The Gov Giveth and . . .

The gov. taketh away . . .

Through the recent shutdown, some people experienced a glitch in the EBT cards, then the usual "threats" that if it continued, citizens dependent upon a check or provision from the government may not receive their check or provision the next month.  Now, of course that never applies to the politician's checks . . .

So the fear of losing food stamps became a concern.  It was reported that the amount would be cut in November, then it was reported that that report was false information.  As it turns out, both reports contain some truth, but it doesn't have anything to do with the recent shutdown.

http://www.nbcnews.com/business/food-stamp-benefits-going-down-holidays-8C11418632

Families will be receiving fewer benefits next month, not a significant drop, but for those who are completely dependent upon SNAP for their groceries, it will make a difference.  The reason for the reduction is based upon the end of the increase that was established through the recession.  Through the same time unemployment benefits were extended, SNAP benefits were increased.

Both have now expired.  Basing the "recovery" on the stock market rather than the job market has no logical link for the average citizen, but this is what has occurred.  We, here at the Goshen Gazette will do everything we can to offer suggestions for stretching the food budget.  We'd also encourage and invite our readers to share their tips and ideas, as well.

Burial Benefits Curtailed Through Shutdown

This is just one more reason I do not believe in young men fighting rich old men's wars, but I digress.  Hopefully now with a larger credit limit, our government will at least see fit to honor their promise to these grieving families.

Shannon Collins, mother of fallen soldier  http://www.today.com/news/shutdown-denies-death-benefits-families-fallen-soldiers-8C11355842

http://www.wall-street.com/shutdown-denies-100000-gratuity-to-families-of-killed-soldiers-in-afghanistan/

Closer to home:  http://www.ozarksfirst.com/story/friends-rally-to-help-family-of-slain-ozarks-soldier/d/story/81oCKFz35UOOdAF7FwD-Vw

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/10/08/204720/four-slain-soldiers-families-cant.html

We need to keep these families in our prayers, as well as the awareness that this could happen again in less than three months.

Besides unity in government, which has obviously not happened; we were promised our troops would be home in a year.

Dilemma for Homeowners

This is a personal observation, but if I were a betting woman, I'd place a sizeable wager on the notion that there is not a politician in this country who is negatively affected by their own ineffectiveness.

Considering the number of politicians who are living on federal land, why not force them out til the shutdown ends.  That might just provide the incentive needed.

http://www.ktnv.com/news/local/Lake-Mead-Property-Owners-Forced-Out-Until-Gov-Shutdown-Ends-226557661.html

Electing people who do not have to take responsibility for their own ineffectiveness is no way to run a country!