$2000 Debit Cards

I saw on msnbc.com that it was Target gift cards.

 

So it can be used for anything at target? WTF?

 

You can buy lots of stuff at Target including food.



I think that debit cards are way better than checks or cash. At least they can only spend the money on stuff that they need to buy. So people aren't buying like drugs or something with it.

 

Of course, but you can also buy magazines, games, tv's, etc.

You see, I am not against the cards, I am just against the cards being used for anything.

In a perfect world everyone who got a card would make the responsible decision and buy only necessities. In the real world that just isnt going to happen.

Do you not agree that 2 grand would go farther if it was only used for its intendid purpose?

If I lived in NO when this happened and was given a card with 2 grand on it I guarantee I could make it last for quite a while by purchasing only what I need to live on.

I could be wrong on this. I would just want to make sure it is not being abused.

I have family members that I still havent heard from and I hope they can take advantage of this if they are ok and in need of it.

 

is it really horrible of me to think that something is going on between the Target company and hm...say, the people paying for the gift cards?

 

I sure hope that isnt the case.

 

Do you suggest they get food stamps? This allowance does not have to be borderline humiliating for people who were displaced by a natural disaster. As was said before you can buy a lot of different things and food at Target and hopefully and the experience of shopping there itself (alongside with those not affected by Katrina) will make them feel like their lives are getting back on track.

 

Why would it be humiliating? I would use them no questions asked. Its food.

By the way I am not suggesting food stamps. Just want to be careful.

 

Don't you have anything better to do tonight, zman? I'm not quite sure why you're SO concerned with this.

 

I know what you mean. I wonder if it's possible to set a daily spending limit or put some product restrictions (e.g. expensive electronics, etc) on these cards so that some of these problems can be avoided. On the other hand some time from now (1 month+), these people will start their new homes and you can't blame them for wanting to get what they have had before

 

The cards making the news are actual government issued debit cards. Several different parties are giving away gift cards to Target, Wal-Mart, Toys 'R' Us, and a number of other stores.

 

Now that is a good idea. I hope they have thought of it as well.

 

Im not quite sure either. Could be my curiosity, could be my concerns for the issue.

Cant you see that from just reading the thread?

 

I think it's time to convince some Katrina victims to get into domaining...



I kid...I kid.

 

Think about the purchasing power of say $100,000.00 - if the government went out and spend $100,000.00 with a major RETAILER let alone a wholesale outfit, on clothes, food, and other necessities it would save a ton of money, provide necessities for people who are just going to end up still needing them after they waste the 2 grand anyways. Plenty of people will be responsible, but what about a group of 50 people that aren't. That's $100,000.00 of tax money wasted. if it's 500 that's $1M. If it's 50,000 - that number grows to $100 Million wasted tax dollars, plus $200 Million more to get them back on their feet.

Whoever approved this idea is a jackass. The government does not need to give away cash. Have halliburton recruit volunteers and pay the victims for doing work. Provide necessities and distribute them responsibly . Guarantee rents and "getting on your feet" loans for victims. There are a thousand better ideas than this dying to be implemented.

 

Its good to see someone else is thinking in a world of reality. Good post!

 

Hmm I live in Texas...
Anyways, I think a bit more is required than just showing up.