More Than Frozen Feet

          The State of Maine is an interesting place.  Stuck in the farthest northeast corner of the country, it shares a longer border with Canada than it does with the rest of the United States.   Yet, its geographical isolation is probably a factor in its refusal to be dominated by its liberal neighbors to the west and south.  A case in point is what Maine is doing about Food Stamps.

          Last year Maine imposed a three-month limit on Food Stamps for able-bodied adults without minor dependents, unless they work 20 hours a week, take state job-training courses, or volunteer for six hours a week.  Lo and behold, the number of Food Stamp recipients in this category has dropped by 80% since the law was passed.
          Food Stamp enrollment under President Obama is up 70%.  Work is not a requirement.  Do we see a connection here?
          I would love to see North Carolina adopt the same program as Maine.  Would it be disrespecting able-bodied Food Stamp recipients who can’t find a job to require them to spend six hours a week as volunteers?
          I spent my entire teenage years in the State of Maine.  My most vivid memory is of frozen feet in sub-zero temperatures.  I have never wanted to go back.  But I tip my hat to that state for its bold, independent policies.  Common sense does come from unexpected places.