Facts VS Perception

[archer36]

It always amazes me when I read articles like this.  Perception: Inner cities with mostly Afro Americans and liberal governments abuse these programs. Reality: Mostly Poor White people in rural areas with mostly Conservative governments use these programs. 

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/personalfinance/cities-with-the-most-people-on-food-stamps/ss-BBKRUn8?ocid=spartanntp#image=1

Edited October 15, 2018 by archer36

[dlist777]

You have a poor understanding of numbers and the slide show is mislabeled.  These aren't the cities with the MOST people on food stamps.  These are the cities with the highest % of people on food stamps.  

This is ranked by % of population on SNAP benefits.  Of course, small cities / towns would be ranked highest.  But, in terms of raw numbers on SNAP, big cities definitely lead the way.  I make no judgement about use vs. abuse and none about racial disparities.  

Skewed and mislabeled statistics like this are classic examples of how numbers are twisted to make a political point.  The numbers are technically accurate, but they don't support the point they are trying to make.  

[Hunter115522]

I don't care who is collecting these social handouts, and where they live. The fact of the matter is, these handouts are seriously abused. No able bodied person should rely on the Gov't for their entire lives. Drug tests for all on welfare, strict time limits for how long these benefits should be collected, and huge penalties for people caught for things like welfare fraud. These are the changes that need to happen. I don't care if it's a redneck white dude in Kentucky, or a crack whore in the Bronx.. The system is seriously BROKEN. 

[archer36]

3 minutes ago, dlist777 said:

You have a poor understanding of numbers and the slide show is mislabeled.  These aren't the cities with the MOST people on food stamps.  These are the cities with the highest % of people on food stamps.  

This is ranked by % of population on SNAP benefits.  Of course, small cities / towns would be ranked highest.  But, in terms of raw numbers on SNAP, big cities definitely lead the way.  I make no judgement about use vs. abuse and none about racial disparities.  

Skewed and mislabeled statistics like this are classic examples of how numbers are twisted to make a political point.  The numbers are technically accurate, but they don't support the point they are trying to make.  

I know what I mean. You can't read my mind. You can interpret it any way you please for your purposes also.

[Hitemnasty]

I love when I’m in the checkout line and person in front me spends 200$ on toys and stupid nick nacks and pulls out the EBT card to buy the ice cream sandwiches and soda! 

[Haskell_Hunter]

1 hour ago, dlist777 said:

Skewed and mislabeled statistics like this are classic examples of how numbers are twisted to make a political point.  The numbers are technically accurate, but they don't support the point they are trying to make.  

I told my the students in my data analytics class last week that statistics are always presented to promote an idea or agenda, almost never to oppose it.  All of us are compelled to present data to reinforce our arguments, it's a natural thing to do.  So many, many people present surveys, charts, and other summaries of data.  I told my students to go to the source and ask for the raw data and sampling methodologies.  If they give the data out, analyze it to validate their findings.  If they refuse to give out the data, consider that an admission that they are lying.  It's that simple.

EDIT:  Oh, their data is so shoddy it's laughable.  They don't site their source.  They imply it, but never come out and say "the data is from dates xxx - xxx, and comes from source X, and can be found at this link {link}."  So in my professional opinion, all of this data is essentially made up.  It's complete bullshit.

Edited October 15, 2018 by Haskell_Hunter

[archer36]

In other words, "figures don't lie, but liars figure"?  LOL

[Haskell_Hunter]

You're really going to enjoy this.  My 14-year-old daughter sent this to me (yes, this is how nerdy my family is) yesterday.  OMFG it is awesome!

If any liberal argues with you that "if X happens, then Y will happen too" send them this link for a boatload of laughs.

http://tylervigen.com/spurious-correlations

A screen shot of a few of these gems.

[archer36]

2 hours ago, Haskell_Hunter said:

You're really going to enjoy this.  My 14-year-old daughter sent this to me (yes, this is how nerdy my family is) yesterday.  OMFG it is awesome!

If any liberal argues with you that "if X happens, then Y will happen too" send them this link for a boatload of laughs.

http://tylervigen.com/spurious-correlations

A screen shot of a few of these gems.

I think they are called "spurious" relationships?????? HaHa.

Edited October 15, 2018 by archer36

[archer36]

3 minutes ago, archer36 said:

I think they are called "spurious" relationships?????? HaHa.

Can't believe I remembered that on from some College class about 40 years ago! LOL.

[Batsto]

To get food stamps you should have to take a drug test. Also they should be made to work sweeping streets, litter collection and whatever the county, state or city needs. To reduce illegal alien farm pickers, welfare recipients could easily do farm work. 

[newjerseyhunter]

On 10/15/2018 at 8:42 AM, Hitemnasty said:

I love when I’m in the checkout line and person in front me spends 200$ on toys and stupid nick nacks and pulls out the EBT card to buy the ice cream sandwiches and soda! 

That's when I say, "You're welcome" and they stare at me like I have 10 heads.

[newjerseyhunter]

On 10/15/2018 at 2:23 PM, Batsto said:

To get food stamps you should have to take a drug test. Also they should be made to work sweeping streets, litter collection and whatever the county, state or city needs. To reduce illegal alien farm pickers, welfare recipients could easily do farm work. 

Drug test idea is a waste of money, just more gov't bureaucracy to catch a handful of people. The savings would be far less than the expenditure. 

A work program is a great idea though. Even if it is just beautification or environmental cleanup projects.