The baby formula shortage is yet another example of what we are refusing to do to fix our fundamental problems.

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When you hear that there is a shortage of baby formula, what is the first thing you think of?

I hope it is: Poor babies. Poor parents.

After that we might think of why.

There are very specific and important reasons why there’s a shortage. Existing supply-chain problems from a global pandemic is obvious. Among others.

At the heart of the problem, however, is the closing a single manufacturing plant in Sturgis, Michigan. A plant that shut down three months ago and remains that way. A plant whose parent company used billions of dollars to buy buck stock rather than update the equipment that led to the deaths of two children.

We can all bemoan the situation, crying How can this happen?

Of course, we know how.

Or we could engage in some blanket excuse of whoever occupies the White House.

But if the first thought is Poor babies. Poor parents. then perhaps we not be ordered by our second and third thoughts. Perhaps our first thought is best.

It is unconscionable that babies are starving because of corporate malfeasance.

How, in the year 2022, can we allow a single plant closing to utterly derail our national supply of baby formula?

And why would we refuse to do anything that would deal with either of these issues?

We do know how and why. What we struggle with is being honest with ourselves. And that all of our excuses are simply that. Excuses.