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From the Mouths of Babes
Author: BobR    Date: 05/16/2013 13:06:03

Throughout our history, the federal budget has always been a focus of discussion and debate. How much is too much? Can we cancel or reduce programs that help the less fortunate (or in Republicans' eyes: lazy freeloaders)? Is austerity or stimulus spending the best way to get the economy moving, and why?

It was these incessant arguments to the point of dysfunction that led Congress to create the "trigger" and the "sequester", a "nuclear" warning to get things done. Things didn't get done, and this economy-killer went off. Congress has been trying to clean up the mess ever since. Many of the aforementioned safety net programs took a beating, including WIC, which provides food for families with children.

The hangover lingers, though, so any funding bill that comes through is scrutinized for possible reductions. The latest victim of this is foodstamps, via - of all things - the Farm Bill. House Republicans apparently decided food and water was too generous to Americans, so they removed food from the bill by cutting out foodstamps:
Several Democrats took to the House floor on Wednesday to denounce large cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program.
[...]
The cuts to SNAP would remove about 2 million people from the program, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Additionally, roughly 210,000 children would lose access to free school meals.

Yes, they are literally taking food from the mouths of children. Apparently, since kids can't vote, Republicans don't care if they are going to school hungry. Why did they do it? For some Republicans, they think that's what Jesus would have done:
They defended the cuts after Rep. Juan Vargas, D-Calif., quoted the Book of Matthew in opposing them: "When I was hungry you gave me food. When I was thirsty, you gave me drink."

Several Republicans talked about their Christianity and said the Bible encourages people to help each other but doesn't dictate what the federal government should do. "We should be doing this as individuals, helping the poor," said Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif.

Perhaps Republicans don't realize that 14% of Americans rely on foodstamps and they vote too. They trumpet self-reliance and capitalism as the route to prosperity, yet one of the largest employers in the U.S. - WalMart - also has the largest number of employees on food stamps. These aren't lazy people - they are working, yet don't earn enough to feed their families. Republicans think, though, that balancing the budget is more important than feeding the poor.

What is NOT more important than balancing the budget, however, is cutting spending on military hardware. They are actually forcing the Pentagon to buy tanks the Pentagon says it neither wants nor needs. Yes, this is not a new story, but when juxtaposed against the cutting of basic assistance to families, it shows priorities completely at odds with what most Americans consider makes us a great country. Yes, military contractors provide a lot of jobs. It's fairly obvious, though, that protecting those jobs protects the jobs of congresspeople in DC. This is congressional self-preservation at its worst.

The Republicans are taking food from the mouths of babes to build unwanted tanks for the military. Chew on that for moment. You'll have to pay cash though - no foodstamps.
 

57 comments (Latest Comment: 05/17/2013 02:09:38 by Raine)
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Comment by Mondobubba on 05/16/2013 13:19:09
:sigh:

Comment by Mondobubba on 05/16/2013 13:21:03
There was a long piece on the NPR mosheen about the sequester's effect on FEMA and NOAA, especially the National Hurricane Center. Nice going Republicans!

Comment by wickedpam on 05/16/2013 13:23:18
Morning

Comment by Raine on 05/16/2013 13:33:13
You know, the GOP is just mean.

Good morning! We will be leaving around noon to make the trek northward. Did you get a chance to see the invites and some of the labeled bottles on the BoF?

the beer bottles that are smaller have a bit iof a different design and I'll bet pics of them at the wedding itself.

Comment by wickedpam on 05/16/2013 13:42:26
Quote by Raine:
You know, the GOP is just mean.

Good morning! We will be leaving around noon to make the trek northward. Did you get a chance to see the invites and some of the labeled bottles on the BoF?

the beer bottles that are smaller have a bit iof a different design and I'll bet pics of them at the wedding itself.



Travel safe

They looked great!

Comment by Scoopster on 05/16/2013 13:46:35
Mornin' all..

Should have some speedy net tubes at Casa Nuevo sc00p tonite!

I've still got loads of stuff to get to furnish the place.. good thing I'm saving a bundle on the monthly rent bill!

Comment by Mondobubba on 05/16/2013 13:47:43
Comment by wickedpam on 05/16/2013 13:48:08
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..

Should have some speedy net tubes at Casa Nuevo sc00p tonite!

