Initial Thoughts about Poverty

Poverty is the most devastating reminder of our failure as citizens of the world. It is a tormenting souvenir of our lack of activity. While most individuals wish poverty would vanish; how many of us actually make an effort to alleviate poverty? How many of donate our time, money, or care to improve the life of others?  If we intend to make the world a better place then it is our responsibility to rise above our egoism.  As individuals, we have a choice to make, to look the other way, or aid those who are in need. 

Who you think is poor, both in the United States and globally?

                Poverty is a multidimensional global issue.  Therefore, it is very hard to define who is poor because humans can be poor in so many aspects: economically, spiritually, and affectionately.  However, the form of poverty that we can eradicate as a society is the one produced by economic hardship.  In America, a poor individual is someone whose salary is below the poverty level, meaning such individual cannot afford the most rudimentary necessities to live a decent life.  Globally, poverty is living in the slums, searching through the garbage to feed your children.  Nearly half of the world’s population survives on less than $2 a day. These people are subject to harsh weather conditions, malnutrition, death, abuse, and helplessness. Poverty is the root to many other branches of injustice such as human trafficking, drug cartels, child prostitution, and human slaves.
Why you believe people are poor in the United States and globally?

              I may not be very knowledgeable regarding the causes of poverty; however, I firmly believe that poor individuals do not choose to live that way.  In my opinion, poverty is the result of social inequality, exploitation from the corporate world, failure to make responsible economical decisions, and incompetent legislation.  Poverty is like a vicious cycle, a person who is born into it lacks the resources to get out of it.    
What you think is being done about poverty (e.g., current policies and programs in the United States and globally).  

             There are hundreds of non-profit organizations who work hard to fight poverty and its effects.  Some are highly influential international organizations such as the Peace Corps, the Red Cross, and Doctors without Borders.  While others are local organizations such as Hands on Atlanta, United Way, and Stand Up for Kids. The individuals who become active members of these organizations donate their time and effort to improve the living standard of the impoverished population, They are the ones who deliver the message of hope while the rest of us sit at home watching our favorite reality show, still looking the other way.  Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment benefits, and WIC are the only forms of government aid that attempt to diminish the poverty problem, however, this government agencies are notorious for their ineffectiveness.
How well you think poverty is being addressed currently in the United States and globally. 

             Poverty is not being addressed properly.  Every single policy implemented to aid poverty is like a patch we place on a broken system.  Although certain statistics portray that poverty has declined during the past years, we are currently falling short of a tangible resolution.  Despite the efforts of active members of our society, the truth remains that we are a segregated world. We are separated in so many levels: nationality, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic level, education, and the list never shrink. It is very difficult to eradicate poverty without eliminating ethnocentricity.

What you personally think should be done about poverty in United States and globally (e.g., policies, programs you would suggest).

           To alleviate poverty it is imperative that we achieve higher social involvement. We need to encourage individuals who are able to extend a helping hand to do so. It is also important to make businesses accountable for their actions, not by punishing them but by encouraging them to create employment opportunities for the poor both in the United States and globally. In the United States, we have greater possibilities of expanding access to education and technology to produce more workers that are skilled. Sovereign countries should commit to regulate the prices of necessities for survival such as food, water, and medical care. This measures might seem to ideal but they are not impossible.