I will start this blog by telling you that I count my blessings every day to have been born into a free nation which values individual thought, creativity and determination. As wonderful as our country is, I can't help feeling embarrassed of the staggering statistics I discovered about the state of the nation's poverty level.
According to the US Census Bureau, 46.2 million Americans live in poverty which is an increase of 2.6 million in only 12 months. Among those most affected are the children living in poverty. The mother featured in the documentary Unnatural Causes represents a huge portion of parents, single or married, who are just trying to feed their children, give them clothes on their back and shelter over their head. When she said "somethin's goin' to lose so that something else can be gained," I can't help but feel she is sacrificing her health for her children to be able to eat. I was blessed to be raised in a home with food always on the table and no threat of going hungry. Without adequate nutrition, rest and basic human needs how can these children grow up to help us turn poverty into history?
Much of the information I researched when preparing for this blog pointed at the welfare reform law passed in 1996. 1996! For sixteen years our government has upheld this law which left many families unprotected when the political downturn began. Now the ball is rolling, how can our nation dig itself out of this pit? I wish I had the answer.
I have the same opinion on this issue and also feel your pain. When I read or hear about this in third world countries I used to think that this could not happen in America. It is hard to believe that so many of our children go to bed hungry and there is little that we do to stop it. I truly believe that we spoil our children with i-phones, video games, x box, and other stuff they really don't need.
ReplyDeleteCourtney,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog. I love your opening sentence, what a bold and wonderful statement! I agree with everything you said in your blog. I am very proud to be an American and living in the grand country but the statistics…wow. It is so crazy to think of us being that way. I’m very thankful for what my family has and try not to be greedy. Very had to think there are children right here living in poverty. When I think about the word poverty I think of third world countries. Any kind of charity is great but I do s feel that more Americans need to contribute to OUR country where children are needing food and shelter right here in our own homeland. One thing to always remember is be thankful for everything we have!
Courtney after reading your blog it made me realize the same, I feel so bless and lucky to always have something to eat on the table, money was never a problem in my house my parents took care of us so well that we could chose to eat anything all the time. I’m not from this country but when I moved to the States it was because here you have so much better opportunities. America is a country with many good stuff for people that they know how to work hard for their money. My parents thought me to work hard that’s why I’ve been working since I was 16 years old, I feel that I would do any type of work just to have a meal on my table everyday. The statistics of poverty is extremely high I didn’t think that America could be suffering like other countries are. I hope this situation would get fixed soon because I don’t want to go thru what this families are going thru.
ReplyDeleteCourtney,
ReplyDeleteIt is a shame that the United States can admit to having people living in poverty. The U.S. has the highest pay rate for its employees, yet the highest medical cares costs in the world. Many people who live in poverty can accredit their situation to expensive medical bills and lack of health care coverage. It is also shameful that children go to bed hungry in the United States as well. Despite the vast array of opportunities available to citizens, many of the opportunities come with a price tag. Making day to day life and health care mor affordable for the average person could help lift people out of poverty. Of course, it is going to take the help of the middle class as well as the affluent.