Warren and Crimes of The Poor

https://www-m.cnn.com/2019/08/20/politics/elizabeth-warren-criminal-justice-plan/index.html?r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F

Something that actually makes sense coming from a politician...who woulda thought? Mind you, there is still a long way to go...but doing away with cash bail is a good start!

-David

Anything is Better Than Nothing...

-David

Health Care's Cost to the Elderly Costs Lives

https://www-m.cnn.com/2019/08/09/us/elderly-couple-murder-suicide-washington-trnd/index.html?r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F

"It is very tragic that one of our senior citizens would find himself in such desperate circumstances where he felt murder and suicide were the only option," Sheriff Bill Elfo said in a statement. "Help is always available with a call to 911."

Yeah, 911 isn't always a feasible option... especially if you live in an area which lacks a quality hospital with quality physicians who actually give a crap.

This is happening way too often... healthcare needs to change, and soon. Medicare isn't enough for many of our elders...and the current pseudo private market fails miserably for those outside employer coverage.

-David

You Can't Make This Up...

Yeah, there aren't any poor white kids...

Good attempt at a save, by the way. Didn't really work there Joe, but at least you gave it a try...

-SGAF

Violence, Poverty, and a Week of Tragedy

"If America’s leaders would invest in proven pathways out of poverty, we could radically diminish violence in America.   If America spent as much money offering opportunities to every 16 to 26 year old as we spend locking them up for minor offenses that further cut them off from a positive future, we could end poverty in a generation or two.  When young people find a true pathway to opportunity and a caring community, they become excellent parents determined to give their children the world of opportunities they lacked in their own childhood." -Dorothy Stoneman, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/poverty-gun-violence_b_3528888 We at Poverty in America do not condone violence in any form as a method of solving problems...period. The shootings which have transpired this past week have yet again brought to the forefront the issues which continue to plague our nation. As our leaders continue to give "lip service" to violence...we want to see real change. As of yet, this change has not come...mainly because it is not profitable for those in charge. As the Democratic debates rage on, and the candidates continue to harp on a number of issues which have changed little in the course of the last 20 years...gun control measures continue to be at the forefront. Gun licensing, gun registration, bans or control of "high capacity magazines" and "assault weapons"...the same things which have been touted time and time again...but have never happened. In the areas in which they have happened, little change has been seen...need we mention Chicago again? There has never been a more important time in this country for us to take a stand on the true root cause of violence (gun related or otherwise): mental health and poverty. Those who feel they are abused by the "system", those who feel they are victimized with no way out, those who subscribe to the mindset that the world owes them something they aren't getting. These are the people who cause havoc. These are the people who will stop at nothing to get at what they believe is the "root cause"....whether it's a school, immigrants, LBGT, etc. You will never legislate out hate. You will never legislate out violence. This is especially true when the political establishment does nothing but "fan the flames". When it's "cool" to be hateful, as both parties are promoting right now...it is no wonder there is so much hate in the world. There are no simple answers...but I can promise you the answer definitely does not reside in the political world. -SGAF

First Democratic Presidential Primary Debate

June 26th. Today is the day.  In Miami the "field" finally takes center stage. I think I can speak for us all in saying that regardless of political affiliation, wealth, poverty, etc...this is going to be one interesting debate to watch. The number of candidates, the number of issues to be touched on...the liberal field definitely has their work cut out for them.

From a poverty standpoint, I don't expect to see much progress from this debate. I doubt any meaningful proposals or announcements will headline.  But I think we will see a much clearer picture of what is to come in 2020 and beyond.

Fingers crossed for something good!

SGAF

Another Day (Part 2) (David Logsdon, Guest Contributor)

Note: This is part 2 of a short series by Dave Logsdon. I have not received any further submissions in this series beyond this one as of now...so my assumption is that Dave is continuing to write them. Enjoy, and I will be certain to post additional portions as Dave sends them to me.

Another Day (Part 2)

By David Logsdon

It wasn't long until he found his stopping place. In a small, run down crossroads he saw a hand scrawn sign...

“Help Wanted”

He turned in and spoke with an older man. Weathered and worn, Frank could tell the man had lived a hard life. After explaining his situation to the gentleman, Frank agreed to work for cash at the man's produce stand. Suddenly, though, he realized he had no where to stay...and nothing but a few clothes packed in a suitcase.

“Boy, everything allllright?”

“Yes sir, just trying to figure out what to do about housing?”

“Housing? What the sam thunk is housing?”

“Somewhere to live...”

“Oh...well you don't worry bout that...just follow me...”

Frank followed the old man's station wagon down a dusty red clay road that would rattle even the best teeth straight out of your head. Suddenly, the wagon came to a hault at the dead end. Frank got out, as the old man pointed...

“There she is...you can have her for $100 a month.”

“She” was what appeared to be an old, overgrown sharecropper house.

“Might be a might bit rough, but she's got running water, electricity, and even a toilet. Nobodies lived in it since Mary Beth hung herself on the porch.”

Well that sounds lovely, Frank thought silently to himself. But beggars can't be choosers.

“I'll take it”

“Alright boy, see ya at 7 in the morning....bright and early, ya hear?”

“Yes sir, no problem. Will be there right on time.”

Frank watched the old man drive off into the sunset. Suddenly, he realized he didn't have a key....and then he realized he didn't need one...there was no lock on the door. Silently he entered...almost afraid as if someone was going to be inside...but he was alone. Besides an old couch, and a few other assorted pieces of furniture...he was all alone.

He munched on his cheese crackers while watching the small rabbit eared television that was in the house. Before he knew it...his alarm awakened him from his slumber on the couch...

Time for work.

David “Dave” Logsdon is an independent consultant from southwest Alabama. College educated, and currently looking to pursue a graduate degree after nearly a decade of work, he writes under a pseudonym to ensure his privacy. He does not maintain an online presence. He can be reached through the site on which this article is located for comments or questions.