In today’s rapidly shifting society, it’s not uncommon for daily events to leave us astonished. While we may not appreciate these changes, we often have little choice but to accept them.
The reality is, there’s little to be done except to make the most of our situation. Let’s delve into a striking example of how deep our financial issues run.
The U.S. federal debt has reached a staggering $16.8 trillion. When we factor in debts from households, businesses, and local governments, that figure soars to a colossal $59.6 trillion. One might expect that such numbers would lead to significant consequences.
Indeed, many issues have arisen, as seen in places like Detroit. Yet, as esteemed economist John Maynard Keynes once articulated, “There’s a lot of ruin” in a nation.
This ruin can be frustrating; however, we encourage you not to let it get to you. Instead, we suggest finding humor in the absurdity of the situation.
Feeding the Caribbean with Food Stamps
For instance, despite the nation’s financial challenges, approximately 47 million people rely on food stamps for their sustenance. This system has lured many into a precarious reliance on government support, leaving them vulnerable should it fail.
Surprisingly, U.S. taxpayers are not only supporting their fellow citizens but also aiding individuals in other countries. This isn’t limited to foreign aid; food stamp programs are being used in unexpected ways.
Reports from the New York Post reveal that residents of New York City are using food stamps to purchase groceries, which are then shipped to family members in Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and other nations.
“Welfare recipients are buying groceries with their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards and packing them in giant barrels for the trip overseas,”
the Post discovered.
“The practice is so common that hundreds of 45- to 55-gallon cardboard and plastic barrels line the walls of supermarkets in almost every Caribbean corner of the city.”
This phenomenon appears to be widespread and systematic.
The Joy of Going for Broke
“Everybody does it,” stated an employee at an Associated Supermarket in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn. “They pay for it any way they can. A lot of people pay with EBT.”
Customers typically pay around $40 for the barrels, filling them with between $500 to $2,000 worth of staples such as rice, beans, pasta, canned milk, and sausages.
Employees at Pioneer Supermarket and Key Food confirmed the trend. They reported that food-stamp recipients gradually fill their barrels over time with EBT card purchases, then arrange for shipping at about $70, with deliveries taking around three weeks.
Here at Economic Prism, we advocate for empowering individuals to support themselves, ideally through initiatives that promote self-sufficiency, rather than fostering dependency.
Unfortunately, current government programs often perpetuate a cycle of reliance. Politicians continue to allocate funds to these initiatives without acknowledging the financial strain they impose, ultimately leading to a perpetual cycle of borrowing and money printing.
Sadly, we find ourselves in a situation where EBT-funded shipments of food encapsulate the tragic absurdity of our financial predicament. While the reality is troubling, we suggest taking a moment to appreciate the unfolding drama as it exists.
Sincerely,
MN Gordon
for Economic Prism
