Our government counted ketsup as a vegtable in the “free” school lunch program at one time.
I imagine islands of communism in the cities will thrive as long as the government can take food from people outside the cities. In a “state of emergency” Obammy can do what ever he wants to do to whomever he wants.
As we enter into a time of “global” food shortages, Obama has created the base of power and infrastructure to can take care of “his people.”
Reminds me of the good ole days of Stalin. But that is crazy! In a time of shortages, Obammy would never take control over food and then starve the people outside the cities like Stalin did!
Systemic Federal insanity is proven. All that remains is the decision as to when We the People start to dismantle the beast.
I can hear it now, Jamal and Latisha chanting
NO BRUSSEL SPROUTS NO PEACE!
They should address the root problem — why did the grocery stores leave the ‘hood? Everything else is like a band-aid on a flesh-eating bug infestation.
If one considers only the historical record as a guide, then the result of the state’s initiative will be starvation.
However, if one relies instead on the visionary proclamations of progressive statesmen, then things will only get better, and then even better again.
I don't see how any location that features a one-pound hot dog could be labeled a "food desert" — indeed, it appears that diner in question is Joe's Diner (aka Joe's Big Hot Dogs).
(For what it is worth, the Urbanspoon article to an interesting news site story about Joe's Diner.)
There would be healthier food available if the customers asked for it. Merchants will supply what customers are willing to pay for.
One issue that the article doesn’t address is the fact that urban census tracts are very populated, and hence are very small.
Case in point, look at the near south shore of Chicago. At 61st and Stony Island, there is a “food island.” Now the eastern half of the census tract is park and golf course. The western half is very close to non-desert census tracts. If you lived smack in the middle of the populated area of the census tract, you would find that the Hyde Park Co-op (or whatever it is called now)is only 6-8 blocks away at 55th and Hyde Park Blvd. The Hyde Park Co-op has the EXACT types of foods the bureaucrats are promoting. However, the prices are a bit high. If you have a car, Hyde Prk Produce is a 5min. drive away at 53rd and Kimbark (about 12 blocks, still walkable in decent weather), and I think the general purpose Mr. G’s might still be there. These urban stores will also deliver groceries. You walk or take a bus, and for a couple of dollars per bag, they’ll drive the stuff to your apartment. It costs more, but hey, no car payment ... right?
“If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in 5 years there’d be a shortage of sand.”
Milton Friedman
“Didn’t they have govt. run stores in the USSR? OK their shelves were empty but at least they didn’t sell junk food, right? “
They also had military guards with machine guns guarding the doors. Kept down shoplifting costs.
Shoplifting is what created the “food desert” in my neighborhood when the local supermarket market failed. Twice. Now it’s a health club for yuppies and muppies.
And the reason they left the area was what? I think we all know the answer to that. The stores were robbed, their workers mugged and the area(s) were just unsafe and unprofitable to run a business.
Certainly, these good citizens can take public transportation to a grocery store. I've done it myself, so I know it's possible.
People wanted the jobs. And the access to cheap food and products.
Paging Thomas Sowell: He has addressed the issue of stores-in-bad-neighborhoods extensively.
Listen to him.