Government food programs are getting more business lately.
Is the United States entering a new Great Depression?
U.S. government statistics show that as a new economic recession stalks the United States, a record number of Americans will shortly be depending on food stamps just to feed themselves and their families.
The increase -- from 26.5 million in 2007 -- is due partly to recent efforts to increase public awareness of the program and also a switch from paper coupons to electronic debit cards. But above all, the London Independent reports, it is the pressures being exerted on ordinary Americans by an economy that is suddenly beset by troubles. Housing foreclosures, accelerating jobs losses and fast-rising prices all add to the squeeze.
But it's worth noting, as James Taranto of the Wall Street Journal did today, that the Farm Bill of 2002 expanded the food-stamp program. As the U.S. Department of Agriculture Web site notes, that the law made legal immigrants eligible for food stamps, increased benefits for larger households and expanded food-stamp eligibility for people leaving the welfare rolls.
Is the rise in food stamps usage really a sign of impending economic doom? Have the Bush administration's efforts to spur an economic stimulus come too late? Is a recession or a depression in America's future? Or is it all hype and panic?
Thoughts
Psoriasis
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Do your homework, it was
Submitted on April 2nd, 2008 by AnonymousDo your homework, it was George Bush Sr. who pushed NAFTA as an expansion of the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, not Bill Clinton (although Clinton didn't exactly try to eliminate it either).
depression
Submitted on April 2nd, 2008 by AnonymousI personally believe it to be a real possibilty. After all prices are jumping at rates not seen since the 1940s depression. More and more work going to china, mexico and now they want to open the skies to europeon aircraft give me a break free trade and nafta are killing our economy. The government starting with Bill clinton is selling out the american people. Its no longer we the people its the corperations an lobbist running the U.S. goverenment politicans dont care anymore. my home state of ohio has lost approxmatly 250,000 machine shops in just 10 years. were are we to work walmart for pennys on the dollar,forget that. when prodution is dead so will the retail. WAKE-UP AMERICA THE BIG ONES COMING.
Recession
Submitted on April 2nd, 2008 by AnonymousCompare the benchmarks of this economy with those of previous administrations and the current economic statistics are better. Unfortunately, the media needs hype to keep audiences, and like pit bulls, they latch on to a topic and create worry. Then they poll people and ask them if they are worried about the economy? Is it surprising that they get the answers they expect?
I tend to enjoy this web
Submitted on April 2nd, 2008 by AnonymousI tend to enjoy this web site immensely most of the time. But when you post topics such as this I wonder if you are any better than all the other news organizations. Why are you contributing to this scare tactic?
First of all, food stamps are being given away at records numbers because A-local governments are finally "advertising" to low income families. People are now more aware of their options than ever. B-Food stamps now come in the form of a "swipe" card, which is more efficient for the needy families. Not to mention less embarrassing.
Second of all, the American economy works in cycles. Every four years or so our economy has to hit some sort of recession in order to keep itself afloat. Every single time our county hits a low spot everyone panics and the press cultivates this panic to sell newspapers (in this case gain an audience).
Please stop trying to scare the American people into thinking that we're about to hit another depression. As the entities that bring the news to the people, you're in as powerful a position as that of the president, in regard to influencing decisions and beliefs by the people. Be the better news organization and cultivate inspiration, not desperation.