Those who do not have many financial burdens often look down on people who need state assistance.
I have noticed the looks people give to those who are counting out their food stamps in line at the grocery store. You hear people say that those who receive food stamps sell them for money and buy cigarettes and beer.
The reason for this stereotype is because of those who have abused this program. This is not how people who need help should be portrayed.
One solution could be to replace food stamps with a sort of debit card. There will be no more stares from onlookers, and there will be no more stereotyping.
Also, this can limit those who do abuse the program.
I have heard that this new form of food stamps has been used in Massachusetts.
If it is used in Maine, no longer will people be looked down upon as they separate their food stamps. And no longer will people abuse this well appreciated program and cause more stereotyping.
I hope that this debit card form will help people who have state assistance to not feel embarrassment anymore.
And to those people who think that the less fortunate shouldn’t be able to have them? Take another look.
Who knows what could happen. Anyone may find themselves in need of these programs in the future.
Nicole L. Morin, Canton
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