Despite the GOP’s best efforts to pretend that it cares about the working class, the middle class, the impoverished, when it comes time to put their money where their mouths are, the party’s true allegiances shine through. That’s why it was no shock when Congress cut $8.7 billion from the federal food stamp program while also allocating $22 billion to fund the fight again ISIL. It’s a war first, homeland second approach.
The jab came as part of the 2014 Farm Bill. It appears to have been a concession from the left to the unapologetic demands of the Right-wing. Originally, the Republican-controlled House intended to cut anywhere from $20.5 to $39 billion. Meanwhile, Obama has voiced no opposition to the $8.7 billion cut that is now headed to his desk for signing.
At the same time as this is happening, while the least among us are being required to do with less, Congress is charging full-steam ahead to the conflict with ISIL. Projections place the cost of the fight against ISIL at $1.5 billion per month.
What this all says about our country is that we don’t blink an eye at the idea of increased military spending but we will bicker and squabble to the bitter end over whether we need to take care of those most in need in this country. That’s a sad testament to the strength of our nation.
