I did not mention the arrests in Lakewood for alleged welfare fraud, as I had nothing different to say about it beyond the shock and anger everyone else was already expressing. A news report that was published today provides some additional insight worth getting upset about.

Previously, when the news broke, it was relatively easy to say it is a few people, and even though a shul rabbi was involved, and just less than a dozen people - ok, every community has its black sheep. As much of a chilul hashem it is, and it is, at the end of the day it is a few people and not widespread.

According to today's news report on the matter, "In the last two days, hundreds of residents called township leaders asking how they can avoid arrest or get amnesty related to an alleged public-assistance fraud scheme that could stretch into the millions of dollars, according to one law enforcement with knowledge of the ongoing probes." (from APP)

Did you get that? hundreds of residents are calling township leaders asking how to avouid arrest or if they can get amnesty.

That means it is widespread. Assuming, of course, this one law enforcement officer with knowledge is not actually just making it up to scare people.

It is shocking and upsetting that it is so widespread, and it is shocking that they would call in like that looking for amnesty. When, as reported, law officials last year warned community leadership about welfare fraud and how seriously they are taking it and investigating such matters, nobody seemed worried enough to stop or put an end to it, but now that arrests are coming down the pipeline, suddenly everyone is looking to cut a deal.

It looks bad for the entire community, it looks bad for the entire nation, and it really looks bad for Lakewood. and I don't just mean "bad" as far as arrests, but as far as the State probably then changing the welfare system because of this, and the more difficult time people will have in the future qualifying and making a basic living as they have become accustomed to do.

My father has told many times in the past about such things that people need to realize that the government has people employed to spend the entire day, from when they wake up until they go to sleep being paid to find these schemes and charlatans. You might get away with it for a while, but eventually they will catch up to you.