It is almost like the GOP are trying to out-do each other in who can be the cruelest, and what cuts they can make that don’t solve the problem they address, but symbolically and physically make people hurt even more:

Under a new budget proposal from State Sen. Bruce Casswell, children in the state’s foster care system would be allowed to purchase clothing only in used clothing stores.

Casswell, a Republican representing Branch, Hillsdale, Lenawee and St. Joseph counties, made the proposal this week, reports Michigan Public Radio.

His explanation?

I never had anything new. I got all the hand-me-downs. And my dad, he did a lot of shopping at the Salvation Army, and his comment was — and quite frankly it’s true — once you’re out of the store and you walk down the street, nobody knows where you bought your clothes.”

That’s just needlessly mean. Nothing like kicking little kids in the teeth when they are already down and feeling vulnerable. I mean imagine someone telling you that by law you can only shop in thrift stores, no exception. Wouldn’t that make you feel like you yourself were second hand?

I’d love to know what our own junior reporter, Cassie, thinks about this.

UPDATE 1: Cassie responds to Casswell.

(Michigan Messenger)