Saint. Sinner. Partner. Pet Mama. Cook. Gardener. Semi-Trained Church Geek. "Here I blog; I can do no other; God help me."
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Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Doing to the Least of These
Here is an excellent column by Cynthia Tucker on the disconnect between our nation's self-professed values and how it actually treats poor people.
6 comments:
Anonymous
said...
I'm not sure that the situation is any better in the UK. Yes, we have, in theory, a National Health Service, available to all, but often the poorer areas have fewer Doctors. Yes, we have a Social Security system, which pays benefits to those out of work, but the amount paid is far too small. Those in poverty tend to be treated as second class citizens - however "national" serices are, class and affluence make a huge difference to what is actually received. Housing can be appalling, and those most in need of good housing do not have the money to get a better place. Education is probably the best way to get out of poverty, unless of course, your skin is black, or you are an Asian. And education in schools still needs to be supported in the home. And of course, drugs and debt bedevil any chance of many people actually pulling themselves out of poverty.
I don't know what the answer is. Governments here do not seem to have the political will to do anything positive and meaningful, that will actually result in something better for those who live in poverty. Talk is easy, action seems to depend on keeping their popularity and therefore votes, and so isn't taken.
I agree with the part about choosing your parents well. If you are a "throwaway" you are out of luck. Not part of the poorer class where some services are available you are left to to wallow. I could have had an education but my parents were above middle class. No financial aide for me! Unfortunately, they hadn't taken care of me since I was 14. I'm left to the convenience stores or selling cars! BTW, I love your lobster! I'm originally from New England! Where did you get it?
I'm glad someone else likes the lobster.;-) It is, if I recall correctly, one of the Old World ornament series...I think they retire styles after so long, so it may not be available anymore. But they're always coming up with new retoolings of designs, so it doesn't hurt to look.
Re your educational opportunities: Have you ever checked into financial aid for nontraditional students, or some of the newer programs for technical training? There's some grant/loan money out there for older/nontraditional students; and even in my fiscally down-and-out Rustbelt state there's a lot of money being put into technical programs at community colleges, where workers can retrain for new technical careers. If you're interested in college, even getting into a certificate or 2-year program can get your foot in the door far enough to kind of ease you in to the aid and the mentors and the contacts that might help you segue into a 4-year degree. Hang in there!
Well, this is Heidi and I'm surprised you are still speaking to me after my tirade the other night.
You know, I was a newspaper reporter for ten years. I slipped into the position just before it became a requirement to have a college degree. Consequently, when I moved I couldn't get a job in the field.
Oddly enough, I recently started looking into my degree at UT. I guess I could get financial aide. I'm just pretty scared to try. I think my biggest problem is getting paralyzed by fear. It has turned me into a 44-year-old that wakes up every morning and does nothing.
6 comments:
I'm not sure that the situation is any better in the UK. Yes, we have, in theory, a National Health Service, available to all, but often the poorer areas have fewer Doctors. Yes, we have a Social Security system, which pays benefits to those out of work, but the amount paid is far too small. Those in poverty tend to be treated as second class citizens - however "national" serices are, class and affluence make a huge difference to what is actually received. Housing can be appalling, and those most in need of good housing do not have the money to get a better place. Education is probably the best way to get out of poverty, unless of course, your skin is black, or you are an Asian. And education in schools still needs to be supported in the home. And of course, drugs and debt bedevil any chance of many people actually pulling themselves out of poverty.
I don't know what the answer is. Governments here do not seem to have the political will to do anything positive and meaningful, that will actually result in something better for those who live in poverty. Talk is easy, action seems to depend on keeping their popularity and therefore votes, and so isn't taken.
But something needs to be done!
Hi LutheranChik,
this is Joyfulsoul from SOF. Your blog is such a blessing and so beautiful to read. Thx for posting a link. :) Blessings.
Yep, she's right.
I agree with the part about choosing your parents well. If you are a "throwaway" you are out of luck. Not part of the poorer class where some services are available you are left to to wallow. I could have had an education but my parents were above middle class. No financial aide for me! Unfortunately, they hadn't taken care of me since I was 14. I'm left to the convenience stores or selling cars!
BTW, I love your lobster! I'm originally from New England! Where did you get it?
I'm glad someone else likes the lobster.;-) It is, if I recall correctly, one of the Old World ornament series...I think they retire styles after so long, so it may not be available anymore. But they're always coming up with new retoolings of designs, so it doesn't hurt to look.
Re your educational opportunities: Have you ever checked into financial aid for nontraditional students, or some of the newer programs for technical training? There's some grant/loan money out there for older/nontraditional students; and even in my fiscally down-and-out Rustbelt state there's a lot of money being put into technical programs at community colleges, where workers can retrain for new technical careers. If you're interested in college, even getting into a certificate or 2-year program can get your foot in the door far enough to kind of ease you in to the aid and the mentors and the contacts that might help you segue into a 4-year degree. Hang in there!
Well, this is Heidi and I'm surprised you are still speaking to me after my tirade the other night.
You know, I was a newspaper reporter for ten years. I slipped into the position just before it became a requirement to have a college degree. Consequently, when I moved I couldn't get a job in the field.
Oddly enough, I recently started looking into my degree at UT. I guess I could get financial aide. I'm just pretty scared to try. I think my biggest problem is getting paralyzed by fear. It has turned me into a 44-year-old that wakes up every morning and does nothing.
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