Letters from an American September 21, 2025
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Sep 22, 2025 The discussion opens with updates on labor reports and food insecurity issues. The podcast highlights significant SNAP cuts and the rising use of food banks amid inflation. It delves into government power dynamics, including attacks on critics and reporting limitations. An alarming incident occurs as Russian jets breach Estonian airspace, prompting NATO to respond. The narrative weaves together current events, revealing deep-rooted concerns about national security and the struggle against increasing authoritarianism.
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Data Releases Are Being Suppressed
- The Biden-era statistical apparatus is under pressure as key data releases get postponed or ended, reducing transparency on economic hardship.
- Cutting or hiding reports during rising inflation and worse labor conditions masks the scale of problems like food insecurity.
Food Insecurity Reporting Cut
- The USDA ended its household food security report even as 18 million households were found food insecure in 2023.
- Experts warn dropping this measure lets policymakers pretend food insecurity is not growing amid inflation and labor weakness.
Food Banks See More Need, Immigrants Avoid Help
- Whitney Curry Wimbish reported rising food bank visits while immigrants avoid them over enforcement fears.
- Nutrition scholar Lindsay Smith-Taley said removing measurement looks like planning to cut food assistance.