No doubt about it, whether pauper or prince. From Mr. Meagermoney to Mr. Madolf. Some work hard to steal, some steal so they don't have to work hard. Some probably feel guilty, some probably feel entitled (because they "worked hard" on the theft-and maybe because the everyday joes let it happen).

Yes.

And I think that most thievery is committed by people who don't want to work and/or feel entitled to things they didn't earn.

I think they probably sell lottery tickets at most commercial establishments; never checked it out.
Do I "attach poverty to the fact that it's robbed about every six months?"
Do I think it's robbed because the robber lives in poverty, or do I think the robbery throws the victim into poverty? Probably both (if the viictim goes through it enough).
And, the robber is probably not well off, unless he does it for sport (and I don't condone either one in case you were going to ask).
But, though I think the majority of robberies are committed by someone who is short on money, I do not think that the majority of people who are short on money commit robbery.
Did I cover everything?

OK.

By the way, do they sell lottery tickets at that gas station?

And do you attach poverty to the fact that it's robbed about every six months.

GFan! I'm not sure what you're trying to get me to say that I haven't already, but I AGREE attributing the obesity problem of the poor to "food deserts" is NOT COMPREHENSIVE"!!. However, I DO NOT agree that it is entirely BOGUS! How could it be? But YOU know there are no "yes" or "no" answers to a complex subject like this.
I have never done any scientific studies on the problem, so I would not attribute obesity of any specific individuals entirely on "food desert", although I know it could be a contributing factor. I DO NOT KNOW the degree.
And, for the record, IF it was proven to me that 85% of poverty and/or obesity were preventable (by the effort of those individuals, but they did little or nothing), I would continue to defend(?) the other 15%. In that 15% there would be a certain percentage for whom their poverty and/or obesity could be helped, also. (By helped, I mean a way out, not just given aid of some sort.) What a worthwhile project, no?

RUS, do you agree with the statements below, or not?

************
"The point is: The reply of "food deserts" to the obesity problem of the poor is not comprehensive. It is a bad reply, it is bad thinking. It's a bogus excuse that encourages and justifies bad behavior."
************

You should, in light of the fact that you point out many more valid reasons for the obesity of poor people.

baked potato and Sour cream. Habit after 15 years of waitressing. My groc list looks like this too. Tp, Bp, SC , Bu.
Banana, potato, onion are actually priced well at Kwik Trip. Milk too. 2 liter Urge soda. Cheese and SC- no way!

ru- "I don't know for sure if it was or is still accurate."

Why- LAZY, over fed, to much fast food, no walking. I always laugh about people who think no where to park down town. Never had an issue and the whole downtown can be walked from end to end in about 15 minutes. People wont complain about parking at the mall though and walking end to end. I am talking about people who can walk. People not knowing 1/2 a pizza is NOT a protion of pizza. Too many all you can eat buffets for 5.99 and then they eat all they possible can too. Eating until you are full and not eating the correct amount instead.

I'm not sure if I'm supposed to get defensive, or assume that you know we are in agreement. You do remember that you brought it up in this conversation, right? I proceeded, when asked, to suggest the reality of the concept of "food desert". Depending on help/transportation available to an individual, it may or may not make a difference to their situation where they were housed (assuming they were housed).
There are poor (and/or obese) people who shouldn't need defending because they haven't really done anything "wrong", and people who are poor (and/or obese) who shouldn't be defended because they haven't really did everything right. Same as anyone, anywhere about anything. I guess it's that stereotype thing. It irks me.

The point is: The reply of "food deserts" to the obesity problem of the poor is not comprehensive. It is a bad reply, it is bad thinking. It's a bogus excuse that encourages and justifies bad behavior.

If the claim was accurate, I'd certainly have to say that would only be a part of the problem. I know I've read that the U.S. had the world's largest percentage of heavy people in general. I don't know for sure if it was or is still accurate.
Why?

Then, the claim of "food deserts" is not an adequate explanation for the statement: "The poorest people in America are the fattest people in the word." right?

