Friday, November 01, 2013
My dad was involved in Union County NJ Republican politics for a decade back when the Repugs could still win the Courthouse. That shaped my view of politics even after I moved left & I don't see that much has changed in the practical applications of political power. I don't think it's especially useful to be an ideologue or a cynic. It's too easy, too simple.
But it's difficult not to be cynical when food stamps are cut. Who does this help? Does it solve anything? Who does it hurt? Obviously it hurts people eligible for food stamps. Why are they eligible for food stamps? Why do they need help putting food on the table? What are they supposed to do now if they find themselves among those cut off from might be the best social service program the government offers?
"If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be." Thomas Jefferson