TODAY’S REALITY
Remember a cartoon where a father named George had a wife named Jane and two kids in tow – and the majority of the cool factor of the show revolved around pushing buttons to make things happen? It’s only too bad that the Jetsons couldn’t be here today to show us how to turn Poverty’s power off. But that simply isn’t reality and today we’re caught in a difficult time where Poverty is very much an issue. And, it’s much larger than we might give it credit.
PREVALANCE
Ask yourself – what percentage of American’s live in poverty? Mind you, there are several countries where poverty is an issue, but being a world power, is it possible that Poverty is really that prevalent here? I’ll answer that for you in a bit, but formulate an answer before we get there, OK?
When you think of Poverty, do you think of the homeless people on the streets or perhaps those looking for a ride as you get off the highway and head into the city? Certainly homeless people are included in the Poverty community, but there are many more that qualify in this category as well.
FACES
The photos you see are a few faces I hope no one has to experience in person. To me these are the true 
faces of poverty. The faces are of children in obvious states of poverty. Perhaps not in all cases, but these children are innocent victims lacking proper shelter, food, clothing, education and medical assistance. Would it surprise you to know that 1 in 5 children in the U.S. live in poverty conditions? These numbers were taken from a 2005 survey. That same survey compared to 2000 numbers shows Poverty to be on the rise. Poverty destroys. But it can be stopped.
Poverty is a complex issue and not solved overnight. But you can start today. Whether its a small donation to a local charity, the giving of your time to help those in need or the formation of a cause related group, Poverty can be disrupted and decreased.
For more information on how you can help, visit www.blogactionday.org or click on the button below. Today is the day to act.
Filed under: Blog | Tagged: blog action day, charity, children, poverty
Poverty is a complex issue. It involves in some cases just plain bad luck, bad choices, and circumstances beyond the control of the individual.
Hidden poverty exists and those people are warriors. They are those that work 2 and 3 jobs, their childern that become self sufficient earlier than their years would indicate.
In the 70s, after my mother died, my father lost his job, any savings we had. We hit bottom. We lived with his mom, my terrific Italian immigrant Grandmother and cobbled together a living. I quit high school and worked at a gas station. My father picked up jobs in construction or driving a cab and we made it to a stable situation.
That was poverty but I’m sure we were not counted in some statstic.
What was key was family. Albeit one that was not typical with one parent, but it was a bond that was inseparable.
Broke is different than poor. We were broke, but not poor.
To the point about poverty. There are families that our broke that could use some help, money, food, shelter, and clothing. Generosity is key for them.
To the point about being poor. Our society has cut into the concept of family. Now I’m not about to touch on all of the wedge issues that will distract from the main point, which is the family unit that reinforces everyone in it. The unit that gives hope that poverty is a temporary condition, that broke is something that should not take away joy, or love, or caring, or any of the elements of the human spirit.
We can over come broke with assistance. It will take much more from our society to overcome being poor.