Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

I feel compelled to write since the overturning of Roe vs. Wade. Today’s society has pushed hard to look at each person, even the one-day old embryo, as important, and I am overjoyed by the decision to recognize and preserve the importance of all life. But as a society we sometimes fail to look at those around us as an important person who also needs our help as a society.
War and environmental impacts have caused hunger to the point of starvation and death, and immigration is affecting every country around the world. Helping those far from us can be a point of anger and hatred for some. We have all fought so hard to show life is precious from conception to death. I plead with our community to work toward helping those most vulnerable just as we have for that one-day old baby (embryo.)
Each year about 1% of our US budget is appropriated by Congress for foreign assistance. HALF of that 1% is directed toward poverty-reducing humanitarian and development aid. The 2023 Farm Bill is one simple way we, as a society, can support those most marginalized and vulnerable and really make a difference. While the majority of the Farm Bill covers programs in the United States, Title III addresses foreign trade and international aid programs including Food for Peace, Food for Progress, McGovern-Dole Food for Education, and the Farmer-to-Farmer Program.
I humbly ask that you please contact your congressional leaders and ask them to reauthorize and expand flexibility within the Title III programs mentioned. These programs work not only to provide emergency food but work with those whom they serve to teach and build new methods for sustainable and self-reliant futures, which is something we all truly want… to be self-reliant.
Pope Francis stated, “Overcoming hunger is one of humanity’s greatest challenges.” Please show your compassion and the importance for all life by emailing (so easy), calling or writing your congressional members.
God Bless,
Mitzi Dohrman, Maurice LA