I've still got loads of stuff to get to furnish the place.. good thing I'm saving a bundle on the monthly rent bill!



sounds like an upgrade from the last place

Comment by Mondobubba on 05/16/2013 13:48:40
Quote by Raine:
You know, the GOP is just mean.

Good morning! We will be leaving around noon to make the trek northward. Did you get a chance to see the invites and some of the labeled bottles on the BoF?

the beer bottles that are smaller have a bit iof a different design and I'll bet pics of them at the wedding itself.



Those are as the kids say, the shiznit! Very nice.

Comment by Raine on 05/16/2013 13:52:35
Quote by Mondobubba:
Bobber, you opinion?
Then don;t drink hoppy beer. Sheesh.

What a whiny piece of crap article. Craft beer is basically one of the biggest small biz industries out there and this person is whining like he's being forced to drink hoppy beer?


Comment by Mondobubba on 05/16/2013 13:53:03
Mala, can you get that geography thingy we we playing with last night. I think it needs a share here. Thanks.

Comment by BobR on 05/16/2013 13:57:32
Quote by Mondobubba:
Bobber, you opinion?

one person's very biased opinion. Craft brewers put out all kinds. Port City (near us) makes an excellent porter, and a fantastic Scotch ale.

Comment by wickedpam on 05/16/2013 13:58:35
I love how Jim under talks Yurtle

Comment by wickedpam on 05/16/2013 13:59:51
Quote by Mondobubba:
Mala, can you get that geography thingy we we playing with last night. I think it needs a share here. Thanks.



Geoguesser

Comment by Raine on 05/16/2013 14:08:04
Watergate is the new Godwin.

Comment by Mondobubba on 05/16/2013 14:10:44
Quote by BobR:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Bobber, you opinion?

one person's very biased opinion. Craft brewers put out all kinds. Port City (near us) makes an excellent porter, and a fantastic Scotch ale.


I find there are a few IPAs that are too bitter, so I don't drink them.

Comment by Mondobubba on 05/16/2013 14:11:20
Quote by Raine:
Watergate is the new Godwin.



Yes! I totally agree. When you say it, you automatically lose.

Comment by Scoopster on 05/16/2013 14:12:10
Quote by Mondobubba:
Bobber, you opinion?

Hoppy beer isn't really bitter at all! If anything it's very floral, aromatic.. almost medicinal. I've even compared drinking some really good strong IPAs to "drinking liquid weed".

Seriously if she thinks hoppy brews are bitter then they're just not for her. Or her taste/smell senses are screwy. Or she somehow got a bad batch.

Comment by Mondobubba on 05/16/2013 14:17:08
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Mala, can you get that geography thingy we we playing with last night. I think it needs a share here. Thanks.



Geoguesser



Mala, one of the pictures came up with a sign that said "Welcome to South Australia" that was a little too easy

Comment by Raine on 05/16/2013 14:27:13
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Bobber, you opinion?

Hoppy beer isn't really bitter at all! If anything it's very floral, aromatic.. almost medicinal. I've even compared drinking some really good strong IPAs to "drinking liquid weed".

Seriously if she thinks hoppy brews are bitter then they're just not for her. Or her taste/smell senses are screwy. Or she somehow got a bad batch.
For a beer writer she has issues.

I;m a person who used to really dislike IPA's -- and then I started finding exactly what you mentioned -- also known as good beer. I'm the first to say that some craft breweries get a little crazy -- DogFish head is a perfect example -- but that is their *thing* -- That said -- they make some really good exotic brews.




Comment by wickedpam on 05/16/2013 14:27:29
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Mala, can you get that geography thingy we we playing with last night. I think it needs a share here. Thanks.



Geoguesser



Mala, one of the pictures came up with a sign that said "Welcome to South Australia" that was a little too easy



one of my pix was in the middle of nowhere, no signs, no traffic, no houses, nothing but mountains, trees and plant life. Finally found a sign in Spanish so I guessed Spain, turns out it was Mexico.


Comment by Raine on 05/16/2013 14:27:54
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Bobber, you opinion?

Hoppy beer isn't really bitter at all! If anything it's very floral, aromatic.. almost medicinal. I've even compared drinking some really good strong IPAs to "drinking liquid weed".

