Food stamps for all.

[SheilaT]

I've been thinking a lot about the entire food stamp debate. As well as the whole health care thing. It's occurred to me that maybe every single individual in this country ought to automatically get food stamps. Or SNAP, as it's more properly called. I don't know what the correct dollar amount should be, but it ought to be about what the government thinks is an appropriate amount for a basic food budget.

Maybe that would help the better off to understand exactly what's involved.

Personally, since I can afford to buy all my own food, I'd either give the benefits directly to various needy people, or in some other way figure out how to transfer my benefit to them. Maybe I'd use it to buy the food I help cook and serve at the homeless shelter where I volunteer. Or buy various staples and find where hungry people are and give them away. Not sure exactly what I'd do, but I do know that if I got SNAP benefits it would make me realize how truly wealthy I am.

[Luminous Animal]

1. Guaranteed income for all. Even Nixon considered it.

A guaranteed income wipes out all the poverty pimps, and well administered, wipes out the poverty scolds and nannies.

[SheilaT]

2. You're right.

I remember it well. I was taking a one-semester class in economics around that time, and my econ teacher thought it was a sensible idea.

[physioex]

3. I would be against that....

Since that would only enrich large corporations, and would not solve the problem of centralized production with distributed consumption. It would probably be wiser to invest in local cooperatives that produce and sell food locally, not necessarily giving away food but subsidizing the right kinds of foods.

[Downwinder]

4. If I go to jail I lose my $30 a day from Social Security.

So it is reasonable to say that Social Security pays me $30 a day to stay out of jail. Considering that the going rate for a prisoner is $120 a day, paying $30 is a bargain.

[inch4progress]

5. Great Idea. Combine this with community gardens utilizing vacant lots

And we could really go far towards bringing down the crime rate and ending hunger!