The Liberal Patriot
Freedom From Food
Mary MacElveen - November 1, 2003
After the terrorists attacked us on September 11th, 2001, George W.Bush was quoted as saying, “They hate us for our freedoms”. We have all heard that time and time again. After reading an article written by Emily Gersema of the Associated Press tonight, it is all too clear that some Americans are feeling freedom from food.
According to her heart wrenching article, “About 12 million American families last year worried that they couldn't afford to buy food”, my question is just how can this sit right with the American people? Our congress just approved an $87 billion dollar package to help rebuild Iraq; meanwhile millions of Americans are going to bed hungry. That is some freedom, Bush.
Within her article Gersema also cited the following fact, “It was the third year in a row that the Agriculture Department has seen an increase in the number of households experiencing hunger and those worried about having enough money to pay for food.” That is the same amount of years that Bush has been in the White House. This problem has exacerbated under his watch. How did those tax cuts work out for these families? Those tax advance checks, that some of us received did very little to solve this problem. And as we all know those on the lower income level did not even qualify for these checks. They are the very ones that needed it.
The other day, the economy rose by a rosy 7.2 percent. Still, it does very little for those who are going hungry in this country. Are the hungry benefactors of this good news? How can a country be free when there are so many finding themselves in desperate situations?
We have a hands off president that is doing nothing to face this problem head on. No, he is out there raising obscene amounts of money for his campaign to insure that this blight on our nation continues.
According to this article it is; “estimated that 3.8 million families were hungry last year to the point where someone in the household skipped meals because they couldn't afford them” This sounds very similar to seniors who still have to skip taking life saving drugs because they cannot afford to eat and take medicine at the same time. Yet, the senate just approved themselves a salary raise. I find that to be unconscionable when there are so many suffering in this country. I remember when the congress afforded themselves a pay raise, my congressman; Tim Bishop donated his salary raise to a charity. Many were angry with him for doing that. That is what leadership is to me. Putting one’s money where their mouth is.
Look at these stats reported in the Gersema article and you will Find undeniable proof that the well being of our citizens has suffered since Bush seized power. “More families are unsure if they can afford to eat or don't have enough food in their cupboards. Last year, 11 percent of 108 million families were in that situation. That's up 5 percent from 2001 and 8 percent from 2000.” “Some 34.6 million Americans were living in poverty last year - 1.7 million more than in 2001, according to the Census Bureau.” I would like to ask those who support Bush, just where is the Compassion in his presidency. Judging by these stats, I just do not see it.
All rights reserved, Mary MacElveen and The Liberal Patriot Operating Company 2003