Foster Kids Only Allowed to Get Clothing From Thrift Stores? A Poor Mom's Reaction
Last week Republican State Senator Bruce Caswell of Michigan proposed that foster parents use their state-funded clothing allowance for the children they care for only in second-hand stores.
Caswell's reasoning? "I never had anything new. I got all the hand-me-downs. And my dad, he did a lot of shopping at the Salvation Army, and his comment was — and quite frankly it's true — once you're out of the store and you walk down the street, nobody knows where you bought your clothes."
Caswell said he wanted to make sure that the money set aside for foster children and children of the working poor was actually being used for that purpose, but also added that the gift cards would not save the state any money.
Reaction to Caswell's proposal, including reaction from this mother living under the poverty line was swift and outrageous. Oh, poor you, Senator Caswell, you got all your clothes from your older brothers and the Salvation Army. I guess that means that all children should grow up the way you did. So did you, with your Masters degree in United States History, your triple Bachelors' degrees in American History, Mathematics and Physics Education, and your professional experience ranging from teacher to Superintendent of Schools, get your children's clothes at thrift stores to build up their character?
My husband and I are both educated people, Senator Caswell, and were doing quite well financially with a great deal of savings in the bank. We were both "contributing members of society", until crippling and debilitating illnesses forced us to become unable to work. While waiting for this country's "we won't give you your Social Security until you are almost ready to die or declare bankruptcy" policy, we have become a Food Stamp family and my son and I are part of the WIC program. Have you or your wife ever been struck down by catastrophic illnesses while trying to support your family, Senator?
So, Senator, I do know a bit about what it is like to be poor and to have a poor child. My son is only four and he does not know yet that we are poor, and frankly, I'd like to spare my little boy from the pain, anxiety and stress that my husband and I face every day trying to figure out how we are going to put food on our table or clothe our child. Oh, and guess what? We live in a very well-off area, with not a thrift store for many miles. Perhaps we should move into an inner city so we can fit in better?
Follow Technorati