Jindal’s move comes after public urging from the office of the Louisiana Attorney General, David Vitter.
Sen. David Vitter urged Louisiana officials Wednesday to pursue charges and strip food stamp benefits from Wal-Mart shoppers in north Louisiana who turned a technical glitch into a free shopping spree.
Vitter, R-La., called for state Attorney General Buddy Caldwell and the Jindal administration to take action against shoppers who generated national headlines, spawned YouTube videos, and created a Twitter frenzy after a failure in the electronic benefit transfer system — the process for using food stamps — allowed them to spend beyond their balances in mid-October.
Smartphones captured images of carts piled high with groceries that were abandoned once the system came back online.
Taxpayers did not lose money because of safety measures built into the food stamp system.
“It should be clear that someone who tried to buy massive amounts of groceries purposely attempted to exceed the program limits. That sort of fraud should be met with disqualification from the program at the very least,” Vitter wrote. (source)
Those whose cards have been cancelled may appeal the decision in hopes of having their benefits restored, but if they lose the appeal, they could lose their benefits anywhere from one year all the way to…forever. Suzie Sonnier wrote, “Louisiana’s current SNAP policy allows a one year sanction from the program for a first offense, a 24 month suspension for a second offense and a permanent disqualification for a third offense.”
Let’s hope, for their sakes and that of their innocent children, that the fraudulent shoppers purchased long term storage foods, because it looks like they are going to need it. As always, it’s the children who will really pay the price for the irresponsible actions of their parents. Through greed, dishonesty, and an entitlement mentality, these folks have just created their own SHTF event.
Daisy Luther is a freelance writer and editor. Her website, The Organic Prepper, offers information on healthy prepping, including premium nutritional choices, general wellness and non-tech solutions. You can follow Daisy on Facebook and Twitter, and you can email her at daisy@theorganicprepper.ca
I feel that the shutdown of the system was a test. A test to see who would riot, and the need for martial law. It looks like it backfired with the stores allowing the recipients to shop at will. It double backfired on the recipients now that the local government is after them. So, bad luck to the feds for starting this mess, and bad luck to the recipients who turned out to be looters, and bad luck to the stores who knew better, but did not want their stores trashed. Somehow the phrase “to hell in a handbasket comes to mind”.
What is said here is of course the closest we come to solution unfortunately. But to have an economic environment in which people must be dependent upon the state is a crime in itself. I think we need to reassess our response to banking and corporate crisis. People are given almost no chance to pull themselves out of poverty, and then have scorn and derision heaped upon them.
And lets drop all pretense and realize that those higher up the economic ladder pass up no opportunity to take whatever they can whenever they can. So a few people took some food they were not entitled to according to our ruling class of millionaires and billionaires, who would not have any idea what people go through on a daily basis. They are only concerned with making a profit from our suffering.
Political games in DC let to the shut down of the food stamp cards. In washington it is a chip to be used in a game of political poker. But down here in the real world it is deadly serious and people are not playing about getting something to eat.
We constantly hear what a rich nation we are. How we have the largest economy and all that flapping in the wind. I beg to differ on a few points.
On we are only as great as we treat the least of us. Meaning how we treat the poor and downtrodden is who we are. we can easily afford to give people all the food they need and a bed to sleep in. It would cost far less than killing innocent people in other parts of the world. How many people could we feed for the salaries we pay to the zombies in congress who never saw a dollar they didnt think was theirs. And the bailouts, which are against everything we are supposed to in favor of. The rich bankers screw their investment game up and we pay them for it? We make them suffer no losses? But yet the poor are berated and punished for taking advantage of an opportunity that opened up for them. Sure it was wrong on some levels, but it should have been expected. How long has it been since these folks caught any kind of a break? And how often are they used and exploited by the system? Where is their bail-out?
Speculation in the commodities has led to increases in the cost of food to the point where it is truly hard to feed a family or even oneself. When the price does not go up the amount you get is less, sometimes a lot less. I guess we are not supposed to notice these things.
