Our Democratic Republic should be ashamed: we discard 80 billion pounds of food annually, nearly 40% of our supply, while people starve. The notion that aid "takes from our plates" is ridiculous when we waste more than we consume, regularly tossing out leftovers, fast food, and carry-out meals—so be quiet. This moral failing was amplified by the current administration's reported neglect, letting nearly $500 million in food aid and medicine (about 500,000 tons) rot instead of helping struggling Americans. Choosing waste over aid is unconscionable.