Politics and Policy is Worthy News

The so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” passed July 3, and many in this community will be hurt by it. People need to know the effects on their income, public education, medical coverage, food availability, and what options exist as a result of these new, sometimes incomprehensible, and often cruel laws. This newspaper should inform people about these current events.

It may be challenging to address the ramifications of the BBB, the anti-politics groups, and the influence of those who will benefit, or think they will benefit, from it. If it was ever useful to stay away from politics, that time is no longer. Politics is not a discrete, avoidable category: every part of our life reflects choices that are inherently political. Political decisions have been made that will bring chaos and mayhem to most people.

Apparently, a majority of people on Medicaid, because it goes by various names (in Washington state, it’s Apple Care), do not realize they are on Medicaid and may not be prepared for the impact of cancelled or reduced benefits and new work requirements.

The humanitarian crisis underway will affect the Key Center Community Health Clinic and others losing fiscal stability with the loss of Medicaid patients; it has reduced SNAP benefits (food stamps), increased prices for local businesses through tariffs; and will impact local schools with new federal rules and reduced federal funding. Will the Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and FEMA survive this administration?

There are important concerns about ICE, its violent tactics and improper arrests, and the impact on our food supply of mass deportations. Do you know what to do if ICE is on your doorstep, if you witness a neighbor being detained by ICE, or how to find someone held in its private prison system?

Politics is news. Whether we move with fear and terror, or the hope of an improved governing system and compassion for the world and its beings, we are moved. Let’s recognize that and step into the news of the day to better understand and prepare ourselves for what is coming.