Achilles wrote:
I suppose it's just a esoteric topic on a thread until it happens to a friend or family member - then, and only then, it will become a real issue to you.
A similar monetary situation and struggle to eat and cope has been part of the life of someone who is a good friend to many of us on here; someone many of us know personally. They didn't steal, no, and eventually managed with the help of food donations and a couple of forum peeps taking them out shopping when they were able to make contact, but whilst waiting for a problem processing a crisis loan they never had food for, I think, six days.
So not so esoteric, and nobody said it wasn't a real problem, but that shouldn't stop discussion.
I understand MaliA's uncomfortableness to some degree; I think for some people not knowing all the facts (why the sanction, how long had she had the food bank vouchers, why couldn't she attend when it was open? Is it her first shoplifting offence or 300th?) will obscure the facts for some. Others can look straight beyond this to the eventual outcome and back to the problem source.
I think it's a good cause. I hope that the money is put to good use both for this woman and in supporting food banks as stated. More pressingly, that we still have cases of people unable to eat for days is something that needs highlighting, and if this brings it to press attention on any level then in that manner, at least, it has achieved a great thing.