Must Be Nice

It must be nice to be not have to work 40 hours or not to work at all. It must be nice to receive food stamps or assistance. I wish I got food stamps. I wish I didn’t have to work.

Really?

It never ceases to amaze me the dumb and thoughtless things that fall out of the mouths of human beings in relation to the unknown situations or hardships of other people. I don’t know if I am get older and less tolerant of ignorant statements. Standing in line, the woman in front of me paid for her food with food stamps. After she left, the cashier says to me, “Must be nice not to have to pay for food. I wish I had food stamps and could sit at home.” Before I knew it I responded “Really? You wish would lose your job or due to an unforeseen illness or accident be rendered unable to work and take care of your family so that you wouldn’t have to pay for food and sit at home?” Silence.

Must be nice to wonder where your next meal is going to come from. Must be nice to fall on hard times or be marked as disabled. Must be nice to feel like a loser because you receive government assistance and everyone in line thinks you’re a leech. It must be nice to worry about your family’s future. It must be nice to all of a sudden have it all and lose it. It must be nice to work all your life and retire and can barely make ends meet.

No, it must be very stupid to say things without thinking about how a person ended up where they are. And for all you don’t know, it just may be a temporary set back. Be careful what you wish for this could be you.

Thank you. You’re Welcome.