[kingu]

I actually heard a fellow foodbank helper state: “The government should do more to feed the hungry” as we handed out boxes after boxes of staple foods. Finding contributions has never been a problem - finding space to store those contributions for distribution has been a constant issue.

And our contributors constantly lament that they have to destroy food because there’s not enough food banks who desire the materials.

There was an ad on television the other day about a market /just/ for those who get WIC vouchers. That someone could build a business just to support that client base really says something about how we’ve come to view the Federal government as the savior. I already got one Lord, I don’t want another in Washington DC.

[LowCountryJoe]

Great post! Look, I almost hate to quote such a part of the article because it sound so cold-hearted. But the truth is, I believe that markets work and it's government that fails. I lot can be done for the poor and the disadvantaged through the private sector. The citizens of the United States are very charitable and there are many charities (some that are actually run effectively because they're not overly bureaucratic).

Foe me, this issue comes down to the paternalists versus the individual. I am no anarchist -- there has to be some government to preserve order -- but the individual is being overlooked more and more and personal responsibility observed less and less. If people, particularly paternalists, actually believe that the culture is degenerating, applying statist solutions is going to exacerbate the problem.

[LowCountryJoe]

A very, very good example of the whole argument between paternalism (Naomi Klein) versus liberty (Milton Friedman) can be found by watching the video provided at this link. If you disdain or are skeptical what Dr. Friedman is saying, then you probably have sympathies to Huckabee. If you absolutely abhor what Naomi Klein is saying, you probably have issues with nearly every Republican candidate in the field but save your harshest criticism for the former Governor from Hope.

[gracesdad]

“And our contributors constantly lament that they have to destroy food because there’s not enough food banks who desire the materials.”

Food banks in my area, including the one at our church, WISH they had your problem.