Debit cards = dumb idea? - Democratic Underground

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Thu Sep-08-05 10:58 AM
Original message

Debit cards = dumb idea?

Handing them out now is going to create a frenzy and could create a potential situation where the strong will prey on the weak.

What are these people going to do with $2,000 at this point in their lives? Is it going to make any difference?

Purchase a few necessities (clothing, toiletries, etc), that's really about it, and even then, most of those items can be provided and distributed without the benefit of a card.

Wouldn't it be better to wait until the evacuees are at least reasonably settled or relocated then issue them the cards.

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SmokingJacket

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Thu Sep-08-05 11:04 AM
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1. Well, it will make a big difference psychologically, for one thing.

Lying on a cot with 10,000 other people, after losing your home and everything you've known, you have to think life is over.

Having some money in your pocket at least gives you hope that you'll be able to get another start -- a sense of independence.

I think it's the LEAST that can be done.

I don't know why you think it would cause a frenzy. Why would it?

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Gormy Cuss

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Thu Sep-08-05 11:13 AM
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2. One possible advantage to the debit cards

Edited on Thu Sep-08-05 11:24 AM by Gormy Cuss

True, it's only a few dollars compared to what the survivors will need (that $2000 is per family, with per person rate around $300.)
Issuing debits vs. providing the toiletries and clothing does allow people to get a few luxuries, like the brand of shampoo or sanitary products they prefer vs. what's available, their preferred style of underwear or shirts or a replacement for a child's favorite toy. It isn't much, but for those who went from NOLA to cots in the Astrodome, it represents an opportunity to exert a little control over their own lives again.,

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stray cat

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Thu Sep-08-05 11:23 AM
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3. I think it is great

It is a helpless feeling to have absolutely nothing and no cash in your pocket even for an extra candy bar for a kid. It is not the end of help but a chance to give people a little bit of freedom and power.

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Toots

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Thu Sep-08-05 11:31 AM
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4. If you had been transported to a different state and had nothing

I imagine you would feel a bit differently. these people need clothes and ability to communicate with loved ones and possibly relocate to family or friends. $2000 seems about right for emergency funds while trapped in a strange town without resources.

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applegrove

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Thu Sep-08-05 02:06 PM
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5. It really isn't very much. Take the kids to an amusement park. They

are traumatized for god's sake.

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NYCGirl

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Thu Sep-08-05 02:07 PM
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6. Perhaps it'll help buy plane, train or bus tickets to go to relatives or

friends.

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Mutley

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Thu Sep-08-05 02:10 PM
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7. It's better than nothing.

This should be the very BEGINNING of the aid those people receive, but at least they have something in their pockets, some sort of control over their lives again.

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Thtwudbeme

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Thu Sep-08-05 02:11 PM
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8. The idea is for the (sh)eople to use them at WalMart...another one of the

grandiose Bush schemes to jump start the economy.

Seriously...remember him telling people to shop after 911?

That's the totality of that idiots understanding of supply and demand.

He's a dumb fuckwit, and so is that Brownie character.

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