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Culture War Roundup for the week of February 16, 2026

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It's this last point that really sums it all up, the idea that the system is there to be gamed, largely is gamed, that there exists an advantage in trying to game it, and the self-congratulation that comes along with not gaming it. To make a seasonal reference, it's as if we are Christ tempted in the desert. Except anyone with half a brain knows that nobody on food stamps is getting any advantage from the system. For a single individual, the income limit is about $2600/month. Would you want to live on that in exchange for a benefit that maxes out at $300/month? And other dubious benefits, like reduced rent on a small apartment in a questionable area? And noticed I said maximum benefit; if you make anywhere near the limit you are only getting a fraction of that. I don't know how much but even if you're getting the whole thing it doesn't seem like a great deal. "But if I weren't working, I'd get the whole thing, and it might be worth it being poor if I didn't have to go to work." No, it wouldn't. You don't have to work, and unless your hobbies are watching daytime broadcast television or hanging around outside a Co-Go's, I believe you'd find yourself bored with the welfare lifestyle rather quickly.

This is, essentially, incorrect and why your point ends up being silly.

People on food stamps often have brand new 70k+ SUVs. Are they spending their entire income on said SUV and living in it? No. The system is being gamed with hidden income, usually grey market, but often black. And living in a questionable area? Thats where these people grew up! They and their ancestors are why it is questionable! Its fish in water at worst, often they prefer it and actively object to anyone trying to improve the place their ancestors ethnically cleansed by persons of another race.

People on food stamps often have brand new 70k+ SUVs.

How often?

The system is being gamed with hidden income, usually grey market, but often black.

13% of Californians receive at least some EBT. Is it really unbelievable that 13% of people actually earned less than the EBT threshold (about $50k for a household of 3)? I could present arguments about income distributions but if you think it's not being reported I don't think you'd find them convincing.