The mainstream media, here and around the world, are abuzz with the news that the number of people getting food stamps in the United States has hit record numbers, 28 million at last count. The Euro press calls these “startling new statistics” evidence of another Great Depression. The New York Times is positively giddy about the news, claiming that “recent rises in many states appear to be resulting mainly from the economic slowdown, officials and experts say, as well as inflation in prices of basic goods that leave more families feeling pinched.”
But maybe not. Here’s a story that appeared in The N&O under the headline “Wanted: food stamp appllicants”:
To get out the word about food stamps, the USDA launched a $3 million advertising campaign this winter. Old-fashioned jingles are blaring across Triangle radio stations, coaxing people to apply.
No doubt this coaxing has been taking place all over the nation as social workers try to justify their existence. They claim the numbers have been going down because people are too proud to apply. Hogwash! Shame hasn’t been a motivator for self-reliance in this country for at least 40 years. The numbers have been going down because people haven’t needed food stamps.
Hence the need for a massive, government-funded PR effort to convince people they are poor victims who can’t possibly fend for themselves. When these pumped-up numbers begin to show, out trots The New York Times to trumpet the new breadlines. And people wonder how this little lefty racket works.