Seriously if she thinks hoppy brews are bitter then they're just not for her. Or her taste/smell senses are screwy. Or she somehow got a bad batch.

Hops are a cousin of weed so that makes perfect sense!

Comment by BobR on 05/16/2013 14:44:26
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Bobber, you opinion?

Hoppy beer isn't really bitter at all! If anything it's very floral, aromatic.. almost medicinal. I've even compared drinking some really good strong IPAs to "drinking liquid weed".

Seriously if she thinks hoppy brews are bitter then they're just not for her. Or her taste/smell senses are screwy. Or she somehow got a bad batch.
For a beer writer she has issues.

I;m a person who used to really dislike IPA's -- and then I started finding exactly what you mentioned -- also known as good beer. I'm the first to say that some craft breweries get a little crazy -- DogFish head is a perfect example -- but that is their *thing* -- That said -- they make some really good exotic brews.

Some do go "too bitter", but there are folks that like and buy it, or the wouldn't brew it. I've had IPAs that were almost malty, and I've had some that were mouth-puckering. What they all have in common is a strong hop flavor and aroma, WHICH IS THE DEFINITION FOR THE STYLE. Hops provide flavor and aroma as well as bitterness, and it's up to the brewer to decide how much of each to bring out.

But the notion that beer-lovers' affinity for hoppy beers that are supposed to be hoppy as ruing the craft movement is stupid, especially when most craft brewers put out stouts, kolsches, and other non-hoppy styles as well.

Comment by Raine on 05/16/2013 14:45:22
Caller mentioned this... and my goodness, how the mighty have fallen:
The one-time Republican vice presidential hopeful will speak to Republic High School's class of 2013 -- made up of just 27 students -- on June 1, according to the AP.


Comment by TriSec on 05/16/2013 14:55:22
As always, TriSec has to be the outlier. In general, the darkerer and bitterer the beer, the more I like it. I don't like Pilsners much.


Comment by Raine on 05/16/2013 14:57:57
Quote by TriSec:
As always, TriSec has to be the outlier. In general, the darkerer and bitterer the beer, the more I like it. I don't like Pilsners much.

You would probably like Black IPA's

I;m not a fan of pilsner. The green bottles ruin the taste (light) and since they generally come from Europe they get old fast, thus adding to a skunky flavor for myself.

Bob makes a good pilsner -- I like it because it is a fresh beer -- but generally I;m not a pilsner fan.

Comment by trojanrabbit on 05/16/2013 15:07:16
I am a "bachelor" for the next 5 days while Mrs Rabbit Amtraks to South Bend to attend her niece's graduation from Notes Dame Law School.
Lucky already got a little whiny when he saw her with the suitcase.

Comment by wickedpam on 05/16/2013 15:09:25
Quote by Raine:
Quote by TriSec:
As always, TriSec has to be the outlier. In general, the darkerer and bitterer the beer, the more I like it. I don't like Pilsners much.

You would probably like Black IPA's

I;m not a fan of pilsner. The green bottles ruin the taste (light) and since they generally come from Europe they get old fast, thus adding to a skunky flavor for myself.

Bob makes a good pilsner -- I like it because it is a fresh beer -- but generally I;m not a pilsner fan.



Personally I like any beer so long as its cold.

Comment by Raine on 05/16/2013 15:11:33
Quote by Raine:
Caller mentioned this... and my goodness, how the mighty have fallen:
The one-time Republican vice presidential hopeful will speak to Republic High School's class of 2013 -- made up of just 27 students -- on June 1, according to the AP.
the original article:
*thud*

Comment by TriSec on 05/16/2013 15:36:06
Delayed Reaction / Mama's Bits / Hal Sparks / Black Balls



Comment by Raine on 05/16/2013 15:47:37
Quote by TriSec:
Delayed Reaction / Mama's Bits / Hal Sparks / Black Balls




Comment by Raine on 05/16/2013 15:48:18
Well we are outta here.

Thanks for the cover tomorrow, Mala. I'll talk to you all north of the Mason Dixon line!

Comment by Scoopster on 05/16/2013 15:49:02
The effects of the BP oil spill on marine life continue to manifest.

Of course, you probably won't see that story on any major American news outlet.

Comment by wickedpam on 05/16/2013 15:50:10
Quote by Raine:
Well we are outta here.

