I would like to say for the record - I have been very naive about "the system" and people living in poverty. The last two weeks have been huge eye openers for me. I don't even know where to begin..... I think I am going to do a Monday "thing" and tell people little ways they can help the indigent (lacking food, clothing, and other necessities of life because of poverty; needy; poor; impoverished- from dictionary.reference.com). To be honest the first few houses I went into I just thought...OMG. Now, I just can't believe how sad it is. So sad. Really most of us don't know people who live in poverty. It isn't even just about money.
So, I would like everyone to think about your own attitudes about helping the poor. I want you to be honest. Don't hold back. I've noticed when I right about goofy stuff people comment but when it comes to serious stuff no one wants to say anything. Don't be shy.......
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I have also had my eyes opened in the past few years, working with such impoverished and needy children. You meet their families. You get to know their aunties and grannies instead of their moms and dads. You know what goes on in their homes. They are brutally honest about life. Most of them think that is how it is for everyone. They don't realize that they have it so bad. They come to school starving because they don't have food at home. They come to school sooooo sleepy and tired because they have no bed and sleep in a pile of clothes or because people are coming in and out of their homes all hours of the night. They think it is normal to live in the shelter or to go visit relatives in prison. I've been to a few homes. Homes that make my fairly modest apartment look like a castle. I've met with family members who cannot read and their first grader has to do it for them. OK. I think my "comment" is long enough.
I gave away my soups in a cup I got on clearance one day to the guy standing on the street. They were the ones where you just pushed the button and it heats it right there in the packaging. It didn't taste to good, and had a bunch of MSG in it as well. I had to explain to the guy three times that you didn't need anything to warm it up just push the button in and wait 10 minutes....
Is this job going to solidify your place in the Democratic party?
So what are we doing to stop the cycle? Entitlement programs are a huge burden on our economy and have done little to solve the problem. Certainly children should not have to live like this but let's stop the cycle. I blame a lot of our problems on the failure of the American church to step in and do what it has been commanded to do. Imagine what would happen if each christian family would seek one family to reach out to and love. What I dislike strongly is for people to recieve benefits without being held responsible. I have seen too many people chose to not work when they are perfectly capable because the can get assistance. It is pretty common knowledge that in West Virginia (as well as probably everywhere else) many people fake disability. I salute those who work despite having health problems! Poverty is a very complicated problem and we must attempt to provide for the kids but we also must hold adults responsible. Those who are capable of contributing to their support must be expected to and then they will start building some self esteem. I have said quite enough; probably enough to tick some people off.
I used to feel the same way as you.. I was a bleeding heart. Now that I have a first-hand look at all the excuses and lies people tell to live off public assistance, I get angry about the handouts people are given. Obviously the truly poor need help to get on their feet, but from what I see, too many work the system. Heck... I have a guy renting from us who's on "SSI" (Social Security)and public assistance for the rest of his life because he lost an eye. He sits around all day, perfectly capable of working. Perhaps if I visited the neighborhoods you go into, I would change my tune. jennifer
OK, after reading a couple of the comments, I feel that I can say more. Yes, some people are truly poor, work hard, and still need assistance. Most of the families I work with "work the system". First and second grade girls know that they will never have to work a day in their life because mom doesn't and still gets a check every month. I get papers from SSI from parents wanting to get money because their kid is ADD. Please. Spare me. I work my ass off and barely make it. Anyway, it's the kids who truly need our help. Really they do.
OH, I FORGOT. Look up Ruby Payne. Great information about children of poverty.
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