Gfan-as I said "But obesity can happen for many reasons"...think of this, too, though:a camel is in a desert, he finds an oasis, drinks his fill of water...stores it. It's the way his body works. But I have the distinct feeling you want to say something and/or counter a point I may (or may not) have been trying to make. Please do.
Frogger: no, I don't eat only crackers. Now what did I say about misinterpreting? But, so I don't do the same, what is BP and SC? I had fun with it for awhile, but now I want to know what you really meant.
And yes, there are plenty of larger, cheaper stores in Janesville. Mostly around the edges. And buses. I'll mention that to my acquaintance with Myasthenia gravis, and to the people I see on those scooters going in to buy those bananas at the convenience store. I was going to mention that members of the larger family could each carry one bag of healthy foods on that bus (and each pay bus fare), but you might say they should not have had that large family. Then I might say they had it before their trouble started. Then you might say...(Never mind. Couldn't we just go on and on?! I do that on my own as it is.) You and I have it so easy that we may not think of challenges others have.
I'm not making excuses for anyone. Sometimes there ARE excuses, and sometimes there are reasons. Sometimes it takes a compassionate but wise person to know the difference. I try to be both, and hope you do, too.

ru- I doubt that you only eat cheese/ crackers. Banana fill you up for .49 a lb. BP is good for you but I add SC and lots of cheese and bacon. I guess I do skip the butter. There should be plenty of time to get to the store and cook. We have plenty of grocers around JVL that none are too far. Pretty sure the bus can get you there. They don't nned help with excuses. Ribbit ;)

gfan- that is the part I missed. If I were to connect the dots it seems that way. Something about 17 on here and bill was 13 then 4 bucks at lottery counter. Should have watched more closely.

Does that mean the poor fat people there who can't get to a grocery store are fat from eating food from the gas station?

Gazettefan, yes, that would be what is generally considered a food desert. Probably a much bigger problem for big inner-city areas, but you must know it can (and does) happen here.
But obesity can happen for many reasons, in stable and unstable financial situations. It just adds to the problem of poor dietary choices when there's little money and few options, like transportation (whether their circumstances are of their own making or not). Yes, they could buy those $.39 a pound bananas, or $.79 a pound potatoes, and hopefully many do (or they wouldn't keep selling them). And I'm guessing sometimes junk is bought for reasons that we might not think are valid.
For me, poor food choices happen when I'm in a hurry, might not get to eat til much later, and need to take the edge off. I'll run in to a store and buy "Crackerfuls"-the kind with extra cheese. Or sometimes those teriaki beef jerky nuggets. But I guess I can do it without a frog on my back (don't worry, that is now a term of endearment), and I burn off the crackerful calories easier, so I consider myself fortunate. Some are less fortunate, some are less "industrious". But please tell me you know they're not all the same.
And I think if anyone was caught giving change for a Quest card, they'd be in trouble.

frogger, did he get cash back using his food stamp card?

Comment for RUserious.

Is that area a food desert? Are there poor people there who are fat from food at the gas station because that place is the main source of their dietary intake?

"I'm afraid you're constantly misinterpreting what I say"
wasnt trying to, just commenting. SO you can buy junk food on food stamps? That is stupid.
I didn't stare at the big lady. I don't know why she was big. But if this was a disease I would think sje would have her own cart. She was not hugely obease. She said it pretty snotty to the lady at Walmart too about if the cart dies becuase I have to pull up 10 feet and turn around becuase she ran into a makeshift "dead end".
Okay the guy in line- I was right behind him and he said something about my food stamp card. I can hear just fine. Then I noticed him again at the lottery ticket counter. I notice lots of things- sorry. I know the bill was about 13 and he said something about 17 on his food stamp card thing. It was like a credit card thing that he swiped to pay. If I would have totally followed him I would have noticed when the $4 came from. It seems like it was a small amount so they gave it back to him in cash but I cannot be sure because I wasn't watching close enough. It is just weird to me to get free food off tax payer and then spend, what some people called, the last $3. I should have waited to see if he went to liquer store next or if he got some smokes after the lottery ticket sale at the same counter. I had other things to do.

