As of this writing, our government is refusing to use a $5 billion emergency fund to maintain the SNAP food stamp program during the government shutdown, leaving 40 million Americans facing lost food benefits. This clearly reflects a lack of humanity, not a lack of money, as the funds are legally available and were used by past administrations during national emergencies.
Instead of supporting struggling families, the White House is holding the nation’s hungriest as hostages in a political dispute. Simultaneously, construction is ongoing for a new, $300 million White House ballroom, reportedly funded by major corporations and billionaire donors. This stark moral contrast highlights a government prioritizing lavish spending for the wealthy while allowing essential benefits for the poor to lapse.
If the shutdown persists, experts warn that food benefits could vanish completely for millions. Money is always found for opulent projects, but not “a dime” for a struggling mother to buy groceries.
“And when the strife is fierce, the conflict long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, alleluia!”
(For All the Saints, Chalice Hymnal #637 v. 4)
Shalom, Paul