I do not blame these folks for seeing a chance and taking it. Maybe they did not do it in a genteel and dignified way, maybe they bought things others scoff at, but they did what they could in a system that is intent on crushing them even further into poverty.
I think it would be fair if we made he congress critters live on what these folks get for a month. And make them do it for months, it is a lesson they need to be taught. But would it ever happen? Of course not. They could not care less, they are cushioned form poverty, medical problems, poor nutrition, and any kind of suffering because you pay for it.
It makes me sick to see the poor demonized for a condition they did not choose or create (sure some will point out that a few of them are lazy, how many rich folks actually work?) So that the clowns we supposedly elect can strut around looking like peacocks.
This country has become officially pathetic.
Michael says:
“And lets drop all pretense and realize that those higher up the economic ladder pass up no opportunity to take whatever they can whenever they can”
Michael… I have to disagree with you on that statement. Not everyone pass up no opportunity to take whatever they can whenever they can. Some people do live by a higher standard no matter where they are on the economic latter, as you call it. Some people are givers even if they are poor, rather than takers. It’s what I call living out of the matrix, and living under God’s Kingdom Principles.
My family is at what the government call “Poverty Level”, and yet we have never received any government assistance, but, at the same time we take care of the needy as much as we can, we donate our time to others, we feed the hungry, clothe the clothe-less, visit the sick, widowed, and orphans, etc. We take care of God’s work and he takes care of our needs.
We also, do our own shopping at thrift stores and garage sales and search for bargains. I don’t mind wearing deadman’s clothes. If that is what it takes to stay out of the matrix.
But, other than that I agree with pretty much everything you said, but that statement was pretty all encompassing.
AMEN, Smilardog! I agree with what you have said. If the church(as a whole) was acting on Biblical principles, there would be no need for the poor to be dependent on a government hand out. It would be in the hands of “we the people” to take care of one another, and the swine in government could go pound sand!
That’s right Paula… That’s the way it used be to handled by the Church, Family, Neighbors, and friends. That way the care is being given locally by people who know the family that needs the assistance, knows there problems, and can come up with permanent solutions to get them back to self-sufficiency, instead of lifetime of govt dependency. Everything is backwards and upside down. We need to get the govt out of our business
well said and thought out….Michael
As for religion solving things…
It never has in all of history….
Government doesn’t solve things either…..
So there it is…the both have a place to contribute to the solution of those at the bottom being treated with respect….
God what happened in that and/or/other stores with this system going down, in terms of dollars……….obomo blows in one vacation ,of the publics cash………..HA…..i won’t go on….the thought quickly turns into a nightmare, no one wishes to be a part of!
And the State or Feds are complaining?????
Michael Jackson’s song the man in the mirror…should be applied to those folks…..in high places…..before they go blowing off steam regarding this error……
Actually, I, and many jail & prison ministries that I have been involved with have gotten many families back to being self-sufficient and living productive lifestyles. So, don’t say… about something you know nothing about. What do you do to help other people get off the govt dole? What works for you?
What smilardog said above is true, the churches and charities and people at large used to take care of the poor, widows and orphans (as commanded in the Bible). So why did the government essentially take over this duty? Because apparently the churches, charities, and people at large abrogated their responsiblity to take care of the less fortunate–and then they complain when the less fortunate go to the govt. for handouts? Gimme a break! We ARE our brother’s/sister’s keepers! The apostle James also said this: Faith without works is dead.
I can agree with some of all thats been said here,..up to the point to saying it isn’t these poor folks fault..its the govt. Then I say bullshit.!
If we believe these folks are not guilty then we also must believe the same for the man who broke in your house to steal your goods. Somehow its “somebody” else’s fault. Thats become endemic here in this country, we always blame others for our bad actions never looking in the mirror.
While I agree the govt. has ruined this economy and put millions in the poor house, its not an excuse to act immorally or savagely at the expense of others..
The majority of those who attempted to “rip off” of the system (Watch the Ytube vids and see) had one thing in mind…”a chance to RIP the system and get “FREE” shit”, and to hell with everybody else.
No difference between them and rioters….its the attitude of something for nothing that’s prevalent in certain social and racial circles in this nation.
