Ridding SNAP of Junk Food

I was happy to see on the news RFK Jr's suggestion/mandate, through the Dept of Health and Human Services, that SNAP benefits include restrictions, but it's not an original idea.  That's the way things once were; and others, including me, have had the same suggestion; but they need to examine SNAP rules for more reasons than the junk food.  In a published article I explained how I lost 30 pounds during COVID because I was able to buy good-quality food; and here's an exerpt from a 2021 post:

"Prior to Covid-19, my monthly food allotment was approximately $80, but has since increased by $100.  This equals the maximum amount I might receive for my situation:  65, living alone, Social Security my sole income.  It’s not hard to understand how my focus had been price over nutrition, so predictably, the pounds piled on.

"That began to change when I could afford better quality food, including fresh fruits and vegetables, leaner meats, healthful snacks and reduced calorie items.  I replaced pasta with fish and read nutritional labels as never before.  No longer huffing and puffing on short walks, I have more energy and don’t crave sweets as much; but just in case, I’ve discovered delicious, sugar-free chocolates. Encouraged by the bathroom scale, I continue eating smaller meals and curbing bad habits. I happily donated my wardrobe to fire victims.

"I therefore advocate at least a portion of the increased SNAP benefits become permanent, but with an unpopular yet sensible caveat:  there should be restrictions on junk food. This idea is not new but was raised during deliberation of the Food Stamp Act of 1977, when a proposed change restricting low-nutritional foods was rejected.  Here are a few examples of why the entire program could use re-examination:

"In grocery stores, only cold foods can be purchased using SNAP; nothing from the hot, prepared section.  A freshly roasted chicken does not qualify; however, once that same unsold, dried-out carcass is placed in the refrigerated section it becomes eligible.  Not everyone has an oven, consider fire and homeless victims.

"Not permitted are alcohol and tobacco, rightly so; but neither can SNAP be used for paper or hygiene products. Some people advocate dogfood be allowed but as a pet owner I disagree.  Free dogfood is frequently donated through shelters, but hand soap and toothpaste don’t grow on trees.

"I can grab all the candy, ice cream, pastries, chips and soda I want.  I could blow my entire month’s allotment running the gauntlet at the checkout stand.  Holiday gift boxes with gourmet food items get through, I discovered by accident.  I can even buy a jalapeno pepper plant.

"I need toilet paper more than a jumbo bag of M&M’s, and a warm meal is healthier than a can of Red Bull.  If I crave a bag of chips but have to pay for it with cash, I’ll think twice and grab an apple. Imagine the reduced cases of obesity and diabetes alone.

"It won’t help to throw extra credit into SNAP accounts if people don’t know how to manage a limited budget, so I suggest every SNAP household receive a guide to shopping and cooking a healthful diet, such as Good and Cheap, Eat Well on $4 a Day, by Leanne Brown, (once) available online for free."

I was always astonished that I could wander the holiday isle and select a pretty box of chocolates; mugs with packets of sugary apple cider; or a brownie mix with a little pan included...and pay for it through SNAP.  I used to be nervous at the register whether or not my card would cover the Russell Stover solid chocolate Bunny in my basket; and continue to be amazed when it hops through the checkout and into my bag, thanks Uncle Sam.  Yes, I feel guilty, but I'll do almost anything for chocolate.  

I'll bet Bobby II never had to worry about the not having enough to eat or the price of eggs.  I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm not buying huevos imported from Venezuela or wherever; since we won't have a reliable FDA to assure they're safe.  Chicks, farmers say, will be ready to lay eggs in about 6 months.  I can make due until then.  Can Gen Z?

Trump's Third Term Is Coming

People think I overreact with some of my predictions, but here's one I made last June about Trump wanting to stay in power, regardless of the 'two-term' rule; from The Emperor Has No Clothes:

If Donald Trump IS re-elected, I predict the following:

After he's emptied the jails of January 6th 'Patriots' and Rappers for Trump, he'll have room for Democratic leaders, journalists and public figures (think Taylor Swift).  Then, because he'd have to face judicial consequences after he leaves office, he'll work like mad to amend or remove completely the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, limiting the number of terms a President can hold office.  Imagine his first argument:

"They meant three terms in a row - I've had a break between mine."

If that doesn't work, he'll promote his sons as the rightful MAGA successors.

"They still want to muzzle me, but I'll continue fighting for you through Don Jr., Eric and later Baron."

This morning on the news I heard that Steve Bannon is currently working on that very thing.  And some Republican is proposing they make Trump's birthday a National Holiday.  Monuments are next, and we'll finally have our Caesar.

WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?  I know what it is, and I'm hardly alone:

People who have not studied history don't recognize the not-so-subtle disintegration of a democratic society.  All they believe is what they read on X.  The same people who agree with every single word the President spews, from,

"Reducing prices from Day 1" to the ludicrous "Gulf of America".

The AP has been denied total access for still referring to it as the Gulf of Mexico (the name hasn't changed anywhere else, and the AP is global), and I'll bet the same non-history buffs have no idea of the significance of that.  Threatening to toe the line or else - no access.  Trump won't care because there's enough garbagy sources to make up the empty press room.

Glad I don't work for Civil Service anymore.  I can't remember if I was ever asked my political affiliation, because I wonder if they're only firing Democrats.  If not, then to you Repubicans:

You got your Project 2025, now go file for Unemployment, good luck with that.  I have absolutely NO sympathy for Trump's supporters who now feel his iron fist, or may down the road.

I'm waiting for them to make Obesity a crime.  Don't be surprised when (our) excess pounds wind up on their chopping block, at least as far as women go.  It'll be under the guise of Make America Healthy Again, but our leader just likes pretty girls.  Public weighings...right next to the gallows.

The Emperor (Still) Has No Clothes!

What a Lying S.O.B.

Hey Mr. President, how come you didn't start your investigations into government funding when you were in the FIRST time?

And why is it you're firing Civil Servants left and right, but Elon's little band of 12 has already grown to  over 100? 

Hey, Prez, why don't you care about EXPERIENCE when you select people for top positions?

And by the way, where's your WIFE?  We're paying for her to work, not just wear pretty clothes.  Baron's old enough to wipe his own mouth, so what's she doing?

Every day I vow to not listen to news, but consequential things are transpiring by the second.  At least I've got my passport in order.

I can't believe how many people never learned about the separation of powers - that's basic shit; and even more astonished at those who DO know (Speaker Johnson) but care more about remaining in Trump's favor than defending what's right for you and me.

So how much closer is Elon's gang getting to your household's safety and security?  Starting to sweat yet?

How can anyone possibly think what's going on is OK?

An Uncommon Miracle

Just because a story's old doesn't mean it's not still good.  The following often pops back into my mind, particularly when I'm considering the 'miraculous' events of my life which cannot be explained; we've all had them.  I know I've told it to a number of people, so naturally I assumed I included it in a blog post.  Turns out I haven't, so I hope you enjoy it now.  

Back in 2012, BC and I were living in my 1990, 16-foot travel trailer in southern Oregon, where I attempted to support us with artwork, dog-sitting, part-time jobs, bartering and selling anything of value. The economy was terrible and I wasn't receiving any Federal or State financial aid; only loans and charity from relatives and friends.

My first F150, with flames and bullet hole stickers, I bought for $500 worth of repairs.  It was a gas guzzler: $10 just to get back and forth to the nearest grocery store.  I didn't have money to buy or credit to finance something else, so I put an ad on Craigslist to trade the truck for a car; an even swap.  My friends were skeptical, until I showed them my Saturn.

Is Anyone Boycotting Tesla (and other things)

With all the ruckus over Elon Musk's activities in the current administration, I can't help wondering if people will continue to buy Teslas.  There seems to be a variety of other electric cars out there which seem to be getting cheaper and cheaper, like calculators and computers; and then there's that silly thing about, "Not all charging stations are created equal."

Tessie's boo-boo

My dear friends are wholly against Trump, et al, but they love their 'Tessie';  I imagine it's a bit of a struggle.  Hell, if we go to war with Sweden, I'll have to wrestle with selling my Volvo and tossing Mom's meatball recipe.

The other day I was filling out my pre-arrival questionnaire for a routine doctor's appointment.  I had to stop and blink at, "Do you attend church?" followed by "How many times (per week/month/year)."  I checked "Decline."

$830 a Year Price Increases

Following the tariffs Pres. Trump intends to impose on Mexico, Canada and China tomorrow, he agrees that Yeah, things might be disrupted a bit...but people will understand.  It's only $830 a year.

Now $830 might not seem much to someone with a $100,000 annual income, but for someone hovering close to $10,000, $830 will be quite a hit.  It's relative.

I've been playing 'fly on the wall' while wtching our vindictive President sign decree after decree with that stupid Sharpie.  When asked whether the recent proposal to freeze government grants would affect my SNAP benefits or Medicaid my answer was, Not yet, but it's only a matter of time.  We're all on his list; some of us higher up than others.

Can't say I'm surprised, as I've written in earlier posts.  Like the joke that the President will make things more affordable.  Well, whaddaya think so far?