"the greatest country in the world"

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Here in the U.S., the worst drought in fifty years has driven up food prices. Everyone's paying more for a loaf of bread or a pound of hamburger or a box of Cheerios.

For some, the bite in the family budget means little more than complaining over white wine. For others, it is more compelling since white wine dropped off the comestibles list long ago.

And for those least endowed financially, the drought means that the food banks that provide something to eat are getting squeezed.

This summer's crop-damaging weather in the U.S. farm belt has driven up costs for everything from grain to beef. That means higher prices at the grocery store, but it also means the U.S. government has less need to buy key staples like meat, peanut butter, rice and canned fruits and vegetables to support agricultural prices and remove surpluses.

Most of the products from those government purchases are sent to U.S. food banks, which then distribute them to food pantries, soup kitchens and emergency shelters that are a lifeline for people who struggle with hunger - including low-income families, senior citizens and people with disabilities.

Not everyone needs to drive a Lexus or own a Rolex, but there is something degrading about living in a country that does not assure everyone a decent diet. The "greatest country in the world" is significantly less great.
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