In some of the vids these people in that store line wore better clothes than you and I do,..and lets not talk about how much money they spent on high $$$ (insert your brand here) sneakers and tennis shoes. A segment of our society always seems to have money for Cars drugs Beer and bling…but not food. IF you or I spend our money on bling…do we then get food and a free ride in the system?
This was nothing more than rioting…proof?
How come when the store announced the 50$ limit, 90% of those people left the carts and walked away ( leaving others to clean up the mess or just leaving the food to rot)….they obviously didn’t NEED what they were trying to take. This was about greed!
Being poor or needy does not give a person the right to be dishonest or unmoral in their actions………they say KARMA is a b*tch.
From a religious angle yes the “church” which is every believer, should be helping the poor. Jesus CHRIST had compassion for the poor..yes HE did…but HE also taught them ..”Go and Sin No More”
You say being poor and needy does not give a person the right to be dishonest or unmoral in their actions. I say being rich and greedy is a higher crime.
General Motors just burned we the people for $10 billion. They told us they are not paying us back. They took it. They stole it.
But we don’t want to talk about the rich corporate thieves stealing billions. So much easier to attack the poor stealing hundreds.
And, by the way, there is a clause in the law called force majeure, which says when the law fails, there is no law and every person has the right to preserve their life using any means.
Terrific Henry,
Just Terrific!
Well my point was “stealing” is wrong no matter Who does it.
If a lowlife breaks in your house to steal your food…will YOU say its alright because he is poor? He thinks he deserves it and its ok because YOU have more than he does.
Or, will you shoot that SOB for taking your shit? That is force majeure!
Yes Wall Street, big banks and GM have stole billions from us……so steal from them….instead of grabbing all the food with the attitude of “fock evrybody else I got mine”…..go steal a new Chevy..
I guess we just disagree on this.
the problem oldvet is you are equating a person’s home with the Corp….Largest…one of in the world……and that is not the case….This is not a home….and also…don’t think anyone said it was ok to steal………
Also, is it ok for Wal Mart to have slave labor produce a large percentage of those Stolen Goods?
You have got Fed gov complicity in bed with the Corp to rip people off and if its turned the other way………something is wrong?
perhaps one should talk about the 1st problem before addressing the 2nd problem!
Ok time out then.
What I had gathered from this was people excusing the theft …..Maybe I read it with a tainted outlook …have read to many various comments about it all.
Anyway this article was dealing with “Peoples” dishonesty and the penalty for it. It was not talking about walmart or banks or GM or any other of the thieving bunch, if it had I would be ragging their ass too
All I was saying was Wrong is Wrong no matter who does it……..
A problem with the keyboard is it doesnt always allow you to type EXACTLY what you feel or mean.. Hopefully no harm done then
When you are dealing with criminals who have taken over our highest seats of power, where do you draw the line for honesty for those who have had everything stolen from them?
Those people with the food stamps are not taking anything. If every American national was getting an annuity check for the raw resources being stolen and pumped out of this country, there would be no need for food stamps, as the poorest American national would have more than anyone in the upper middle class as things stand now.
On the other hand, these international bankers who are doing the real stealing, are not American nationals. They are international corporate mafia and they are the problem.
I understand what you say…and it gets my crack at times because we grew up poor. Dad worked construction and odd jobs…..mom in a sock factory textile mill,..all at low pay southron wages back in the late 50’s early 60’s. My mom worked her ass to death trying to make production while dad sweated in the heat and froze in the cold….IF there was any work. We had very little but we were warm…fed and had clothes on our backs . Both my parents were hard working and Proud people who wouldnt take a handout much less charity . that was unheard of in our world…ya just didnt do that….you made do or you did without..but you sure as heck didnt take what you knew wasnt yours.
I know not everybody on EBT is a low life….hell I have had to resort to it a cpl years back….but with that said, I also see 2nd and 3rd,4th generations of abusers who never had anything stolen from them who abuse the system that you and I and all others have paid for.
I just cant imagine people who never have contributed to anything for themselves or society think they have the right to snatch and grab from others…irregardless of who the other is.
