Letter to the editor: First, do no harm
Our Congress is faced with another ethical choice in the new Farm Bill. To help pay for recent tax cuts, the House Farm Bill, H.R. 2, makes changes to SNAP (formerly food stamps) that would strip food assistance from millions of parents of school-aged children, older Americans, and those who struggle with disabilities.
There are currently 195,996 Utahns who benefit from the meals provided by SNAP. If this bill becomes law, thousands more young children will go to school hungry. Thousands more of our most vulnerable citizens will become food insecure. Not only does this take a great toll on the human body but food insecurity also has a severe negative affect on a person’s mental health and his or her ability to succeed in life.
Most of us have heard the phrase, “First, do no harm”. It is associated with the Hippocratic Oath, which doctors take to uphold specific ethical standards. All who are in positions where their decisions will affect the welfare of others should follow this ethical guide.
Congress should first do no harm. I encourage you to call your representatives in Congress, remind them to apply this oath in considering these changes to SNAP, and encourage them to do the right thing and vote no on H.R. 2.
Judy Garcia Parker
Salt Lake City
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