Let me tell you a story. There is an English fairy tale called Cap O’ Rushes that is strangely relevant to the most recent Freedom Caucus attempt to raise the bar on cruelty. In the tale, a wealthy man asks his three daughters how much they love him. The oldest two are extravagant in their praise, saying they love him more than life and more than all the world. The youngest tells him that she loves him “as meat loves salt.” Feeling insulted by the simplicity of her answer, the father kicks her out.
Opinion
The usual fairytale hijinks follow, and in the climax, the daughter marries the prince and invites her father to the wedding without revealing her identity. For the wedding banquet, the new princess orders every dish made without salt. When they get to the meat course, it is so tasteless and disgusting that the guests can’t eat it. The father bursts out crying, realizing that “as meat loves salt” was a perfect encapsulation of his daughter’s love. Meat without salt is hard to eat, let alone enjoy. It needs salt to be a complete meal, just as the daughter needed her father to feel complete. (It all ends happily, don’t worry.)
I thought about this fairytale as I read that Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams and the majority of the Joint Labor, Health, and Social Services Committee are willing to spend up to $3.1 million to prohibit Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, from covering a variety of foods — among them, salt.
Salt, and many of the other items proposed to be off limits, like sugar, spices and condiments, are not “accessory foods,” as they were described in the meeting. They are what make food palatable. No human is a perfect automaton, able to persist forever on bland, perfectly balanced meals. We need a little seasoning. Food needs to nourish our souls as well as our bodies.
And what if we (as the Freedom Caucus folks so frequently encourage us to do while clutching their pearls) think of the children? After all, as we learned when Republicans froze SNAP benefits — in the month of Thanksgiving despite a $6 billion emergency fund — 44% of Wyoming’s SNAP beneficiaries are children. I’ve never met a child who didn’t go through at least one phase where a condiment was a major food group. You know the one where every essential food crucial to nutrition — vegetables, protein, even fruits and carbs — has to swim in an ocean of ranch or ketchup before the child even thinks about eating it. Rep. Rodriguez-Williams might think she is saying, let them eat carrots, but what she is really saying is that she doesn’t think enough about how people eat at all.
The Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program is, as its name suggests, meant to be supplementary. It’s possible that these legislators are picturing SNAP beneficiaries being able to use the money to “splurge” on things that would otherwise be beyond their means, like fruit, vegetables, and, of course, meat. But the reality is that for many beneficiaries, SNAP isn’t supplemental — it IS their food budget. With everything costing more, from medical care to housing and utilities, many families find themselves without a spot in their budget for food. There is no other pool of money for folks to use to get truly scandalous items, like mustard. Or, God forbid, the occasional candy bar. And with the Trump administration ballooning inflation at a rapid pace, the money provided by SNAP is already covering less and less, and folks are already being forced to make hard decisions about what to get. Why do we need to suck all the joy out of eating on top of these hardships?
Meat loving salt is not just a fairytale or a metaphor. It is a physical reality of the meat of our bodies. A lack of sodium can lead to a condition called “hyponatremia,” which is a really good word to play in Hangman that means the body can’t regulate water well. Cells, including brain cells, start to swell. In mild cases, this leads to nausea, headaches and confusion. In “moderate” cases, muscles stop functioning correctly — they become weak, they spasm or they seize up in agonizing cramps. In more serious cases, it can lead to seizures or a coma. In the most serious cases, it results in death.
And if that isn’t a perfect reflection of the Freedom Caucus operating strategy, I don’t know what is. It’s members’ MO to cut Wyomingites off from vital resources that the Freedom Caucus considers “luxuries” and not realize their mistake until it results in pain or death for the people they claim to represent. Or worse, the Freedom Caucus members know those consequences will come and they cut off the resource anyway.
Rachel Rodriguez-Williams and the Freedom Caucus do not love the people of Wyoming as meat loves salt, and it shows. With them in power, we will never get our happily ever after.
Thank you, Ms Hanlon, for your smart fairy tale. Ms Rachel Rodriguez-Williams is the same person who tried so hard last year to limit health care for women, told us what a woman was, and then does not want to help feed the babies she is going to force women to bear. Yes, I’m beginning to think that cruelty is the point. The freedom caucus and trumpers are only out there for themselves, not to serve the public or make this state and nation better. Vote all of them out as soon as possible.
