The Aug. 20 Armstrongs’ column once again presents us with an example of how intellectual myopia can distort reality. As it is always in their column, it is a complete subordination of everything to an economic theory of capitalism and a blind “it’s supposed to work.”
One Armstrong couple is “experimenting” with feeding themselves on $3.75 a day. They will undoubtedly return to these pages with the results of “it wasn’t so bad” and, “I did it so everyone else can.” One has to love this pseudo-science.
The first difference is that they “voluntarily” entered into the experiment and can get out of it if they so choose. They chose the beginning and the end, and are not “bothered” with the stress of being forced to enter or remain in the situation. They undoubtedly also entered well fed and, abandoning their “experiment,” they will again be well fed.
Second, they undoubtedly “shop around” for best prices. In order to get there and back to those “deals,” they undoubtedly drive and probably to more than one location. They can afford to do so. They are not forced to go to the corner grocery where prices are frequently much higher and where there are few bargains.
It is also noted that it was only two adults who entered this regimen. They did not impose it on adolescents. Had they, it might be discovered that, in order to feed their charges, they would have to further restrict their own diet having to give up some of their “necessities.”
They will undoubtedly exit from this “experiment” with the delusion of having “proven their point.” I would disagree. While the above exercise is “cute,” having failed to replicate all conditions, any conclusions drawn are worthless.
Like the Armstrongs, I do not like being asked for a handout. However, I do not automatically denigrate all who ask by labeling them “bums.” Until I know why those individuals find themselves in such dire straits, I have no right to do so. Perhaps members of the Armstrong clan are omniscient and “can tell.” Most of us are not so blessed.