Gazettefan, sure-they can make a quick trip, get what's available in that convenience store/gas station where they stop, and go again. You must know the places I'm talking about. You don't think that happens? Especially if they might have limited or no transportation available and cannot get to a "real" grocery store for in between needs?
Frogger, I'm afraid you're constantly misinterpreting what I say. I'm talking about people who have some cash available. Food stamps are probably already too liberal, but that's not what I was talking about. But buying junk food with them? A recent story here had people posting complaints about people doing just that.
And I'm not talking about shiftless people who are capable of working. Do you think I admire that? For example that lady you were watching, could she be the one I know of who has Myasthenia gravis? The one who couldn't get out of her wheelchair is she wanted to most of the time? And yep-she's waaaay overweight, and not much she can do about it. So, just in case it's the same one, don't scorn or laugh at her. Just stare.
And the guy you were watching, the one you watched while he used "food stamps", then watched while he went to buy lottery tickets. You were close enough to see it wasn't a debit card? But if it wasn't, he should know he's being watched. You seem to be on the lookout for those kinds of things. Lets call it "frog on his back" :-) (yes, I'm teasing)

I think this is cool. You do have to play to win. Hope he gets some help to use it wisely and maybe invest. I hear the tv comments "what would you do" I would still go to work. Cannot sit around home all day. Maybe only work 30 hours a week though;)

Gazettefan- yes I think it sucks but if they win then hopefully we wont need to support them anymore. I did see a guy at Logli. Went right from register with his food stamp card thing and then to the lottery ticket counter. IT was only a $3-4. But is this daily? Monthly? Just sometimes?

So all the free food they get from food stamps is junk food. I don;t think so!! Yuo cannot buy soda pop on food stamps but the cart is loaded with it. Pretty sure twinkies on not on the list either.

I saw a big lady riding in a cart because she was to big to walk. If she walks she could shed a couple lbs. The she had to back it out and said what if the battery dies will somebody bring me a new cart. It wasn't her own cart either so I would assume she was ABLE to walk. WOW. I thought. Sorry but I thought extra lazy.

Where do the fat poor people who live downtown and can't get to a grocery store get there food, the gas station?

That's what I get for spending MY last 10 minutes trying to read and respond to a question. I have no problem with cranking out quantity (you've probably noticed) but the quality was lacking.
I didn't notice you said "well-off" people buying lottery tickets. I have no answer for that, except for people maybe wanting even more (quantity, not quality) and the hope for instant gratification in getting it.
No, I can't imagine people buying lottery tickets because they might die an untimely death. My misunderstanding of your question. At the time I wrote it I was suggesting that some in such dire circumstances (homeless, destitute, hopeless...) might try it because they might think it's their last desperate chance out of the circumstances they're in. Some might prefer, or even arrange, death to get out of whatever hole they can't climb out of. I don't know that anyone has ever tried a lottery ticket prior to suicide...just a possibility. Stranger things have happened. And if that sounds like me being dramatic, it's not.
Food deserts: Yes, it can be a problem. Of course it can. And what's worse, that high calorie food you speak of would probably cost much more than healthy alternatives that they might not have the same access to. Also, you probably know, the hungry body stores fat. This is not to say that people still don't purposely gobble up twinkies (past tense of course) when they could eat a tomato or some fruit. I know that happens. Not sure what they're going to do now...
Disclaimer: I'm not talking about people who could work, or help themselves but prefer the easy way out, etc. I'm talking about people who genuinely have no alternatives.
Advocates...lots of ways a person could be an advocate, and yes, your suggestion is one thing, but I was thinking more along the lines of making sure they had access to those healthier choices, and even shown how to use them so they could be preferable to a meal of twinkies if they needed that "education". Transportation can be a big issue in this. How many grocery stores are within walking distance of, for example, downtown Janesville? Now, how about convenience stores and fast food places? And what about people who get too old or infirm to drive even if they did have a car? Family? Everyone isn't so lucky.
Ok, there's that quantity again...I just hope the quality was a little better.

Okay, wait a minute, RUSerious, who do you mean by last dollar? I was referring to well-off people. And is it your claim that they buy lottery tickets because they might die an untimely death? C'mon. They buy them for dreams and happiness. What dreams and happinesses do they acquire during the "life" of the ticket that will replace the dreams and happinesses they already have?

The streamline description of food desert is: Some poor people are overweight because they don't have the location and/or the transportation that would allow them to buy healthier, low calorie food. They can only make their way to sources that only sell high calorie food. Really, is this actually a significant problem?

Let me put it this way: Someone makes this statement: "The poorest people in this country are the fattest people in the world." Is the proper response to that statement "food deserts"?

And advocates? People to tell overweight people not to eat so much? How would this be facilitated?

