To the editor:

SNAP is a vital element of the social safety net in the United States, significantly contributing to the reduction of poverty and the enhancement of food security for millions of Americans.

As such, SNAP not only addresses immediate hunger but also establishes the foundation for enduring positive transformations within society. Our politicians in Washington are lamentably derelict in their responsibility to collaborate and resume their duties. We cannot remain passive while our fellow citizens are deprived of SNAP and other essential benefits. It is imperative that we exert pressure on our elected representatives–both congressmen and senators–to unite for the betterment of the citizenry.

We, the People, are exasperated by this juvenile tendency to assign blame to one another’s political factions for this predicament. We are the United States of America, not the Divided States of America. Come together for the welfare of our populace. We are enduring hardship; do you truly care about us? Perhaps not. We must rally together, for the stakes are too high to allow apathy to prevail. SNAP is merely one facet of a larger issue; we must not overlook the other critical programs that bolster the most vulnerable in our communities. Unemployment benefits, housing assistance, and healthcare access are equally essential in our battle against poverty.

As citizens, we must advocate for comprehensive policies that do not isolate one group but uplift all who are struggling. It is disheartening to witness the gridlock and rhetoric that often replace constructive dialogue. Instead of partisanship, we ought to be fostering solutions that are informed by compassion and a genuine desire to improve lives. We should demand that our leaders prioritize humanity over political gains, striving to ensure that every American has the resources necessary to not only survive but to thrive.

Let us not forget the power of grassroots movements–individuals uniting to make a significant impact. Each voice matters, and collective action can ignite change. By participating in civic engagements, attending town hall meetings, and expressing our concerns through voting, we can hold our representatives accountable. Together, we can create a society where access to basic needs is a right, not a privilege. It’s time for a resurgence of empathy and collaboration; we owe it to ourselves and future generations.

DAN MEANS,

Lisbon