· Who you think is poor, both in the United States and globally.
I am not very familiar with global poverty but I do feel that I know about the United States.
· Why you believe people are poor in the United States and globally.
In the United States, statistics show that 13 percent of the people are living below the poverty line, nearly one in four children live in households that struggle to put food on the table. My favorite statistic by far is that One-quarter (24.6 percent) of all custodial parents had incomes below poverty, while 18.2 percent of those who received at least some child support payments were still below poverty. I think that slowly over time people start falling into these statistics, and by the time they realize what is happening a lot of people are to proud to ask for help.
· What you think is being done about poverty (e.g., current policies and programs in the United States and globally).
Personally, my empathy for the poverty stricken in America is very low; however, my sympathy runs deep. I know that homeless shelters are available for the homeless, even though they are not a very safe place to be, and programs like welfare are available to the lower end of American citizens. Simply knowing these programs exist gives me the peace of mind I need to look the other way. Moreover, Citizen is always a key word in determining eligibility for federal aid, so for people that live in America illegally, it does not matter how poor you are, the U.S. government will only deport, never support.
· How well you think poverty is being addressed currently in the United States and globally.
The fact that poverty in the united states is addressed by the government is more than a good number of nations around the globe can say and on top of that I think we do more than most non-socialist countries to address the problem of poverty.
· What you personally think should be done about poverty in United States and globally (e.g., policies, programs you would suggest).
Economically I do not like government aid; I find it to be bad fiscal policy. In the end, I do not know the right or wrong way to help these people obtain a better life.
I was raise by a single mother, and we were very poor. When looking back on my childhood I can barely remember mom eating, but I also cannot remember being hungry. She put me first and did everything she could to make my life better than hers and to keep me happy. To this day, I have no idea how she got the money to take care of me, and not knowing in this case is probably the best thing. It is most likely safe to say everyone has seen a commercial to save a child, “you too can save a child for only ten cents a day”. When I see those commercials, I think what if that had been me, because the only thing separating them from me was my mother. Anyone can be poor if not given the chance or opportunity to overcome poverty.
I do agree that government aid is bad fiscal policy, but there are far worst ones which have even more money inflated into it. If the government truly were not dictated by the lobbyists, the resources could definitely be allocated better!
ReplyDelete"everyone can become economically poor given the wrong circumstances", totally agree with this, but it also works the other way around.
I find it commendable for you to be able to state that you have gone through tough times. I think that when someone actually goes through it, they might have a better understanding of what its like to be poor. And I also think that many people have gone through at least once. Nonetheless, I think its important to remember once in a while, however hurtful that may be, in order to reflect on our present actions. That way, we can truly take action against this huge issue.
ReplyDelete"Simply knowing these programs exist gives me the peace of mind I need to look the other way"
ReplyDelete"Economically I do not like government aid; I find it to be bad fiscal policy."
I am unsure how these statements are not in direct conflict with each other. On the one hand you are glad the programs exist, but on the other you think they are bad policy. That seems akin to saying, "I do not like poverty, but I do not think we should do anything about it."
Do you have a more nuanced view about why you think they are bad policy, which does not conflict with your personal comfort statement? Not trying to bash you but I am reminded of George C Scott's 'A Christmas Carol', "Are there no workhouses? Are there no prisons?"
From personal experience I can say that government aid has been beneficial to my family. MY children would currently be uninsured without the assistance, and I would be at a loss on how to afford well baby/child visits, much less sick visits. From the standpoint of what the program provides I think they do not go as far as they should given the opulence of our nation. However, I can see how one can feel that they are good in what they provide, but that they are implemented without thorough fiscal consideration.
For instance Medicaid has mandated prices that it will pay for certain services. This price, however, may not reflect the cost that the provider incurs when providing the service, The provider is then left with two options, usually, pass the cost onto other customers or not provide the service.
I agree with you on the part where you talk about the illegal citizens...Funny thing is they are the ones doing all the hard labor and getting paid less than a citizen would.Its like outsourcing in your own country..how convinient and then those people can't be given a chance at a better life with help from the governmennt.
ReplyDelete