The concept of "food desert" is real, and might be different things to different people. And it doesn't have to be a big city for people to be affected. That's why people in those situations need advocates. I mean dedicated ones who might be willing to go to some lengths to counter the affects. Not "haters" to add the feeling of worthlessness to a person living with a feeling of constant desperation with no apparent way out. Even if I'm talking about the minority here, I still do not consider them expendable.
Though I do not suggest it, and realistically know that, as you said, "it's more likely that the purchaser will die an untimely death than win", is it any wonder that some might buy a lottery ticket with that last dollar or two? Sometimes if one outcome doesn't happen, the other is chosen.
Not many people would have brought it up, or even have been familiar with the concept of food desert. Interesting.

RUSerious, I don't begrudge people who genuinely need help. And I don't think all people who need help are abusive.

Yes, re: empty dream -and replaced happiness. A lot of people who are well-off buy lottery tickets. Since it's more likely that the purchaser will die an untimely death than win, what dreams and happinesses are being replaced between the the time of the purchase and the drawing when he or she loses again?

Also, what do you think of the concept of the "food desert?"

I remember that Mac, sometime in the last year or so. (Though I didn't know she died.) Sad story, sad life, apparently. But I remember when I read about her still getting assistance after winning. Not good, not respectable, and what a lost opportunity. Can't remember if she had kids. Hope not.
I can't really define my feelings on the lottery, but certainly should only be played by people who have that buck or 2 to spare, and don't have to make a choice between milk or a ticket. And certainly not with a dollar they've received through some sort of assistance. BUT-what bothers me as much as someone who'd do that are people who lump that kind of person in with someone getting assistance for truly valid reasons. Like a little old lady who shot someone breaking into her house might be put in the same group as a cold-blooded killer.
I've seen assistance abusers that would make you cringe with disgust, and I've seen elderly people who've lost their pensions cry in despair if they had to accept a few cans of soup. So it enrages me if they're lumped together as shiftless no good cheats.
Hey, thanks Gazettefan, for the much needed lift! The empty dream comment...could be. Sad, huh?

I spent $10 on Powerball tix this afternoon. This is the second time I've played this year. Almost no chance of winning anything, but it's fun to think about a huge win during the day after buying the tickets!

True, Mac...., and that woman died of a possible drug overdose.

RUSerious, your comment receives high marks from the Gazettefan Special Seal of Approval (GSSA) committee.

As for your question: The real point is: The lottery is the great equalizer when it comes to attracting people with empty dreams.

RUserious: this has happened before, I believe there was a woman in Michigan a few years back that hit a lottery of some sort, but was over a $1 mil and they were still continuing to collect food stamps. That is until the news caught wind of it and then the free ride stopped and I believe she was punished.

But obviously it shows she was playing it while on assistance and many believe this is their only way out of poverty, which further pushes them into poverty. A wise person once told me that lottery winners and big jackpot winners at casinos do not build the casinos, its the ones that lose that pay for improvements.

Facts are facts GF. I don't like it either, but you can't fix stupid.

Although it's open to anyone (over 18 I believe), I can't imagine anyone thinking it's ok for someone receiving assistance spending their cash on the lottery when those dollars could be spent on something important, like household expenses, healthy food, etc.
Most readers here know your feeling about the lottery in general, but did you really think anyone would feel differently about that question?
But-if one of those with a frog on his back (means despised person receiving assistance) did win big after wasting those dollars on the lottery, I'd hope all would pay back (as well as stop taking assistance immediately). I'm not naive enough to think all would do that (in any walk of life), but I KNOW many would get a thrill out of it.

Yes, I know, thirdeye. And some of them are obese because they live in a mythical food desert. It doesn't help to provide excuses for acts of poor judgement.

And NV....'s political bent shouldn't keep him from understanding that the lottery is the poor man's version of corporate welfare -but it does. The lottery catapults the system's rare winner (and chronic "victim" of capitalism) into the realm of "unjust enrichment."

gazettefan Nov 27, 2012 at 8:42 a.m. These same folks buy cigarettes at $6-7.00 per pack. (Could be as low as $3.00 a pack had not the court ruled against those roll your own machines.)
As Janesvillecomments said: "You can't fight human nature."
Though many have tried.

NVgrf @ 6:39 pm, Nov 26. Explain why the amount of wealth held by Wal Mart heirs is wrong.
Did they achieve this wealth illegally or take it from someone else?
Are they doing something wrong now?
BTW how did you come up with that 40% figure?

Anyone have any thoughts about people who buy lottery tickets while benefiting from charities, including food pantries, and other kinds of help from the government, including money?