In the unfolding of the Fascist Project 2025 at the behest of the Heritage Foundation, their affiliations, the current Administration in D.C. (which of course includes the House Freedom Caucus). The coming “regulators”, the Controlling groups will be of the “Christian” Nationalists. Among their desires for this country is the rescinding of voting rights for Women which will be handed to the Husband and supposedly the “Vote” will be a “family” thing. Another of their “theocratic” (Fascist) laws will be about Marriage and mandates declaring such. If any woman is of Child Bearing Age and Health, she Will bear and the pregnancy will be tracked from inception through birth. Please get interested in this People, this is NOT just another transfer of power. It may not happen by the end of this Regime, but it is coming. Anytime there are Republicans in the Oral Orifice. ALL of the various State “Freedom Caucuses” are aware of these things. I do not know how they would not be. The Heritage Foundation and its Christless Christianity, and UNTOLD numbers of our “leaders” (for example: Miller, Vought, Johnson, Hegseth just for a start) among all the ones through the House, Congress, Senate, etc. The closer we get to the mid-terms and the end of this diseased administration we should see a big re-emergence of people like Michael Flynn who has been gathering his “Army of God” to help facilitate this, please see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhRNDsLbOvQ Also: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/michael-flynn-is-recruiting-an-army-of-god-in-growing-christian-nationalist-movement And finally : READ: A Biblical Guide to Taking Dominion and Discipling Nations by Andrew Torba and Andrew Isker. Kindle, Audible, have it for about 8 bucks or so. It’s a short read that should make the stomach of any Christian or the AMERICAN PEOPLE at large, sick. This is what “Christian” Nationalism is about….. Note in the Title” “TAKING Dominion”. Written by 2 leaders of the movement. Not BS, Not Conspiracy Trash.
This is about the most preposterous thing I’ve read lately. Think of what prairie women only had to cook with to make bread – flour, salt and sugar – a staple that fed our pioneers – the people who built our country. Salts and sugars save our lives. Hunted meats and fish needed salt to cure them to get prairie folks through the long winters. Spices and herbs were few as there were no Walmarts – but relished to disguise “the funk” of unrefrigerated foods. Why do you think we use them? In today’s world, in the the richest country on Earth, people are hungry!!! That is a national embarrassment. A sin. Now. a true living wage is beyond the reach for millions of Americans. EVERYTHING has escalated in price – except wages. We are badly out of balance as the richest get richer and the poor get poorer. This is all due to capitalism’s collapse as instead of a really free market system based on supply and demand, as today, our economy is manipulated by the powerful. The corporations now own us. There is no more customer service as we aren’t even considered as customers anymore. We have become automatons, forced to pay ridiculous prices for everything, without even a voice left to protest. No one even hears us. Most of all inflation isn’t really true inflation – but price gouging by the corporations. Meanwhile our dollar of buying power depreciates daily and we are forced to go into debt to buy our homes, cars, education – and what we need for our daily lives. Sadly, America has lost its ethics as we are ripped off monthly to barely survive – because we have descended into a world of greed, money and power, specifically political power. SNAP benefits are paultry – about $6.00 a day for three meals. How can you even eat nutritious food on that? If you want people to eat more nutritious foods, raise the benefit allotments to accommodate that – not take healthy ingredients away. To qualify for SNAPS, you have to have income below the poverty line. Why are so many Americans living in poverty – again, in the richest country on Earth? Because the corporations are fleecing us – backed by politicians on the dole to line their own pockets as they refuse to balance our economy as the way it was intended. Instead they are hellbent on inflicting more hurt and pain on our citizens – especially the poor and disabled – and our seniors who worked hard and now can’t afford to live on their retirements – let alone afford their medical bills. A disgrace for those that contributed their lives to making America prosper. How Christian is that? Yet we keep voting for those who wish to destroy us – because, to them, we are expendable. They just use us up – only to spit us out – and spit ON us!!!! Shame on us for allowing the pathetic state we have been reduced to. May we go back to the values that were once the bedrock upon which this country was founded – a democratic egalitarian society – that millions gave us their lives to champion – Our FREEDOM – and be the chorus of Good Samaritans we once pledged to be. Demand a country that rewards all fairly. Demand a fair shot for hard work done. Demand the rich pay their fair taxes as they drive on our roads too. Demand we have politicians that represent “We The People” – the American majority – and not the few – the corporations and the 1%. And demand that all Americans, especially the poor and homeless, have the dignity they deserve for the right to eat and have roofs over their heads too. America shouldn’t have to have food banks and homeless shelters. That’s a disgrace. Demand the values that this country was founded on – a fair economy that works for YOU!!!!! Because YOU are the American majority. Demand these things as that’s the ONLY way you’re going to get them! Go vote (IF we will still have that right – or even democracy soon???) and vote out the greed and corruption. Find good honest public servants to represent you. Not liars, sycophants and thieves. To demand a better life for yourself and your families – because you deserve one! YOU are the “salt” of America!!!
Well said, Lindsey! It amazes me how heartless the “freedom” caucus can be. Many SNAP benefits go to the working poor, disabled veterans, children and those who are truly suffering. I have met them. One day there will be a reckoning for those who are cruel to “the least of these.”
Cindy: Thanks for your reply. The problem is if you give poor people/children food, then they will just get used to eating every day. The Freedumb caucus cannot tolerate such a thing.
