A Quick Thought on the SNAP Thing
Politics is a side issue.
If you’re one of my readers in the United States, you know that there’s a government shutdown on, and one of the things about to run out of money is SNAP (commonly known as ‘food stamps’).
I’m one of those people that thinks it’s not the government’s job to feed people. There’s real value in the argument that the more dependence a population has on the government, the more that government has control over them. I’ve got the libertarian streak of my political ancestors, and I somewhat resent any influence the big ol’ federal government has over people in my state, county, or town.
I’m also a Christian, however, and I believe Christ meant what he said when he mentioned that performing the corporal works of mercy1 is a prerequisite for entering into Heaven at the end of time. If the government isn’t providing food and assistance to people, then WE need to be doing it. We claim to be Christians; we need to put our money where our mouth is.
Regardless of your politics, it’s a simple fact that food banks and charities in your community are about to (or already are) experiencing a huge increase in people walking through their doors asking for help right now. While it’s not ideal that so many people are so dependent on the government for help, it’s a stark reality that they currently are. If we truly believe that they shouldn’t be, then it is our duty as Christians and patriots to foster the transition to local community support and assistance2.
Regardless on if you agree with my politics or not, now is a very good time to be donating to your local food banks, St. Vincent DePaul Society, pregnancy resource centers (for formula), and/or your church’s food pantry.
Share this essay all you can or want to, but I’ll be disabling comments. I don’t want this post to become yet another place people scream about politics; they’ve got the rest of the internet for that.
And yes, to eventual independence but we’re not there yet. It’s also basic Christian charity to practice the spiritual works of mercy and recognize there’s a lot of skill sets people should have but don’t, and that there will ALWAYS be some people who need help and direct assistance. Christ also said the poor would always be with us.