Throwing The Baby Out With The Bathwater

Is it me or what

Whenever a government

Whether provincial/state or federal

Announces reforms to the social net

It is really "code" meaning

Slash spending on these programs

Claiming they are fighting fraud

Or redirecting the money to better usage.

 

Just imagine

My surprise and anger

As i listen to the provincial budget
Hoping for good news

In this time of need

Trust me

Few choice words flew from my mouth

Aimed at my poor innocent radio

Blushing a pretty shade of pink

From it's normal black.

Finance Minister Dwight Duncan

Proudly announces the elimination

Of the "Special Diet Allowance" program

Aimed to help those on welfare and disability support

With a medical condition

Like diabetes HIV/AIDS and high blood pressure

To buy food

Which improves their health.

 

Government argues

It is a program rife with fraud

As the provincial auditor's report details

Better to scrap than

Reform the system.

 

Gee

Wonder why

Have you ever tried to live

On a monthly budget of $585

Good luck finding a place

And still have money left

To buy food and other personal needs

Not like that matters

Just go to the food bank

They will meet your food needs.

Just one little problem

For those on a restrictive diet

Food bank's hampers 

Are full of sugary and starchy foods

Government wonders

Why the rates of diabetes

Are spiking up.

 

Surely they knew  

There would be a backlash

Given the need of the people

To plead innocent and shock over the reaction

Give me a freaking breaks

Your false protests ring hollow

And you know it.

 

More i read on this
Less hopeful I grow

These reforms could have help

Address a dire need 

Chance to bring lasting reforms

Lowering long term medical

And social assistance expenses

You blew it. 

Author's Note

Please ignore any spelling or grammar errors.

Reviews

[cest la vie]

You know I never understand the logic behind some of the cuts to certain programs..
It's a no -brainer. Person eats healthier, chances are they will be healthier, hence, fewer Dr visits, meds, etc.. Duh? Money saved..
You defineitely layed it and called the name.. What more silent gripers need to do.

Great, strong piece..