Congrats to the winner, that is great news! Of course some people have to drag politics into this, good God... pathetic, but not surprised. I hope he spends some of that million at Wal-Mart.

By the way, illdrink......, how's the most recent reincarnation going?

;~)

True,janesvillecomments, his personal human nature will be the same. And, at best, in six months he'll be as happy as was just prior to winning.

BostonBill, the workings of the numbers game that is the lottery is not illegal. The numbers game is only illegal if the state doesn't run it.

illdrink......, considering that only a tiny sliver of a tiny sliver of a fraction of a fraction of one percent ever win the lottery, then, the magical thinking of the the millions of losers is akin to religious belief.

After reading this I would hope the editorial department of The Gazette would have a job opening. Why would anyone think the $ 500,000 would be enough to quit a job ? Unless perhaps the money would be used for education to get a better job or to open a business.

Congrats to Rodger Cobb! oldvet disgusting comment as this is about Rodger not politics and since you brought up your negative republican garbage, I will give you reality, you mean Walker and your republican people can't get their greedy mitts on it, as Obama is far from greedy, remember he is the one that wants the rich Greedy ones to pay their fair SHARE.

Good for Roger Cobb. I hope he spends a little and invests a little and hides most of it so the Socialists and obama
can't get their greedy mitts on it.

If you really want to set gazettefan off...tell him a catholic priest buys a lottery ticket in hopes of propagating the faith.

There may even be enough fireworks to cover the 4th of July at Traxler park.

DwightKSchrute - just for grins, I've read some web articles about lottery winners. In some states, you can form a a trust or a limited liability company to be the collector of the lottery. I don't know if that would work in Wisconsin, but I'll be checking that out if my ticket wins.

ImJustSayin - I think they meant a RETIRED Gazette employee declined to be interviewed by the Gazette reporter. ☺ As a matter of common courtesy, or common sense in not annoying a person who now has a half-million dollar war chest for attorney's fees, the Gazette would be wise to respect the winner's wishes.

gazettefan - the poor also buy a disproportionate percentage of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and illegal drugs. You can't fight human nature.

I don't realistically expect to win, but like many others, I like to daydream about winning the big jackpot, and buying a ticket makes daydreaming easier.

"Leave Britney alone."....(Sorry; flashback)

Seriously, show some respect to Mr. C. NOW, is the time when we should wish him good luck.

gazettefan, numbers games are against the law..., "or so the Germans would have us believe". (Norm Macdonald)

I love how the lottery ads put in the disclaimer regarding if one has a gambling problem....
(by the way, i bought a couple tickets today...shhhhh)

nvgrf: You could have left off the first 20 words.

"and a woman at his home in Darien said he would not do interviews."
Did I just read that right? A Gazette employee wouldn't give an interview to a Gazette reporter?

The "winner" participated in a numbers game that conjures up some of the worse ideas about what it takes to feel fulfilled. As the "winner" he is, in reality, a paid endorser for the purchase of millions of more losing tickets -bought mostly by people who can least afford the expense. To boot, no matter how well he handles the money, in six months his emotional state and mental stability will be right where they were just before he "won" -at best.

The lottery system makes millions of people chronic losers. It sells the saddest of dreams. There are better ways to dream.

In Wisconsin, lottery winners can not remain anonymous. His name would come out either way.

I agree . I would have said nothing if I would have won a million. If I won a chunk like 50 million I would have just vanished in to thin air. 1 million could last a life time, but in most cases,a short period of time. I am very happy for him congrats !!!

The most important thing about lottery winnings is to get financial advice and if possible take the structured payout instead of the lump sum. The majority of winners, especially lump sum recipients, end up having financial troubles 3-5 years after winning.
.
But yes, it isn't a good idea to trumpet your winnings about. Everybody and his cousin will suddenly be your best friend, and you know, they need this kidney transplant, doncha know....
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/nati...
http://www.abc15.com/dpp/money/personal_...

This is the exact opposite type of thing you do when you win the lottery. Just in case the article couldn't make it more clear: Roger Cobb from Darien would be a great person to extort money from!

Congrats ! I bought my ticket today and hope to win something on Wed....It would be an nice early b-day present :D
*
Although I know that likelyhood is slim it is still fun to dream.

In a time when the five Walmart heirs have more money than the bottom 40% of the American population combined, it is great to see this happen to an average guy!!