On Weekend Edition Saturday this morning, Scott Simon asked Representative Adrian Smith (R, Nebraska-3) whether he would vote for a budget that eliminated SNAP (food stamps). Smith, who supports farm subsidies, dodged the question:
SS: “Well, let me ask you this bluntly: is every American entitled to eat?”Perhaps he’s thinking of nutraloaf?
AS: “Well [laughing], nutrition, obviously, we know, is very important, and I would hope that we can look to — ”
SS: “Well, not just important; it’s essential for life. Is every American entitled to eat?”
AS: “It is essential. It is essential.”
SS: “So is every American entitled to eat, and is food stamps something that ought to be that ultimate guarantor?”
AS: “I think that we know that given the necessity of nutrition, there could be a number of ways that we can address that.”
Smith might have had a career as a character in a Dickens novel. Say, Hard Times.
Geez. He should just be honest and say no.
ReplyDeleteBut that wouldn't be Dickensian...
I guess he could say, "Let the poor die and reduce the surplus population."
Yes, though he does vaguely say that there will be food, of some sort.
ReplyDeleteI think the so-called AHCA will take care of population problems. And I can’t believe I’m making that joke in a 21st-century democracy.
Food of some sort... Soylent green!
ReplyDeleteI know--crazy that this is something we are currently joking about.