I was going to put my two cents in about how ridiculous adding condiments to the prohibited list is, but then I read the comments. Is it any wonder that our society has degraded to the level of third grade boys? Rather than a well thought response to the outright lunacy of restricting salt, it’s more of the same bashing. It’s hard to have any type of discussion with the half baked. Must of not been able to afford baking powder.
you must be a MAGA UnFreeDumb Caucus supporter
From the October Labor interim meeting, every / nearly every surrounding State is also implementing similar waivers as Wyoming to exclude junk food, soda and candy from SNAP benefits. Sounds like Wyo is taking close notes from our neighbors’ efforts too. Seems smart to me to help our kids and adults lead healthier life styles. I’m not sure I’m seeing the torture in doing this. Seems more about common sense. Kinda like kids forced to learn by doing their homework or even cleaning their room occationally. Truly evil deeds for some I’m sure.
“Pearl Clutching” ??? Have you looked in a mirror lately? “Ballooning inflation”? I just paid $2.22 for a dozen Xlarge eggs. No “ocean of ranch or ketchup” needed. BTW…I just take your opinions with a grain of salt, (pun intended) as it was the Congressional Dems whose “leverage” would not open the government to let SNAP payments return. Their entire fiasco seemed a waste of time and money, just to “get Trump”.
Bruce- do you live in the same state in the same country on the same planet as me ? It’s a fair question.
If you think the Democrats refused to go along with the Trump budget just to “get Trump”, as you said, you haven’t been paying attention. It was the Republicans who opted to shut down government rather than allowing the ACA subsidies to continue. It would have taken only a few Republicans to develop some courage to stand up to Trump, and exercise some basic human decency, to vote with the Democrats, and the shutdown, and people without SNAP and without health insurance, would have been avoided.
Regulating grocery lists (down to spice and condiment choices!) is seriously controlling and problematic behavior. SNAP gives a helping hand to children, disabled, and elderly but in Wyoming only about half of the folks who qualify will actually receive it according to the USDA. Let folks cook and eat what they want in a way that works for them. For folks who squawk about freedom and personal responsibility the Freedom Caucus sure spends a lot of time trying to regulate how other people eat, read, learn, and act.
For a state that prides itself as “the equality state” and “the cowboy way” it is disappointing to see so many people trying to force their beliefs on others.
You have to love the FREEDUMB caucus and their definition of freedom.
It’s ridiculous that gullible people support the freedumb caucus
Freedum caucus = no common sense
Wow..”Freedumb”! How original.. Let’s go out to the playground and call each other names.. How about tRUMP or MAGATS too? NEENER NEENER POOPYHEAD, I KNOW YOU ARE BUT WHAT AM I?” No adults in the room, it seems.
How much “let’s go brandon” merch do you own?
I seem to recall a classy well educated First Lady encouraging healthier meals for school children. The right wingers prolapsed themselves. Damn, ain’t it entertaining to see the hypocrisy?
Racheal wants her salt but doesn’t want anyone else to have salt. Typical freedom caucus thinking.
Salt is a NUTRIENT. Without sufficient salt you can die on a hot day, or in a hot factory, from heat stroke. SALT is a necessary component for the digestive process, it is used to help form hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
IODIZED SALT was created to supply iodine. Without iodine goiters form. Lack of iodine causes decreased metabolism all around!
HOW COME KENNEDY does not fight the dietary omissions being perpetrated by this silly rule?
the no freedom caucus wants everyone to eat what they eat, and in the manner that they eat it. they think that their beliefs should be blanketed onto everyone.
The main reason that people using SNAP benefits eat unhealthy foods is because it is all that they can afford. The leanest, healthiest cuts of meats and vegetables from the produce section are more expensive. Compare the cost of boneless, skinless chicken breasts to bone-in thighs and legs, or lean ground beef per pound to higher fat ground beef. People that rely on SNAP benefits cannot afford to eat healthy.
The so-called Freedom Caucus are literally the worst people in the state. The cruelty is the point and they have not one redeeming quality. None.
Strangely, super right wingers like to be cruel. They like to tell people how to live, how to die, how to behave in the bedroom and how many children they should have. I think it’s because they themselves need someone (like Trump) to tell them what to do.
Rachel Rod-Williams is a California carpetbagger, simple as that. She came here to “fix” Wyoming and has proven to be an embarrassment to her NW Wyoming district and our State. Maybe she should go back to Cali and “fix” the mess she left behind. The UnFreeDumb Caucus as a whole is a congelation of whack jobs, degenerates, etc. who don’t have the heart, ability nor brains to properly “fix” Wyoming. Do as I say, not as I do characters, many who proudly proclaim rugged individualism but took PPP payments, USDA Ag subsidies, etc. They’re stupid enough to think you and I don’t know about that and certainly don’t want YOU to have the same accessibility. The best thing about this motley crew is that it puts them all in one room so we definitively know who these anti-Americans are.
Being an armchair nutritionist often does not result in rational decision making. Baking without sugar is often a flop