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Angela in America: SNAP Judgments
Observing our collective unraveling, one snap judgment at a time.
It’s been a week of snap judgments.
We all make them, on any given day of the year. But lately, it seems everyone is about to snap.
Is it the shutdown? Tariffs? The recent mayoral election in New York City? The fact that overall food prices have gone up between 25 and 32 percent since the pandemic in 2019 — and are up almost 3 percent since last year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture?
The literal “snap” over the threats to withhold or reduce SNAP benefits because of a government shutdown that never should have happened is getting louder. And now severe flight delays and cutbacks. A sudden Sunday night convening of the Senate made it look like the government was working overtime to cut a deal. Good luck.
Grateful, but also irritated
We are messed up in more ways than one. And Thanksgiving — my favorite holiday because it is non-denominational and supposedly about gratitude — is around the corner. Ever grateful, but also ever irritated.
Who can we blame? We need someone or something to blame, because it makes us feel better.
Falling back — literally and figuratively
I’d like to blame the bubbling tensions on the recent changing of the clocks, when daylight saving time ends. “Fall back” never sounds positive. Forget about the fact that it feels like midnight when it’s only 5 p.m. Or that by noon I’m yawning like a hippopotamus at the zoo, showing off my incisors because siesta time is around the corner — ’cause I’ve been up since 3 a.m.
Fall. Back.
Are we falling backward? It seems that way, but it’s more than that.
The truth in a fake-news age
As a journalist, I try to be fair and balanced, but my head is swirling with reactions and, yes, judgments.
How do we get to “the truth” in an age of social media that creates videos designed to grab our attention in the first three seconds, no matter the facts? Can I watch one more AI-generated mega wave swallowing up a party boat or crashing into an unsuspecting dock where a creepy man-fish is being subdued as the “catch of the day”?
“The wave is fake, the man-fish is fake, the obsession with watching this visually compelling dreck is real.”
The wave is fake, the man-fish is fake, the obsession with watching this visually compelling dreck is real. And most news programs and outlets are impossibly opinion-based. Everyone has something to say.
Even if we think we know the facts, we’re left with snap judgments, however superficial.
Snap Judgments
So in the spirit of transparency and turbulent times — and without betraying my goal to remain objective and fair in an era of opinion news, TikTok news, and AI-generated “news” — here are my own snap judgments of the week.
1. Free buses in NYC courtesy of Mamdani?
Doubtful. And as a lifelong New Yorker who takes buses — who needs more people on them? Wipe that perpetual campaign smile off your face. Not appealing to me in the least.
2. New Yorkers will “flee” the city because of Mamdani?
Doubtful. Not even a free bus ride outta town or a free private exit jet for the billionaires will budge most New Yorkers. There will be workarounds on developments and investing. Sure, Connecticut is pretty. It can also be pretty boring. Could be wrong, but I’m betting on checks and balances and budgets.
3. When you go to vote, buy a house, pick a partner, or watch an infomercial — remember this truism:
“If something seems too good to be true, it usually is.”
4. They say energy drinks are bad for you, but perhaps Andrew Cuomo could have benefited from one.
Lackluster campaign until the second debate — when it was too late. An AI-generated fear-mongering Halloween campaign video was unfortunate. He was appointment TV during COVID. And he did do some good things for New York State when he was governor. And then the baggage.
5. Curtis Sliwa hopefully has a stash of cash in his red beret for retirement.
6. We spend billions upon billions propping up other governments but can’t justify helping Americans on food stamps.
No, they’re not all using SNAP to get manicures. America first. Health matters.
“No, they’re not all using SNAP to get manicures.”
7. Almost 40 days and 15 votes to pretend to end a shutdown with a lot of blame games.
When will we get a true bipartisan compromise and vote on affordable, reasonably priced healthcare? Where’s “the plan,” other than to jack up the price of what you want to eliminate or rename?
8. When will Congress — left, right, center — stand for something other than trying to keep their jobs or placate power?
The power is in the people you represent. So represent. Advocate. That’s the job. As my grandfather would say, “Do your job.”
9. Instead of fighting for fair and affordable healthcare, many Americans are fighting to get their hands on the new Starbucks viral Bearista Cup.
It dropped on Nov. 6 and quickly sold out (like some of our politicians). With its classic teddy bear shape and green Starbucks knitted beanie, it “promises to bring joy to every sip.” The demand for the Bearista Cup has become a national frenzy.
In one TikTok video, three customers fought to the ground over the last available limited-edition cup. Not only has Starbucks sold out of the $30 bear-y sought-after cup, they’re being resold on eBay for over $1,000.
That’s capitalism with a capital C. Our American values. Grit and bear it.
10. If Andrew Cuomo had promised every New Yorker who voted for him a free Starbucks Bearista Cup…
He might have had a better shot at being the next mayor of New York City.
That’s where we’re at, folks.
Thoughts, comments, story ideas, pitches, snap judgments: email me at: angela@sparkhamptons.com or angelatvmedia@gmail.com
