I touched on this in my earlier post on mixed feelings amount amazon.
I spent a lovely late fall morning and early afternoon on the golf course and had some time to think some more about our current political situation. I think that explains my horrific front-nine score. I rallied on the back-nine.
Interesting How?
This says it all.
I honestly don’t think that there has been a huge shift and people now really like the Democratic party’s policies.
Fed Up
I think people are fed up. With all politicians.
Last night wasn’t necessarily a love song to the democratic party, but more a mandate for change.
What I think is interesting here is that the American people seemed to be fed up in 2024. Immigration and inflation were big issues.
10 and a half months into a new administration, one of the key items – inflation – is still a problem. And while I’m sure someone could cherry-pick lots of facts to prove me wrong, the headline seems like it should be Many Americans are Struggling!
Amazon is doing well. Bezos, Gates, Musk and Taylor Swift are all doing really well.
Why can’t I buy a home? Why can’t I get a raise? And now I need to worry if AI is going to steal the crummy job that I have.
SNAP
To me, the recent back and forth on the SNAP (food stamps) program says it all. With the government shut down and no progress in resolving the budget crisis (which absolutely is a crisis unless you are Taylor, Jeff, Bill or a wealthy congressperson), the American people are left high and dry in many areas.
Especially SNAP.
Our inability to fund this means some people in America will not eat.
I’m not going to argue that the SNAP program is perfect, or even well-managed. There are probably people taking advantage. But there are many Americans who rely on this to feed themselves and their families.
What’s Going On?
Here’s some background from our friends at allsides.
The court ordered benefits to be paid, then there was talk that they’d be paid but only at 50%, and then:
Pawns
If I’m an American citizen who relies on the SNAP program, I’m probably not excited about being a bargaining chip in a political game.
And I’m extra cranky because I’m hungry.
And the people waging this battle are likely not hungry.
Wrap Up
Unfortunately, it’s easy to get distracted by the big stuff in the news – who said what on social media, the left is doing…, the right is doing…
We’re all angry and pointing at the other side for some transgression. And many of us are doing this from the comfort of our couch, in our living room, while having a snack.
But a large chunk of American citizens are struggling to buy a home, send kids to college, and now, to feed their families. These should not be the problems of a country as rich as ours.
So yeah, I think people are pissed.
I think they’ll vote for change. They did last night.
I’m sure there will be lots of explanations about why votes went one way or another, but I suspect no one comes to the conclusion that we need to do more for the American people.
And Then When I Thought Things Couldn’t Get Any Stranger
We can’t do anything to help feed you, but if you need to lose weight, we can get you a discount on GLP-1.
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