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theatlantic:

Why Are Republicans Waging War on Food Stamps Now?

Here is a fact that should disturb everyone, regardless of their politics: Today, about one out of every seven Americans receives food stamps. That’s a population of 45 million people — roughly the size of Spain — who rely on government help to feed themselves. 

There are two ways to interpret this number. On the one hand, you could take it as evidence of just how crucial the social safety net has become in the wake of the Great Recession, as families are quite literally struggling to put food on the table. On the other, you could just read it as an example of government welfare run amok.  

Guess which view is popular among conservatives these days.

Read more. [Image: Reuters]