Thanks for the cover tomorrow, Mala. I'll talk to you all north of the Mason Dixon line!



travel safe you guys

Comment by Mondobubba on 05/16/2013 16:24:35
Quote by Raine:
Well we are outta here.

Thanks for the cover tomorrow, Mala. I'll talk to you all north of the Mason Dixon line!



Have fun! Best wishes to Sistah!

Comment by Mondobubba on 05/16/2013 16:25:57
Quote by Scoopster:
The effects of the BP oil spill on marine life continue to manifest.

Of course, you probably won't see that story on any major American news outlet.



Scoop did you notice that the article is over a year old?

Comment by Scoopster on 05/16/2013 16:39:44
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Scoopster:
The effects of the BP oil spill on marine life continue to manifest.

Of course, you probably won't see that story on any major American news outlet.

Scoop did you notice that the article is over a year old?

Oh goodness..

Comment by TriSec on 05/16/2013 17:34:52
http://0.tqn.com/d/phoenix/1/0/Y/a/2/tumbleweeds07.jpg


Comment by wickedpam on 05/16/2013 17:55:24
pretty much....




Comment by livingonli on 05/16/2013 18:04:49
My computer has been on the fritz today and I had to re-boot it a few times.

Comment by Mondobubba on 05/16/2013 18:07:52
Quote by TriSec:
http://0.tqn.com/d/phoenix/1/0/Y/a/2/tumbleweeds07.jpg



??


Comment by wickedpam on 05/16/2013 18:13:52
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by TriSec:
http://0.tqn.com/d/phoenix/1/0/Y/a/2/tumbleweeds07.jpg



??



tumbleweeds

Comment by wickedpam on 05/16/2013 18:14:15
Quote by livingonli:
My computer has been on the fritz today and I had to re-boot it a few times.



eek, hate it when that happens

Comment by Mondobubba on 05/16/2013 18:16:05
Gang, Mom and Dad are gone for the weekend. Two words: BLOG KEGGER!

Comment by Scoopster on 05/16/2013 18:35:12
Lovin' this new Daft Punk album.. got a great slow jam/funk/jazz vibe to it!

Comment by TriSec on 05/16/2013 18:43:32
Quote by Mondobubba:
Gang, Mom and Dad are gone for the weekend. Two words: BLOG KEGGER!




Hmmm....I'm away too. I HAD BETTER FIND THIS BLOG IN THE SAME AS OR BETTER CONDITION!!!



Comment by TriSec on 05/16/2013 18:47:25
Oh, speaking of which, we had our Range Safety Officer at the troop meeting last night to review the rules for this weekend.

In what has to be the world's biggest irony of all time, all the materials were from the National Shooting Sports Foundation.....of Newtown, CT.

I also find it rather telling that a Belmont Police Officer (who teaches gun safety as a sideline) was not using NRA materials for this.



Comment by Mondobubba on 05/16/2013 19:04:01
Quote by TriSec:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Gang, Mom and Dad are gone for the weekend. Two words: BLOG KEGGER!




Hmmm....I'm away too. I HAD BETTER FIND THIS BLOG IN THE SAME AS OR BETTER CONDITION!!!




Awwww! Unca Tri you're no fun! :pout:

Comment by TriSec on 05/16/2013 19:04:52
And in Classical Geek news, the BSO has a new conductor!

This is a rather bold move; the gentleman is a mere 34 years old, and hails from Latvia, of all places.

After the turbulent Levine years, here's hoping the orchestra gets some stability and creativity out of this!



Comment by Will in Chicago on 05/16/2013 19:06:29
Hi, bloggers!

BobR, I fear that the GOP has mutated into something that would scare the heck out of old school Republicans like Teddy Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower.

I am home today, but some bad news. Someone stole the driver's side mirror -- apparently popped it out. So, I need to get a replacement.

In the good news, finding lots of teaching jobs. Still planning to send out for the Virginia license tomorrow -- and spending the weekend applying. By the way, BobR and Raine, the Reform synagogue in Alexandria have some very good social services programs that other institutions should emulate. (I believe that Pat Robertson will get this message about the same time that this happens:)
http://www.ducatimonster.org/gallery/data/1845/HellFrozenOver-notext-640x.jpeg


http://sandiegofreepress.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/hell-freezes-over-350.jpg