[Maven]

Earlier today, I was watching a rerun of Judge Joe Brown. I'd seen this episode before, and maybe I just didn't notice before, but he made a comment I found offensive. The case involved a real jacka** guy, who said he was on SSI, and Judge Brown said, "Oh, you get a crazy check?"

I'm not on SSI, I'm on SSDI, but it's the same thing, and I know there are people here on SSI and other mental health communities. We're not crazy, and such a comment is asinine!

[Raynaadi]

I agree.

[Juliana]

I agree. That's very ignorant.

[InACorner]

im sorry ..whats SSI ....just asking...

it sounds offensive even not knowing what SSI is...what judge would even say that to begin with???????????/

[Juliana]

I didn't know what it was either, Inny. I live in Canada so I had to look it up.

Here's the link I found: http://www.ssa.gov/notices/supplemen...curity-income/

[InACorner]

"Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes):

It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income; and

It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. "

Alright....well if this this what it is...then there was not even a slight explanation why the judge would say that...
i dont get it...why would he say that to a blind person...about getting a crazy check????

in Brown's defense he reserves those comments, usually to deadbeats and probably didn't take into account how much his comment would hurt others.

i don't' see him very often, but he seems to really take those on that don't live up to their duties and have excuses for how they "support" their children and such. i'm giving him a pass on it. it was offensive, but i think he says more helpful than harmful things. he's not Don Imus.

[Raynaadi]

Yeah I'm sure part of the comment was in reference to those just trying to live off the system, but it was still an ignorant comment.

I'm in the process of applying for this because of my MS. I was denied the first time and am in the appeals stage. Because of the many trying to scam the system, they deny most who apply......its a painful process.

[EJ711]

Maven,

That was an extremely insensitive and prejudicial comment. Like Imus, he should be banned from the Federally Regulated Airwaves.

EJ

[Crystal88]

I too saw this episode but it didn't make me angy because what I got out of it was the comment by the judge was just reflecting back to the guy what he had just said - that he got the check because he was crazy, with alot of mental problem. I think the Judge was just making a point to the guy mental problems and getting a check form social security does not mean you are crazy and get to shurk your responsibilities. But the guy seemed to be using his mental problems and getting the check as an excuse why he was doing wrong.

[Maven]

Oops, sorry, I forgot some ppl wouldn't know what SSI was.

I'm not saying Judge Joe Brown is a bad guy, just that that comment was insensitive. I agree, he is very much about people taking responsibility for their actions, and I approve of that. Just because he said it to an idiot didn't mean it was ok to say, though. I hope he thinks before he refers to government help that away again.

[nicole84]

Yeah exactly, there are ppl out there that actually need the help, alot that abuse it though also. Over here in Australia we have Centrelink which is our government agency and they pay ppl that are looking for work or unable to look for work. Its an allowance thats just enough to live on, but it helps and by no means means that your crazy or slack or anything. That said though, theres always ppl that like to rip off the system and gives a bad name to others that genuinely need it

[Juliana]

I agree Maven. I was on Social Assistance for a few years while I was sick. I had no other options. I was very embarrassed about it -- even though I shouldn't have been. I didn't CHOOSE to get too sick to work and have to live on $560/month from the government. Who would choose that?

Government support programs are in place to help people when they really need it, but there's such a stigma attached. A big part of it is because the system is abused by some people and that gives it a bad name for everyone. I just wish that people would remember that many people are receiving government assistance because they NEED it -- and that's what the support system is for -- to help those in need. Anyway, accepting help was hard on my pride but I am SO thankful that the help was there when I needed it.

Someone like Judge Joe Brown who is so publicly visible and well-educated, should know better. He shouldn't perpetrate ignorant stereotypes about government assistance and mental illness.