Saw a post concerning snap benefits. In this posting the big complaint was that there is talk of restricting what can be purchased with those benefits. There should be no restrictions! That was the message. I was told to mind my own business. That was followed by a litany of reasons snap benefits should have unrestricted use.

Well, I disagree. My first thought regarding all of that was this; when you are a dependent you are subject to the control of the one providing you that dependence. Or, as my father would say, when you put your feet under my table, you eat what is put before you or go hungry, your choice.

First off snap benefits are a handout! That’s exactly what they are, a benefit extended to you from the kindness of the government. The voters have decided upon that. The program started in 1964 under President Kennedy. It was called “assistance” in those days, not a benefit! It was supposed to help those that helped themselves! Yeah, let’s not forget that part.

The sad part in all of this is the necessity to institute rules limiting what can and cannot be purchased. It has become necessary due to abuse, misuse and outright fraud. It does remind me of a statement made by Alexander Tytler: “A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury” He was talking about spending public monies without accountability.

I do believe when I give a gift to someone that it is their prerogative to do whatever they want with that gift. That’s on an individual level. I do not believe the same applies when it is a government thing. The duty of government is to be a good steward of the public treasury.

If I extend charity to you, expecting you to feed your children with that charity, and you subsequently use it to buy yourself a beer and some smokes I will not be extending you any further charity. I instantly become a better steward of my money! The government should be doing the same.

I’ve said it often and will continue, the laws of a nation reflect the expected moral actions of the people. When people act in an immoral fashion, laws are established to punish the offenders. Accepting charity from an individual, or a government, creates a moral obligation on your part. That obligation being, to be grateful, humble and utilizing that charity in the way it was intended.

Charity begins at home. We have all heard that. How many understand what that actually means? It means that your first obligation is take care of your own family and friends’ first. That means, before you! So, when receiving snap, buy the food your children need! Don’t start demanding anything! Most of all, don’t complain about the menu!