by Daniel G. O'Leary

Created on: January 26, 2009   Last Updated: April 03, 2011

Poverty. Those fortunate enough, never know or experience poverty. Unfortunately, a huge percentage of the World's population knows poverty extremely well, no country is exempt. Even in the lands of the rich and famous, the doers, and the shakers, "the haves" can become "the have nots" with a blink of the financial eye (you don't have to look beyond any country's daily paper these days to see the high and mighty tumble to the World of the stricken).

What distinguishes the family of man as truly unique, is the ability to think, to reason, to make decisions that can contradict instinct. Depending upon the environment, thinking, reasoning, decision-making sometimes takes a back seat to the instinct to survive.

In survival schools/courses around the World, one of the very first things a human is taught, is to stop what you are doing and observe your surroundings. You are taught to notice "all" that is around you, observe what eats what, what drinks what, what provides shelter for what, when, and how each is done. With such careful, detailed observation, it becomes quite apparent that there is a balance, a rhythm, a savagery, yet a harmony in the World around us (the World in which our "unique ability to reason" has removed us).

"Our unique ability to reason", potentially places us and our planet in peril. Why? Because in too many instances, we have reasoned our way into making decisions that are contrary to the balance, the rhythm, the harmony, and yes, the sometimes necessary savagery needed to defeat a foe.

We must eat and drink to survive, for we must have strength to do that which is next. Shelter; built, found or taken affords us opportunity to protect ourselves (and those we love) from the elements and predators, to rest, to heal, to grow (to plan). With strength in body and peace of mind (knowing our family is safe), we can aggressively work harmoniously with due diligence to do that which is "right and just" for ourselves, for each other, and for the planet (of which we have but one).

So, my suggestions for solutions addressing poverty are these; We must initially provide food, drink, and medical assistance to those without long enough for them to gain strength and be healthy (in many instances, if governments were observant, and proactive vs. reactive, the time frame for required assistance could be merely days instead of weeks, months, or years). Believe me, I've seen many instances when those without were fed in the morning, became anxious and willing to work for a days wage, and then took it upon themselves to find shelter for the night, and then, returned "joyfully" to advance their success.

If the strength is already present (they're already fed and healthy), provide opportunity for work (an honest day's wage, for an honest day's work). Again, many would seek and find shelter on their own, rest for the night, and return "joyfully" to advance their success.

Within our family of man, let us do that which is "right and just" for each of us and for all of us; use our heads, offer our hand, open our heart, let us each do our part. Let us be proactive vs. reactive. Now is our time!

Learn more about this author, Daniel G. O'Leary.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.