by Arthur Holmes

Created on: July 15, 2009   Last Updated: July 21, 2009

There is no single solution that we can come up with to eliminate poverty, however, it is crucial for us to address this problem seriously. What we can do is what we have failed to do to this date. As a nation we have failed to address the issues linked to poverty: homelessness, psychological impact of long term poverty, and the inability to provide for self and family.

Poverty is possibly the most underrated threat to our society, yet most politicians and wealthy members of our society fail to realize this. Money is thrown at poverty like bread-crumbs are to birds, most of it scattered so widely that it's lost and we find ourselves wondering why poverty is growing.

Poverty exists because we refuse to invest that which is necessary to end it: thoughtful resources to lift people from it, our own precious time that is required to assist those in need of help and lastly, the funds necessary to develop the mind and elevate the spirit of our citizens. We must humble ourselves, not only with understanding, but also with respect for those less fortunate by ushering in solutions that demonstrate such ideals.

A new blueprint must be drawn that effectively deals with poverty. A plan that reflects upon the true cost of living instead of the minimalistic approach of tuna sandwiches and food locker donations that further erodes morale. Public housing in its current form is demoralizing because it heightens poverty in the minds of the impoverished.

Instead of isolating the poor in this manner, it would be best to place them in separate homes throughout communities. This sort of living arrangement could help to eliminate the psychological impact of stereotyping that breeds generations of dependency in families growing-up in housing complexes.

Currently we are spending billions of tax payers dollars to save corporations but when it comes to saving the poor, little has been done to assist them. We just don't take poverty serious and we sure as hell don't recognize it as a strain on our economy. Poverty is a cog in the wheel of our economy that we should reduce at any cost because too many Americans are unable to contribute the revenue that is required to help it function properly.

Look at all the money that has been thrown away on unnecessary conflicts, projects of all sorts, and missions to outer space and say that we should not invest more in the development and implementation of a real plan to tackle poverty once and for all.

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