×

Common sense is scarce in Washington

Some people may wonder whether federal bureaucrats are required to stop at their office buildings’ front doors every morning and drop off their common sense before beginning the day’s work. That could be one explanation for the lack of said quality shown regularly in Washington.

Consider this item in the news: U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, D-N.Y., said Tuesday she has convinced the Federal Emergency Management Agency to add a couple of items to the list of those shelters for the homeless can buy with grant money: Sanitary pads and tampons for women.

“Homeless women and girls in shelters face serious hygiene and health issues when they do not have access to these essential items,” Meng pointed out.

FEMA already allowed hygiene items such as soap, toilet paper and toothpaste. But until Meng intervened, women’s hygiene items had to be bought out of whatever money shelters could scrap up, or donated.

Reflect that this is the same federal bureaucracy that has decreed food stamps can be used to buy potato chips and soda pop – but not soap.

Common sense in Washington? Not unless someone with power over an agency’s budget demands it.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today