I got my EBT card- I got my Bail?

"Welcome to the Commonwealth, here is your EBT card.  fell free to use it on liquor, cigarettes, electronics, guns, lap dances, and bail."   That's right, in Massachusetts use your EBT card for anything program, a convicted criminal tried to use his for bail.

The Boston Herald told the story of Kimball Clark, a convicted drug dealer who was arrested for,shockingly, drug dealing charges, again this past Friday evening.  According to the police report, here’s what happened:

 

“Once booking was completed and Suspect Clark made his telephone call as allowed, he was heard by Officer Flaherty stating to whomever he had called ‘GET MY EBT CARD AND GO TO THE ATM AND GET THE MONEY TO BAIL ME OUT, GET ME OUTA HERE TONIGHT.’ ”

Also, at the time of booking, Clark had $758 cash on his person.  Its nice to know that card carrying EBT members have a little walking around cash on them.

Seriously, though, this is insane.  The mount of abuse that goes on with EBT cards in the Commonwealth is disgusting.  Governor Patrick,not that you will do anything, but, here are five simple rules to fix the system:

1.  No more EBT cards, we go back to food stamps immediately.  Its not going to be easy to be on the state dole.  There should be a bit of uncomfort being on public aid, its not a lifestyle.  Oh yeah, and food stamps can be used to buy pastas, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and government cheese.  If you want Entenmann's and Twinkies and Mountain Dew, then get a job and buy it yourself, like the people who work do.

2.  Food Stamps cannot be exchanged for cash.

3. If you commit a crime, you lose all privileges.

4. Like unemployment benefits, food stamp benefits will have a time limit.

5.  While on state aid, you lose the right to vote. if you want to be able to vote then pay your own way!  There is a severe conflict of interest if you are living on the back of the taxpayers, because you are obviously going to vote for the candidates who want to give you "free stuff"

There it is Governor Patrick,let's sign it into law.