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Wednesday, June 6, 2012

The Plight Of The Poor


image via google ~revnadinedraytonkeen.wordpress.com


I try not to mention the word "politics" anymore, it seems to invoke a firestorm depending on party views.  But, it's been on my mind lately and I wanted to express my opinion on the fact that in this country, the wealthiest nation on earth, there are literally millions of people who are desperately poor and struggling daily to survive.  When I think about the number of people who have lost their jobs, homes and savings, who have lived by all the rules, paid their taxes, saved for retirement, helped the needy and suddenly find themselves in a position of a needed "hand up" only to be told they aren't "poor enough" or they aren't "trying hard enough," I am so saddened that our national discourse has become so polarized that no meaningful assistance is forthcoming.

It seems to me that collectively we have lost our perspective and insight on what is important.  I don't begrudge anyone who has worked hard and has "made it to the top," on the contrary, I am very happy for them.  But, when I see the people who have been blessed turn a blind eye and refuse to share in their good fortune with people who, through no fault of their own are less fortunate, I become upset. Overall, it appears that national sentiment is currently focused on reducing governmental assistance to the poor.  Corporations and the wealthiest among us feel that they are currently paying too much so where will the needed help come from?

Men and women of a "certain age" often become the target of cutbacks partially because they have become more expensive and, in today's economy with a surplus labor pool, much cheaper younger labor can be used to replace them. This causes older people to have to take early retirements with reduced benefits which normally does not include any health care, often forcing them to choose between food or medicine. The working poor, and more importantly perhaps, their children, are deprived of security, good nutrition, adequate shelter and educational opportunities. All of this weakens the social fabric and threatens the future of our country in many ways.

The free market advocates who currently dominate the public conversation and are influencing the course of government say people should pull themselves up by their bootstraps (even though a great majority of these folks were handed their fortunes by their ancestors) but it is impossible to do this when you don't have any boots!

When I go to bed and after I say my prayers, I often ask God what he must be thinking when he looks down upon us and sees the sadness and desperation in so many of the eyes of his children and I have to think that he struggles too in trying to understand how selfishness, greed and apathy have become the new reality on how we live our lives.


I was hungry and you gave me no meal,
I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
I was homeless and you gave me no bed,
I was shivering and you gave me no clothes,
Sick and in prison, and you never visited.
~ quote from revnadinedraytonkeen.wordpress.com






Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Things That Make Me Want To Go Humm...

Image via http://naturespathphotography.com/Flowers/BlueSummer.html


I was just sitting here thinking about a few of the little things that I see that cause me to wonder why?  You know, those pesky little things that you see that can cause you to pause, reflect and wonder what is going on.

Like...when leaving a comment on a blog that has one of those codes that you are supposed to type in to prove you aren't a robot.  I must be the only person on the planet who has to try three times before I get it right.  I wondered who came up with the idea and for what purpose?

Or....While at the gym (using my peripheral vision) I see people getting on a treadmill right next to me, some with socks and no shoes on and some without any socks or shoes on proceed to  run or walk on it?  Whatever are they thinking?  Doesn't that hurt their feet? Aren't they afraid if they are running barefoot that they will fall or hurt the bottoms of their feet?

Or how about...the mystery sales ladies who appear when you first enter the store, ask if you are being helped, need help or are looking for anything special?   When you tell them you are just looking, they smile and tell you to let them know when you need something and when you finally figure out you can use some help, they mysteriously disappear and you can't find anyone around.(This happens all the time)

How about when you have an appointment, you arrive on time, sign in and look up to see people who arrived after you called as next in line after you have been sitting there 45 minutes later?

How about you...what quirky things make you go humm?




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