Henry I understand all that has been said here today,..now. And yes I took the wrong impression of what the comments were…..but My friend,…I still stand by the old sayin “two wrongs dont make it right”. And if you and I stole from others…we’d deserve all we got from it.
I dont feel the least bit of sympathy for these folk……but I do for their Children.
Two wrongs do not make a right. But before we start judging how people are surviving through this depression, we need to fix the problem and level the playing field, because the truth is we all are responsible for creating this condition we find ourselves in. And make no mistake, it is going to be a lot of hard work making things a right again. Might be surprised who would be willing to roll up their sleeves if there is something in it for them.
I don’t buy the premise that we have created this problem. I did not ship our jobs to foreign countries to make more money. I did not allow the brown skin invaders over the border to steal what was left of the jobs. And before you give me the crap about voting them out of office, you better believe that voting has been rigged for the past 50 years, and your vote means squat. The only way I feel responsible for any of this is because I have not taken up arms against the tyrant.
@ FarmerDave @ 1:59You say that you did not ship our jobs overseas but you do buy foreign made junk I bet FarmerDave. Well then you tell me how much foreign stuff you have. You may not be directly responsible for jobs going over seas but you cannot deny that you and everyone else does support them jobs over seas if you buy that foreign junk like it or not. So now then FarmerDave – in all respect – just how much foreign junk do you have?
uh oh, here we go! Let me make a bowl of popcorn (made in USA) this is going to get good. hehe
As little as absolutely possible. John Deere tractor, not made in Canada, Ford f350 not made in Canada, no shopping at wallyworld. I buy American as much as humanly possible. Some items are no longer made here, due to our sell out corporations. No tv for that reason, but I do have a computer. I really try to research and only buy American, but alas living an American life is impossible. You would be surprised at the amount of things still made in this country if you only look.
It’s Saturday Night Live on The Trenches Smilardog. I have my popcorn ready. lol 🙂
Henry,…that is right! We all do agree…yet we see it at times from another vantage point…..
Yep…we gotta fix this dayum uneven playing field
I am with you there also
Wrong is Wrong no matter who does it….
Its difficult for any of us to judge this story since
what ever the truth was/is regarding this event.
is so far away from us…….
Wrong, this problem is as close as the nearest Walmart. Walmart employees make so little they qualify for food stamps. So here we have one of the richest corporations in the world paying slave wages so most employees qualify for food stamps. In reality, Walmart is abusing the American taxpayer, creating a large workforce dependent upon government subsidies to keep their profits up as well as their outrageous executive compensation packages. Think about how much money Walmart is directly responsible for costing the American taxpayer on a daily basis through the food stamp program. Just because it’s legal, it doesn’t make it right.
That’s right, Millard. and at the same time they use those slave wages that are supplemented by the tax payers through Welfare to put the mom and pops businesses who paid good livable wages out of business. Walmart needs to be boycotted out of business. We never shop there unless we have no choice.
Hey Smilardog, I try to avoid Walmart like the plague. Once in a while, one of my children drag me there under protest. My kids know I despise everything Walmart stands for. They won’t dare try to buy a gift for me from Walmart.
yes! YOu’re correct….Millard.
My first comment is where I stand on this article…
My short second one was…theoretical, in that to me there is such a thing as Morally…..right and wrong. I should have added that the theory did not apply to this article……
also I meant, who knows the actual truth ….main stream media is going to prop up Wm….and defend the statis quo of the feds…..
So! i don’t really know what went on in truth….with this event…..
this wasn’t an accidental glitch it was a test run. consider who the amoral ones really are knowing full well this would happen.
I know one thing… a few years ago our jail and prison ministry approached Walmart, Kmart, Target, and many other stores to help us with Christmas presents for At-risk Children whose parents were in prison. We had $3,000 to play with and Kmart was there to help us anyway they could and even got involved in our project, while Walmart wanted us to sell our soul to them, and still made it impossible for them to help us. Kmart wanted to give back to the community, Walmart wanted to exploit it.
Walmart’s ties are hidden.