Barack Obama

10. The food pantry in my area provides pet food for pets of the poor and homeless both.

Sometimes that is their only family and that is respected by those who help. These things are provided with lots of other things such as toilet paper, soap, diapers, baby food, etc.

To assume that the lady is eating pet food instead of the much more filling and nutritionally healthy fare offered is not in keeping in what I've seen in pantries. We have homeless who ask for money or food and often have dogs with them. As people drive by, they hand them bags or cans of pet food and human food.

People who have lived around this long enough and know these folks know people are not scrounging for cat food to eat for humans. When I see people are waiting outside a fast food place or outside grocery stores with pets I give them whatever I can afford, including the costly pet food, but I can't afford much.

No offense as I'm sure you believe this is what is happening and it upsets you to think that. It's dramatic to say people have to eat pet food when they're poor. But it's not likely and a bit dehumanizing to refer to the poor as eating pet food as if they had no sense.

They're poor, not stupid, and they do have companion pets. Some homeless are in that very situation because they refuse to give their animals away. I know because I was there one time. I didn't eat pet food to survive, either.

I'm sure your heart was in the right place when you made this thread, but this meme is inaccurate. Many of us give up just about everything most take for granted to get through the month. I am familiar with all this and eat my share of rice and beans. Cans of pet food are not helpful at all.

Thanks for being concerned about it.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022656129#post10

The person who wrote the thread insinuated that an old lady she saw who was counting out pennies at the supermarket for cat food didn't have one at home. She didn't answer me, either, but a couple of others poster did answer. One said:

+1...

couldn't have said it better myself. (And I have been there, too)

And I replied:

21. Thanks...

Somehow, this catchy meme applied to the Simpson-Bowles group has become cool and witty. But to many, the very ones being 'defended,' are degraded by the use of it. I find it hurtful. JMHO.

I don't think those who are using this to make a stir have ever done without as many millions of Americans have, certainly not on a long term basis. Their comments would not be so frivolous if they had, this is an insult.

They are hiding behind the problems of real people, who they don't know, to use as props for political attacks. They're just looking for anything to attack Obama and the Democrats, not matter how specious.

The cat food meme shows a lack of understanding and respect. Anyone who coming out with both barrels blazing is getting off to it. Real life is not an online pissing contest.