Food assistance? Federal government letting us down

Published 6:41 pm Wednesday, September 25, 2013

The Auburn Reporter story (“Local leaders fear more hardship with federal food aid cuts”, Sept. 20) left me appalled that our elected politicians could even propose cutting food aid for poor people. Especially since some rich politicians would not allow tax breaks for the middle class citizens unless rich people were allowed to keep their tax breaks.

I did not know that poverty has grown 80 percent in South King County in the last 10 years or that we are one of the worst poverty centers in the country. None of us can rely on our federal government to help us because it is trillions of dollars in debt. Our politicians are looking for any way to reduce expenses – without cutting their own income and benefits.

One politician said on TV that the USA had the best health care in the world; therefore, we didn’t need Obamacare.

The politicians have the best health care – at taxpayers’ expense – but not many of the taxpayers are so blessed. I wonder if the politicians would change their attitude if they were not be able to get health care when they needed it or if they went just one day without food.

Citizens have to learn how to take care of themselves. The community garden promoted by Auburn Parks is a good start in helping people help themselves. However, I see numerous bare lots that could provide more gardens.

I also have noticed that – in spite of Obama’s proposed support of education – our state is increasing class sizes and tuition for higher education. To offset their attempts to balance their budget by taking what little poor people have, our children can still learn almost anything for free at our public libraries.

Write the politicians to let them know they are ruining our country with their un­-“statesmanship” policies. A “statesman” works for the good of the citizens, whereas a “politician” works to benefit himself.

– M. Pederson