Are we really OK with cuts to poor, elderly?

Donald Trump and his Republican minions are proposing unbelievable draconian budget cuts to the already tattered social safety net.

Paul Ryan and his ilk are reportedly salivating at the plan to decimate the federal food stamp program and plan to return Medicaid back to the states in the form of block grants. This will no doubt guarantee drastic cuts in medical assistance to the working poor, disabled, and the elderly. This is once again a cruel attack on our most vulnerable citizens.

There are reasons that we have seen explosive growth with food pantries and local food and clothing drives nationally. Does anyone believe these programs exist for any reason other to serve increasingly desperate and hungry people?

The vast majority of people relying on Medicaid and food assistance are either employed, disabled, children, or elderly.

The decisions we make regarding how we treat the least of our brothers and sisters tells us exactly who we are as a country … are we really OK with this?

Greg Newlin

Naperville