We are headed into uncharted waters
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In My Humble Opinion
Jodi McDade
Unless there has been an act of God since I wrote this, our federal government is still shutdown, and SNAP/EBT benefits have been stopped for the first time in our history.
Approximately 42,000,000 people in our country rely on these benefits to help feed their families every month. This number represents 12% of our population – or 1 out of 8 people. Here in Alabama there are more than 750,000 residents or 15% of our population – or 1 out of 7 people.
We have no idea what to expect from this situation except that there will be families, elderly and disabled people struggling to afford food depending on how they manage their finances. Do they choose to pay their bills, medicine, rent, utilities, gas, etc. – OR do they buy food? Will they be able to get back and forth to work, and what about medical care?
Many of us live payday to payday – whether that income is from a job or from benefits provided by the government. I’m sure many of you are worried about this problem.
My biggest question is why has the Democratic Party allowed this to happen? They have voted (at the present count) 13 times to NOT reopen our government that provides not only food, but also safety, transportation sources, insurance, and JOBS. What is going to happen to our schools that are also funded by federal money? How long will the schools continue to receive funds?
If we thought the COVID-19 pandemic was bad, this may put it to shame. And the basis of my original question comes from the fact that the people who will be suffering the most are the people who historically support the Democratic Party! But Democrats tend to follow the instructions given by their leadership instead of thinking and voting FOR their constituents. If anyone should not be paid in this situation it is the elected members of Congress!
Instead of passing the Continuing Resolution THEY originally wrote, the Democrats are insisting that more funding should be spent for medical care under the “Affordable” Health Care Plan they pushed under President Obama. This plan has actually increased healthcare costs, increased health insurance costs, cut health care, and closed hospitals.
For once, the Republicans are not folding but standing together (except for one senator). The GOP is open to discussion on healthcare and/or other topics, but only after the Senate passes the CR and reopens the government.
Another issue we will be facing in addition to hungry people is people working without paychecks. Our military and air traffic controllers provide us with much needed safety. And on top of not receiving a paycheck many in our military are also the same people who will be losing their SNAP/EBT benefits. Lower rank personnel with families struggle every day because of low wages and cuts to their allowances through the years. We depend on these patriots to protect us every day!
Those of us who volunteer with Manna Ministries here in Rockford are holding our breath on how all of this will affect the people we serve. Will the supply of food from the Food Bank and area grocers be enough for us to provide food to our neighbors? OR since people will not be able to purchase food, will prices go down or will sales go down? Will stores end up laying off people or again struggle to stay open?
We will be doing all we possibly can to help bridge the gap, but we don’t know what to expect either. Please be patient with us.
Right now the Democrats are more concerned over the fact that private donors are funding a new ballroom at the White House. They want people to think that the White House is such a “historical” building that changes and/or upgrades should not be done. But Google White House renovations, and you will find out how many presidents have added different facilities through the years.
Unfortunately, we are also seeing problems looming with our County Commission and their employees. If you did not read the article last week that took three pages to cover, you need to get a copy and catch up.
There are two sides to every story, but there seems to be a major disagreement that could get out of hand. The operation of OUR county government could become an issue if this is not resolved quickly. Is the County Commission office understaffed, or are there not enough funds to hire experienced employees to accomplish the duties that are required? Are the issues because of personalities or policies?
Since this will probably not be resolved between now and the November 12 Commission meeting, you might want to plan to attend. Also, District 1 County Commissioner John Forbus has posted on Facebook that he is available to answer any questions about the situation.
We have many new people moving into our wonderful county, and I would hate for them to think this is normal operational procedures. Coosa County has always shown Southern hospitality to our residents, and the courthouse has been a great place to take care of business. The employees always seem to go out of their way to provide first-rate service with a smile on their faces. I sincerely hope this can be resolved and we get back to business as usual.
To end, please pray for our country and our county. American citizens deserve to be placed at the head of the line of how government operates. After all, as taxpayers WE are the ones paying the bills.
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