I try to keep up on the news, but today I had another new, unbelievable event hit me. I know I am out of touch with reality, but I also know the state government has got to be stupid.

The Sun Journal editorial on April 18 states: “The TANF cards can be used like a debit or credit card to withdraw money using an ATM machine.”

Is this really the way the system works today?

The so-called TANF card, stands for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families benefit card. The news article was about a jail corrections officer who wouldn’t allow a jailed person to use this card at an ATM. God bless him, the corrections officer, I mean.

I am sure government officials have a great many reasons why the TANF card can be used at an ATM bank machine to get money. What I do not understand is how do they know what the “needy” person does with the money? Does using the money to purchase cigarettes and alcohol come to mind?

Will someone, anyone, please explain to me how this works to control the use of the money for the real-life “needy” items?

Roger Knowlton, Poland