Ensuring that our kids have enough to eat during summer months is critically important, especially during these tough economic times… Unfortunately, despite repeated efforts, the number of children participating in federally reimbursed summer nutrition programs in 2008 was the same as it was 15 years ago. (emphasis added) — Senate Agriculture Committee chairman Tom Harkin (D, IA)
Thanks to Sallie James of the Cato Institute for pointing this out. Her comments say it all:
At first I thought maybe he was saying how unfortunate it was that there had not been progress in reducing the number of kids receiving nutrition assistance, which would be fair enough. But the context of the quote suggests that Senator Harkin would prefer that more kids receive federal food assistance.
Sometimes I get the impression that politicians want increased power over our lives.
