Letters to the Editor: Trump is ‘using hunger as a weapon’ in government shutdown

To the editor: We have seen President Trump cut off food and medical aid to poor countries, especially in Africa, which will likely result in tens of thousands, if not millions, of deaths. Now we are seeing his cruelty here in the U.S.

By cutting off federal food assistance (or SNAP), he is using hunger as a weapon in a partisan power play (“Trump administration posts notice that no federal food aid will go out Nov. 1,” Oct. 26). Since the basic political disagreement responsible for the government shutdown is whether healthcare insurance subsidies will be ended, what Trump is telling millions of poor and working-class Americans is that if they want food, they must give up healthcare. Meanwhile, he is building himself a gilded ballroom to wine and dine his wealthy guests.

Michael E. Mahler, Los Angeles

..

To the editor: We just made a huge donation to our local food bank, which we have supported for years. I feel like I further understand those currently faced with the decision to either keep working in the government to save it, or to quit over not wanting to help this administration.

I did not want to donate the money because it indirectly helps Trump and his Republican Party continue to destroy our country. But how can I let people go hungry? There should be enough food for everyone, to the point where we don’t need food banks. But the sad reality is that we do — especially now.

Carol Spector, Ventura

..

To the editor: I work in the food pantry at my church, where we serve about 200 families a week. I know what need and desperation look like in the families we serve.

To read that millions of my fellow countrymen stand to lose their SNAP benefits is heartbreaking (“‘I’m terrified’: Hunger looms as millions brace for loss of food aid amid shutdown,” Oct. 28). Where is our government and where is its conscience?

At the same time, so many huge corporations are donating millions of dollars to support the White House ballroom. For what reason? To gain Trump’s favor?

What has our country become when we cannot take care of our own citizens?

Joan Andersen, Apple Valley

..

To the editor: I don’t understand why Americans must suffer because Republicans and Democrats can’t figure out how to negotiate a fiscal budget.

I do understand the importance of a budget and how the government appropriates funding to various programs every fiscal year. It would seem reasonable, then, that if a fiscal budget can’t be reached by the time the fiscal year ends, the appropriations from the prior fiscal year temporarily remain in place. That way, government employees still get paid as they work and government healthcare programs and food programs are not shut down, as well as tax certain exemptions.

It’s time the government stops punishing 99% of the population while only taking care of the 1%.

Sheryl Kinne, Van Nuys