Today in Cruelty – House Republicans Pass Draconian Cuts to Nutrition Assistance for Low Income People

Why – Because That’s What They Do

For those looking to find the worst in America the Republicans in the House of Representatives just made themselves the conspicuous target.  They passed a law that would sharply reduce funding for nutrition assistance and require those receiving assistance to face large new hurdles.

The bill would cut $40 billion from the food stamp program over the next 10 years. It would also require adults between 18 and 50 without minor children to find a job or to enroll in a work training program in order to receive benefits. It would also limit the time those recipients could get benefits to three months.

It’s hard to comprehend how these Conservatives can pass such a law and still refer to themselves as deeply religious.  Or as decent human beings.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, nearly four million people would be removed from the food stamp program under the House bill. A Census Bureau report released on Tuesday found that the food stamp program had kept about four million people above the poverty level and had prevented millions more from sinking further into poverty.

But these men and women are not decent, are not religious and embody all of the mean spirited characteristics of Dickensian villains of the 19^th century.  One can imagine a House member going home to his or her family.

            Child:  Hi Daddy (or Mommy),   What did you do today

            Conservative Republican House Member:  I voted to pass a bill that would make millions go to bed hungry.

            Child:  Oh dear, does that include us?

            Conservative Republican House Member:  Oh no, I have a nice government job and I make hundred of thousands of dollars each year.  The people that will go hungry are poor, lazy men and women who just want a handout because they cannot find work.

            Child:  What are you going to do tomorrow?

            Conservative Republican House Member:  Well with hard work I may be able to deny those hungry people health care.

            Child:  Do we get health care?

            Conservative Republican House Member:  Oh yes, I have a nice government job and the government provides all of us with a fantastic health care insurance plan that costs us very little.  But there is a mean President who wants the government to help other families have health care, and that is just wrong.

            Child:  Why, it doesn’t sound wrong.

            Conservative Republican House Member:  Well it is, because we say it is.  Now go to bed before the mean Democrats come with their plans to have plenty of good nutrition and health care for everyone.  And don't worry, we're gong to stop that sort of nonsense.