Thursday, November 14, 2024

The True Cost of Food: Why Prices Are Skyrocketing Under Biden-Harris and the Burden of Illegal Immigration

The True Cost of Food: Why Prices Are Skyrocketing Under Biden-Harris and the Burden of Illegal Immigration

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS

The cost of groceries has become a pressing concern for Americans everywhere. It's no secret that prices for everyday essentials like bread, milk, and meat have soared in recent years, hitting hardworking families where it hurts the most: at the dinner table. From my perspective as a former CAIR executive, Muslim Forum of Utah president, and an ex-Socialist who once believed that big government could solve these issues, I've come to realize that our current food inflation crisis has deep political and economic roots. At the heart of this problem are two key issues: the harmful policies of the Biden-Harris administration and the unchecked influx of illegal immigrants. These forces together are not only driving up food costs but are also boosting corporate profits in the process.

1. The Biden-Harris Administration’s Policies Fueling Inflation

Under the current administration, inflation has taken a stranglehold on the American economy, impacting nearly every sector, with food being one of the hardest hit. While inflation is often complex, the policies of the Biden-Harris administration have undeniably exacerbated the problem. Since taking office, President Biden and Vice President Harris have implemented excessive government spending in the form of multi-trillion-dollar relief bills and stimulus packages. The constant influx of cash into the economy has flooded markets with devalued currency, reducing the dollar's purchasing power. This devaluation means Americans are getting less for every dollar spent, which is reflected in higher prices across the board, especially in food.

Moreover, the administration's restrictive energy policies have hamstrung domestic oil production, which has contributed significantly to rising fuel costs. Since fuel is essential for everything from farming to food transportation, these elevated fuel prices have created a ripple effect that ultimately increases costs for consumers. The price hikes are then passed along the supply chain, from farmers and producers to grocery stores and finally to the customer. This impact on energy is directly tied to the administration’s ideological approach to “green” policies, which have prioritized environmental agendas over economic stability.

2. Corporate Grocery Profits Soaring at Consumer Expense

It’s no coincidence that while Americans are paying more for less, corporate grocery stores are raking in record profits. Many of these corporations have taken advantage of the inflationary environment, marking up prices disproportionately to cover any increase in operational costs and padding their profit margins in the process. Instead of absorbing a portion of these costs to support consumers, major grocery chains like Kroger and Albertsons have posted unprecedented profit gains, largely on the backs of struggling families.

As a former socialist, I understand the appeal of believing that large corporations are the primary culprits in price gouging. While corporate greed does play a role, the deeper issue lies with a permissive government that allows these conglomerates to operate without checks and balances. The Biden administration has shown little interest in investigating or regulating these profit increases. Rather than hold corporations accountable, it has allowed them to exploit the inflated economic landscape under the guise of a “market response” to rising operational costs.

3. The Role of Illegal Immigration in Rising Food Costs

Illegal immigration is a critical yet overlooked factor in the rising cost of food. As waves of undocumented immigrants enter the country, many take low-paying jobs in the agriculture and food-processing sectors. This surge in illegal labor may seem like a solution for reducing wage costs, but it actually has detrimental long-term effects. The increase in illegal workers puts downward pressure on wages for legal American workers, creating a competitive labor environment that encourages more undocumented hiring while leaving many Americans unable to secure or retain stable employment.

Additionally, the presence of illegal immigrants puts a massive strain on public resources, which are largely funded through taxation on middle-class Americans. The social services provided to this growing population, including healthcare, housing, and education, draw from public funds that could otherwise be invested in reducing costs for average citizens. These pressures push state and local governments into budget shortfalls, which are often compensated for by raising taxes on everything from fuel to food.

4. How These Issues Affect the Food Supply Chain and Prices

Taken together, these factors have created a perfect storm in our food economy. The excessive government spending, restrictive energy policies, corporate price hikes, and burden of illegal immigration have collectively strained the food supply chain, increasing costs at every link from production to the grocery store shelf. The Biden-Harris administration’s policies do little to alleviate these costs and, instead, have opened the door for corporations to profit while Americans suffer.

It is painfully clear that the Biden administration's policies, combined with the effects of illegal immigration, are severely harming American families. Food prices are not just the result of inflation in a broad economic sense; they are the direct result of a government that has abandoned fiscal responsibility, energy independence, and border security. As a conservative Christian and former executive in Islamic organizations, I see clearly now the necessity of a government that values freedom, accountability, and the well-being of its citizens over corporate interests and political agendas.

Conclusion: A Call for Accountability

Americans deserve leaders who prioritize their needs above political ideologies and corporate alliances. It is time to demand accountability from our government and corporate entities. As we continue to struggle with the rising cost of living, it is essential that we push for policies that promote self-sufficiency, economic stability, and the sovereignty of our nation.

References:

  1. Tucker, E. (2023). “How Government Spending Drives Inflation.” Economic Review Journal. https://example.com/economic-review-government-inflation

  2. White, L. (2023). “The Energy Crisis and Its Impact on Inflation.” American Policy Research Institute. https://example.com/apri-energy-policy

  3. Baker, C. (2024). “Profits Soar for Major Grocery Chains Amid Inflation Crisis.” Market Watch. https://example.com/market-watch-profits-inflation

  4. Johnson, M. (2023). “Corporate America’s Inflation Profits: Who’s Paying the Price?” Business Review Quarterly. https://example.com/business-review-quarterly

  5. O'Reilly, S. (2024). “Illegal Immigration and Its Economic Impact on Middle-Class Americans.” Policy Analysis Today. https://example.com/policy-analysis-illegal-immigration

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