It must be nice to get free stuff all the time!

Yeah, that would irk me too. Most of us have to work for the things we get. My kids used to get free lunch because we got food stamps, but once I started working we couldn't get food stamps anymore and now my kids get reduced lunch. Next year they'll probably have to pay full price for lunch, at which time I'll probably just have them start bringing a lunch because that would most likely work out cheaper.

This reminds me of a tough time I was having several years ago. This is when my three children were still at home and I had just got this job and moved to the area. I was in line at the grocery store...last twenty dollars in hand...holding a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread. I had tried to get temporary help but because I had just got the job I had...I wasn't eligible. A very nice Hispanic lady was in line next to me and her buggy was heaping with stuff. I don't know if she was legal or not...I shouldn't have even paid attention really but I could not help but feel the heat rise in my cheeks Thank goodness my situation has improved greatly since then.

Over here, the refugees are getting council homes at low rents and thousands of dollars a month from the government. They get more but I won't go into it here...I'm talking EACH so a family can very quickly amass a small fortune. They refuse to assimilate too. We have so much more crime and violence in the areas where they are settling. The indigenous community also get many handouts. They are not made to work or go to school, they are rarely punished for crimes committed, they get loans at 3%, cheap council homes and free repairs and maintenance to same as well as r & m to major appliances. Yet the numbers of homeless and battered wives (with children) continue to suffer and go without. The situation stinks of something rotten.

I'd like a free hot tub, please?

Ahhh, I hope he remains humble as well! I don't personally know any families like your son's classmates (wow, I didn't know people get to have free stuff like that!). What other kinds of free stuff do they get? I hope the free stuff is only until they are able to make do on their own - that can't go on forever, right? Unfortunately I do know some people who have abused the system . . . and they are spoiling it for those who really are in need. Believe me, I love free stuff, I really do . . . but I think I would sort of feel guilty about receiving free stuff like that (maybe it's a pride thing?) - perhaps because I have always been able to afford the basic things and haven't gone through any ordeals in another country like that kid's family did. I know my parents were eligible for having us receive lower cost school meals when we were younger, but my parents thought it would be lowly to actually receive it - so we always paid the full price (I rarely bought school food anyway). I guess that's where I get that mentality!!

Maybe the organization is supporting them for a temporary period only. And until his family got settled then only the org or government will let them on their own. I agree that he should remain humble and that he should actually not tell this to all the people he will know. I also love to get free stuff, that would mean I won't need to worry about tomorrow if someone is just gonna give me free foods, clothes and money.

Well, hopefully he will stay humble and not take advantage of all the FREE things he is given because of being from another country. Many times I know too many people take advantage instead of being thankful and it makes me Glad I am not them. But it would be nice many times to be able to get more Help with stuff when I need it. Like with medications, Doctor Bills, etc. But to be able to help someone else out it a good thing as well.

we dont get free stuff much. although last week, we got some clothes and scrapbooking hand me downs from a friend and a box of really yummy cookies from my mom. so sometimes we do get free stuff.

Free stuff would be nice, but I'm not sure having to go through the atrocities of Cambodia would make it worthwhile!

for a limited time is okay. the problem is when this 'freeness' is prolonged the recipients develop an air of entitlement. that they SUPPOSED to get it. This is bad for the parents and devastating for the children to develop this dependency syndrome.anything longer than say 6 months or a year at the most is just plain old not right. There are many citizens in the USA who need help too

This family has been displaced and it is the kindness of the government and other foundations that has enabled them to be able to come and live in this country. Yes, there are times that it does bother people that others are able to get things for free, but imagine the sacrifice that his family has been through moving from their home country to a completely different country. The opportunities that this young man will have growing up will be much greater than what his parents had and for that reason alone, I tend to believe that he will remain a humble young man.

Yes that just seems like that could have the potential for a lot of ugly abuse to the system. See you give people free stuff and after a time, they will keep wanting it longer and longer. Let's hope this is not one of those cases. I can imagine a lot of people are not too happy, because that's human nature and despite the situation, they think it can't be them. Of course, one must wonder how long do you give someone a free ride when they go through an ordeal? I don't know anyone personally to get something like this. However, what I do know is people who would in fact milk this situation for pretty much everything that it is worth. Let's hope they can get back on their feet, because I doubt that this is making them many friends, because as I said, it's simple human nature to feel envious.

We went through a financial crisis. My husband's income is commission based. I lost my job about 14 yrs ago. It was at the time of year where my husband wasn't earning much. The company I was working for, closed. We had 2 young children. Even though I hated to, we applied for assistance and were turned down because his annual income was too high. Our bills and loans that we had were dependent on both of our incomes. But they don't take into consideration some loans. At the time, we had 2 car loans, our mortgage, an equity loan, and $600 in credit card debt. We were living within our means. So here we are, 1/3 of our income gone. And this other family we know had been getting assistance for at least 10 yrs. They had 2 young children and 1 in high school. The dad had a full time job and he didn't want his wife to work because then they wouldn't get the free stuff and food stamps. I think assistance is necessary for some people at certain times when they really need it. But I definitely think that the government needs make some guideline changes. I couldn't find a job outside the home that paid enough for childcare and to help with our bills, so I started doing in-home childcare.

I agree with you and hope that he and his family don't abuse the system. I think it is fine and a very nice deed to help families like these while they try and settle down but once his parents are settled and have a job here then it is a different thing. If his parents are able to provide for their families needs then it is definitely not fair for them to receive free things while others don't. Also, if their situation has changed over time and they don't need help anymore then they shouldn't benefit from generosity of others but let someone needy take advantage of these free things

I think that its great people are helping him out considering people now days are so selfish and are only in it for themselves. But I hope they are just giving him what is actually needed such as clothes, shoes, food, a roof over his head, school supplies. Other than that I dont feel that it is fair just based on where he is from. I do hope he doesnt get used to it. Does his parents work yet? and no offense I'm glad they let him go to a semi private school but why cant he go to public school? It would be great to get free stuff all the time but then we would never understand the work and effort it takes to get where you want to be and for what you are able to get...if that made sense. I love working for what I have, makes me feel bad even when someone offers to pay for me. So lets hope he's very grateful for everything he has gotten and doesn't just expect it