Is anyone else of the same opinion regarding the CSA as i am?
829471
This is very unfortunate and all too common, thankfully the CSA is being disbanded in the New Year as it now costs more to run than it collects. The question is what the Government will replace it with, there is talk of privatising it. \n\nHopefully we will get an organisation that is capable of locating absent parents, assessing their income correctly and pursue them to make payments. Too many absent parents are getting away with not living up to their responsibilties.\n\nOne of the biggest problems is that it has been very inequitable in how it pursues leading to people with little income who have to pay and others who are better off but get of with it.
248949
Even though I am an American I have to agree with you.  So many people in this country take what we have for granted.  The south has always been labeled as an area of high discrimination..but I have been all around this country and trust me..it exists just as much in the north and out west as it does here..I think its the American philosophy of me me me..and if you are not like me then you are against me..its a sad thing but luckily not all Americans are like that!
264550
Receiving money from Social Security isn't a matter of pride, rather it is a matter of support.  There are quite a few people on SS funds.  I'm sure that your parents appreciate the food that you bring home from the food bank, as well.  \n\nI hope that you are seeing a therapist, or at least a doctor, in addition to receiving SS benefits.  If you are not, please look into that.  There are usually community resources that base your rates on your income.  Also, have you conseidered talking to a clergy member about your feelings about God and Jesus?
217955
If I were a farmer with a large flock of sheep, the last person I would want looking after them is God.  \n\nMind you, on the basis of some of these answers, I think I might elect to keep something other than sheep anyway.  \n\nEvolution is indeed a pitifully slow process!
577468
'god bless'...that offends me! lol  But to be honest, even though I'm not a believer, I believe in letting things be. The cross does not offend me. I'd rather go with the majority, myself. I feel like that's what this country is about.
768951
THANK YOU.  I have experienced the very same thing in this forum.  It's the reason I mention the fact that I am a moderate Independent so often.  I'm tired of being labeled a left wing liberal because I don't agree with the ultra-conservative Republicans.  I'm not real fond of extremism in either camp, but lately I have disagreed with the Republican manner of handling this country.  Contrary to their beliefs that does NOT make me a freaking liberal.
1021721
Forget the CSA; they are just overpaid clerks and are all useless.  This man doesnt want anything to do with his kids, or he would raise hell to get to see them.  Forget him and move on- the CSA can make him pay you, but they will knock it off any benefit you get . They cut my benefit by £50 a week when I had three kids under six- when I asked them why, they said my ex had told them he was paying me £50 every week, when he never ever paid me a penny.  I sold furniture, washing machine, even my bed, to put food on the table, and it was 18 months before they believed me.  The CSA in any case cannot intercede to get him to see his kids- have you tried Social Services- they may spout a load of mumbo-jumbo at you, but they are slightly more human than CSA. Very good luck
32099
Headstrong, I grew up with a Mom that was like that.  Her opinion was the right opinion and she didn't even listen to other people.  I don't know where that need to always be right comes from but I do know a lot of people that seem to have that condition. : )
112241
I do. It has become a real problem.  The only way to fight it is to not shop at them.  Every item you buy is a vote.  When you buy organic, or from a small business, or from a ethical group that is also a vote.
996298
Well I'm a stay-at-home mom.  I miss working, I had a great job in the Navy that I really enjoyed but my son is more important.  I don't feel like I contribute as much because I don't earn a paycheck.  I know that what I'm doing is contributing (cleaning, cooking, organizing, paying bills, watching our son so we don't need daycare) but I still fell guilty.  I was going to start watching other children so as to earn money but I'm pregnant again so that's out the window (no one wants you to watch their baby when you're only going be able to do it for a short time).  It works for our family though and I cherish the fact that my son doesn't spend most of his waking hours with some stranger.
727057
Don't blame you at all for being irked! I work in child support so have come across many who are on welfare or some other type of state assistance. It's a very mixed bag which is one of the problems with the system. Some people use it the way it's meant to be...temporarily...and others take it very much for granted. So there are definitely some problems with it. My opinion, it needs to be better controlled and if people aren't willing to use it the right way they should not be entitled to it.
1128116
It goes on your earnings in the uk,csa is a total disgrace a right load of tossh!
981943
simply call your local TV and or radio station and talk to their advertising department and they will help you out and \nif it is truly a CSA  it will almost always be at a reduced rate if not free.
794370
There are two sides to this argument, however I believe a shared cost of the childs needs should be paid for, not a percentage of someones disposable income.\n\nIf we take as average 25% of income at a take home wage of say £300 per week, this is £75 per week. With the best will in the world it does not cost £75 per week to feed and clothe a child.\n\nI do not believe that the parent with custody should be paid for looking after the child.\n\nMy hubby has a daughter and the CSA tried it with him. He blew them out of the water. He told them he would prefer to hire a professional than pay his ex to look after his daughter.\n\nHe is lucky, he has a law degree so he knew how to fight them.
644537
I would be the first in line if someone asked me to support a cause such as this. My daughter in law walked out on her 1 yr and 2 yr old children. I am helping my son raise these two beautiful children. Thank God for grandparents.
476962
This is news to me, is there a growing anti-farm movement brewing that I don't know about? Is this an early indicator I should make myself aware of? \n\nI happen to be big fan of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as lots of other products that need farms to exist like jeans and t-shirts(cotton), coffee, beer and almonds(what could be better than almonds?). So, even though I've been a city kid all my life, hooray for farms!
460712
Even though I live in the south, I would have been on the Union side.  I don't believe one person can "own and sell" another person.