The shame and pride of joining food stamp nation

"Mister Cook! Chris Cook? Mr. Cook! Window three!" I walk through the pasty government-issue fluorescent light and bureaucratic cinderblock waiting room, ushered into the inner sanctum of welfare benefits review. I feel oddly privileged, striding past rows of glum, tired, bored and frustrated faces; how have I been picked out so quickly, after just 15 minutes of sitting? Getting inside doesn't ...