As the fiscal curb negotiations proceeded, we heard often--and rightfully so, as we make up the vast majority of Americans--about helping the middle class. Kudos to the Chicago Tribune for reminding its readers that another very large (unfortunately) constituency is also still in desperate need of help: the poor.
As the editorial notes, the amount of hungry and homeless Americans continues to rise despite the (somewhat sluggish) economic recovery. In the wealthiest nation in the history of mankind, this is simply unacceptable.
The editorial suggests we do not let the spirit of giving expire as the Christmas season ends. It correctly states that we should not depend on government alone to help the poor--both public and private assistance is needed.
I work running a thrift store for a non-profit organization. I am one person among several who works in the store, and it is a rare day when I do not take at least one phone call (it's always from a woman, usually on the verge of tears, spitting out words that are among the hardest she's ever had to say) from people who need reliable transportation to get back and forth from the doctor, need a place to stay until they can get back on their feet, can't pay their heating bill, or the worst, can't feed their children. They are not people looking for a free ride--they're just looking for some help until they can help themselves.
Try as we might, we cannot take care of every person who needs help. We just don't bring in enough money, despite the best intentions of many, many people.
And this is why we need government--to supplement (and then some) the best intentions of some very good people.
It's either that, or we step over dead men, women, and children as we go about our daily lives. And that would not be, despite conservative wishes, the promise that is America.
Peace,
emaycee
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