To the Editor:

SHAME ON YOU FOR GETTING FOOD STAMPS. That is what a Republican congressman suggested today, May 23, on Fox News, saying there used to be shame in getting food stamps, but there was no shame anymore. What do people have to say or do to let this congressman and his party know they would rather not be on food stamps. Some families of really good people do not earn enough to pay their rent, utilities, keep their children or elderly warm, clothed and buy food too. Some have to live in run-down housing and buy their clothes in thrift stores. DO YOU THINK THEY LIKE LIVING THIS WAY? This congressman does not live in the real world. There are so many people who are in a desperate place... What would this congressman have them do, go without?
I have a real concern about the future. There may be an effort to put poor and low-moderate people and women on the bottom of the list of priorities of this country. Why would any good person want to deny food for hungry children and elderly?
Yes, there are abusers of any program, and there are plenty of rich who cheat on their tax returns.
A friend told me to continue writing letters but be sweet. How can you be sweet all the time when the truth is not always sweet?
 
Barry Lurey
Madison
Via e-mail

Printed in the May 31, 2012 edition