Why Did This Take So Long?

In fact, why does it have to happen at all?

What is “lunch shaming?” It happens when a child can’t pay a school lunch bill.

In Alabama, a child short on funds was stamped on the arm with “I Need Lunch Money.” In some schools, children are forced to clean cafeteria tables in front of their peers to pay the debt. Other schools require cafeteria workers to take a child’s hot food and throw it in the trash if he doesn’t have the money to pay for it.

In what its supporters say is the first such legislation in the country, New Mexico has outlawed shaming children whose parents are behind on school lunch payments.

On Thursday, Gov. Susana Martinez signed the Hunger-Free Students’ Bill of Rights, which directs schools to work with parents to pay their debts or sign up for federal meal assistance and puts an end to practices meant to embarrass children. It applies to public, private and religious schools that receive federal subsidies for students’ breakfasts and lunches.

This is the richest country the world has ever seen, and yet we allow things like throwing kids' lunches in the garbage if they can't pay -- which is simply and literally unbelievable -- and military veterans living on the streets -- or, for that matter, anyone living on the streets.

I'm glad New Mexico has taken this step, but other states need to follow suit asap -- maybe some of those states with "Christians" in control of the legislatures could lead the way, like it says in Matthew 25:35-40.

Via Crooks and Liars.

Footnote: Yeah, I've been out of commission for a few days. I'll spend today catching up.