Food Stamps Gone, Crack Jokes In: A Republican's Priorities
The Independent reports a House Republican inflamed the looming government shutdown over expiring SNAP benefits for 40 million Americans with the sage advice to 'stop smoking crack.' This pithy policy prescription comes as the Department of Agriculture scrambles for $8 billion to fund SNAP in November. Simultaneously, Congress recently approved another round of military aid to Israel, totaling
$14.3 billion for the current fiscal year (Congressional Record, H.R. 815, Oct. 26). The priorities are clear: secure the borders of 'allies' overseas, but let Americans fend for themselves. One might wonder if the esteemed Representative has offered similar 'personal responsibility' guidance to defense contractors or foreign governments who consistently rely on taxpayer largesse. It appears some
government spending is always essential, while basic needs for its citizens are a 'crack' problem. Perhaps 40 million hungry Americans just need a better dealer, or maybe, just maybe, their elected officials could prioritize feeding them over proxy wars.