In an article in the New York Sun, Josh Gershtein wrote a few very interesting and quotable remarks:
“Many parts of America, long considered the breadbasket of the world, are now confronting a once unthinkable phenomenon: food rationing.”
“…Major retailers….are limiting purchases of flour, rice, and cooking oil as demand outstrips supply.”
“…most Costco members were being allowed to buy only one bag.”
His article goes on to make more references to food rationing that is taking place in America, home to what most would say is the most affluent population in the world. Food rationing is a true sign that something is greatly out of kilter in our economy.
As we Americans continue to produce wheat – we are selling more and more of it to countries like China who are running short on rice. This proves to make a shortage for both wheat AND rice in our own country.
It is not a bad thing to ration food. In times of World Wars, food rationing was a way to show support and patriotism. We are not in a world war at the moment, but are rationing food here at home in America due to shortage rather than support. There is something to be said for sacrificing for the greater good, but this is due to panic, scarcity and economic mis-management, not to support our troupes who protect our home land. This is a sense of ‘hitting home’ with sacrifice but there is nothing to show for it – paying a price for nothing other than shortage.
