MSPs will vote soon on whether universal free school meals should be introduced.
The debate raises the age-old question of whether policies should be targeted at those in need, or made available to everyone regardless of income.
Means-testing, while not perfect, helps allocate scarce resources and redistributes income.
However, there is a good case for every pupil in primary and secondary schools receiving free school meals.
They are already free up to primary five and the government intends to roll this out to all kids in primary school.
But the two-tier system that exists for older children creates a stigma.
It singles them out as coming from poorer families and erects an artificial divide in the canteen.
Universalism in this area would be simple to administer and provide a boost to many who are struggling with the cost of living crisis.
The size of canteens is obviously an issue - many would have to be made bigger - but the policy could be phased in over time.
Wealthier families who will benefit must also be asked to pay a bit more in taxes to compensate for any gain made.
The wider issue is that, while schools are free to use, the cost of the school day is rising.
Parents who are already being clobbered by soaring gas prices are having to fork out for meals and clothes.
The government should build on their good record on social policy by backing free school meals for everyone.
Stain on America
THE January 6th attack on Capitol Hill was a low point in the history of the USA.
Outgoing president Donald Trump refused to accept the result of a legitimate election that denied him a second term in office.
He wound up his followers to cause chaos in the seat of US democracy.
In doing so, he instigated not just a riot but an ill-fated attempt to thwart the peaceful transfer of power - an essential part of the US constitution.
Trump and his supporters betrayed the country they claim to love.
In attempting to overturn the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, they committed nothing less than act of treason.
Shamefully, some try to defend or downplay this assault on US democracy.
It is important the congressional hearings into events of January 6 fully establish what happened that day.
The judgement of history awaits the former president and his apologists. It will not be kind.
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