hope I don't need this, but just in case


I suppose we might look at it in terms of the focus needing to be on the fast-falling middle class because there could be a point made that keeping THEM out of poverty will eventually benefit those who are already there, but the total lack of much acknowledgement is pretty sad, indeed.

this stuff, even on DU. Maybe no one knows what to say?

first, we can't solve them alone so that is one reason to "ignore" them - that is why a crisis gets more and instant response while chronic problems get ignored - it is the same way with finances or health issues

if it isn't directly stopping you from what you are doing or grabbing your attention in some direct way, it is hard to see or pay attention to.

personally I try to help individuals in small ways when I can, but I am pretty much in the official poverty zone myself, although I have other saftey nets that many/most do not.

threads on poverty sink like stones around here do seem to illustrate your point.

I think DU should do a holiday fundraiser for Feeding America or some other relevant charity.

Let's help some people that cannot afford their medicine or their rent next month.


Thank you for this thread. This is why I feel that the election has accomplished nothing for Americans who are hurting.

The 1%ers stole millions of homes, looted the treasury and they are still keeping all the money.

They are still acting like they are in charge and no one is going to hold them accountable.

We simply cannot recover our economy when they looted Trillions and stuck it in the Cayman Islands.

We need to prosecute fraud, tax the looters and get that money back in circulation.

Not sure about the elephant at DU, I don't have any representing me. We fight for the rights of the disabled in community meetings, the legislature and meet with our governor, not less than every month, more often when the legislature is in session. We travel and organize daily. I'm not sure what is going on in your community.

I am in the middle of a district closely involved with the disabled, elderly, vets, mentally ill, homeless and immigrants. Their insurance, food, housing, transportation, income and education managed through our representatives in our public and private programs. They are always looking to their basics and more.

We just got some very good people into office that I know personally who always have people's backs and go and fight against all the GOP and libertarians who believe these people aren't worth the time or effort.

ask my church what else can be done, but as I believe charity cannot possibly handle all the needs out there I will still focus on our gov't and the social safety net too. (Even if sometimes I feel like I am just shouting into the wind.)

citizenry through their representatives are keeping people from being homeless, thus they do not get into the public eye, and are not seen by charities. Compared to what we can do as a whole as progressives, the good will of charities cannot compare.

Some count on soup kitchens, but their problems are much greater than can be helped with a monthy or weekly church meal of donated food and other things. No disrespect to givers but one cannot ignore the governmental and social problem for the satisfaction of weekly or seasonal offerings. The root of their need cannot be taken care of on the occasional event nor should it be. if we truly love our neighbor, we cannot turn a blind eye to them every other day of the year when we can do more as a nation. I know that government programs are unpopular. The people they serve should not do without for that reason.

You are doing both, but the way to cut the root of the misery is larger than an individual can do. I used to attend churches that collected goods to go overseas, since it was assumed or proven their government did not provide for them. My kid and I would go and get all the things on the list to put into a shoebox, and then pay Samaritarian's Purse to ship them.

At that time, we did not know how hateful the head of the organization, Franklin Graham, was. It has an emotional appeal and for those who are not involved politically, or live in areas where the majority do not believe in the social safety net, there is little to do to change the situation. Private charity doesn't take the place of government, it never has, it's why the social safety net evolved, to give help to those who refuse to lie about their beliefs to get a meal, a bed in a shelter, etc. run by religious groups.

It is better than nothing, perhaps what you are doing is the very best you can do at this time. Don't give up on either front. I know the families of the disabled by birth, injury or age and poor who are cared for and we talk all the time, so I get some information to pass on. People are thrilled that events happen to help them out, and the holidays for many are a particularly lonely time.

But it takes many people (evil government) to keep things from getting desperate. If the people do not believe that, they have to beg for food and shelter just as they did in the old days, which certainly saves tax money for those who don't want to pay for people they don't know. This country has so much wealth, we can afford to take care of all.

But it requires political will and good hearts like yours there. Have a good thanksgiving, GPV.