By Guy Page

Today is our no-scheduled-guests Feedback Friday on Hot Off The Press, our radio show on WDEV AM 550 and FM 96.1 and streamed on wdevradio.com. 

On Feedback Friday, YOU are the guest. I hope you will call in at 802-244-1777 anytime between 11:05 AM – Noon. If you have to wait, please be patient, we’ll get you in.

Me, I’m thinking about the looming November 1 cutoff of federal food benefits for Vermonters.  

Here’s our story: SNAP benefits will pause November 1 if shutdown continues. Also,  House leaders say state will fully fund federal food, heating benefits hit by shutdown.

And here are some of my own thoughts. 

Across Vermont and the nation, thousands of families are wondering what happens November 1 if the federal shutdown continues and SNAP benefits are paused. That’s food on the table — or not — for people already stretched thin.

It’s a reminder of two truths that can, and must, coexist. First: personal responsibility matters. Each of us must do what we can to provide for ourselves and our families — to work, to plan, to budget, to stay healthy and accountable to our loved ones. A society built on responsibility stands stronger and freer.

It is frankly irksome that Vermont state government has little appetite, so to speak, for tying benefits to a requirement to buy healthy food and work on solutions to the circumstances that made the recipient eligible in the first place. This is true for housing and other benefits as well. It’s like we are willing to be generous with other people’s money but too embarrassed to intervene to people to improve their situations. 

But here’s the second truth: we are still our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. Life brings illness, job loss, hardship — things no one plans for. When that happens, community – including government – must step in. When government systems falter, churches, food shelves, neighbors — all can be lifelines. 

We can debate the right size of government, but not the need for compassion. The hungry child in Barre or Brattleboro doesn’t care who’s to blame for Washington gridlock. They just need dinner.

So as we ask for accountability from our state and national leaders, let’s also look to ourselves — to be both responsible and generous. Because strength without mercy becomes cruelty, and mercy without strength cannot endure.

But that’s just me. Here are a few other headlines for you to consider:

Bernie-backed candidate gives firearms training to Antifa

Reddit posts reviewed by The Robinson Report show Graham Platner, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, was a member of Maine’s Socialist Rifle Association and taught firearms courses.

BREAKING: Connecticut man denies mail and wire fraud to steal nearly $475,000 from Vermont State Treasurer

Lindsay conspired with others, known and unknown to the grand jury, to develop a scheme to obtain money and property from the Vermont Unclaimed Property website, the indictment said.

Body found near Middlebury College organic farm

No positive ID on the body. State police thank searchers. 

Former sheriff sentenced on sex, assault charges

He also must complete individual sex offender treatment, a separate domestic violence counseling program, and substance abuse and alcohol counseling.

Parents’ advocate asks school board about staff-to-student emails promoting transgenderism

Jarrod Vaillancourt said he was inspired to approach the school board again after reading a commentary in VDC by SPEAKVT president Marie Tiemann.

Ben and Jerry’s fans not so “Jolley” about Stewart’s ice cream takeover

38 newly rebranded Stewart’s Shops, customers will have to decide between forgoing ice cream or giving the New York newcomer a try.