Robin Hood, Not Even Close

When people think of Robin Hood they conjure up a likeness of Friar Tuck with a benevolence toward those who are poor and destitute. Today we have in the state of Florida elected officials who are behaving like Robin Hood only in reverse. The greed of the rich Robber Barons who now control the states legislature are determined to torment the poor and the hungry citizens of this state. Recently, our most trusted state officials in their zeal to steal from the poor yet again have purposely renegotiated income levels that qualify for public assistance. In other words what was considered an income level that qualifies for food stamps millions now will be cut off because they no longer qualify under the new guidelines.


In Florida all Food Stamp recipients got notifications informing them that starting in October Food Stamp funding will be reduced. In some cases by one dollar and in other cases more. The timing of the states changing of the current poverty levels that support Florida Statute S414.31 to one that keeps food stamp recipients having to suffer even more financial difficulties while the state garnishes the money saved boarders on the unconscionable.



Of the over 46 million Americans who now have to rely of Food Stamps, Florida has the third highest number next to California, and Texas. Today, there are 3,419,492 people in Florida who are receiving food stamp assistance. Just think of the money the state of Florida is recouping every month. By next year the state will have in their pockets over $41 million from the money it is taking away from the people who need it most.


The timing of this adjustment when food prices are continuing to increase just shows the insensitivity of our most benevolent legislatures especially the Republicans and a Republican Governor. They have forgotten and probably just don't care about the poor and the hungry citizens of this state. Least we remind our elected officials who display such astute economic wizardly that this past summers drought and prolonged heat wave spelled disaster for all harvested food crops. By January of next year food prices are expected to increase by more the 25%. The long term out look is only bleaker.


Rich and poor alike will feel the effects of rising food prices. Not only the cost of all consumable will increase dramatically so will every thing else. Just look at the current trend in the cost of energy today. Rapidly increasing prices will have a very negative economic domino effect all across the country. Now, take into consideration how our elected officials have responded to the increase of just about everything people need. They really show their true colors when they set out to purposely target the poor, the low income and all those who have fallen through that safety net that the Republicans so adamantly endorse. A safety net that is supposed to be in place where it is needed the most.


Our astute leaders of government in Florida today, do they actually think by stealing from the poor would benefit the state as a whole? In fact the state of Florida and all those states that follow suit only will push states budgets further away from ever being solvent. When millions have to go with out certain food sources just because they can no longer afford them health and safety concerns mount driving up medical and other costs that are even more expensive. All because of the legislation that targets the poor. When will they ever learn?