I've heard time and time again that nothing good last forever, and that everything changes. Statements such as these scare me at times, (well, most of the time) because I am a hopeless romantic at heart. Yes, many of you may find that hard to believe, but put away your shock for the moment and pay attention to the topic at hand. When I hear such comments as stated earlier, it scares me because it makes me think that long lasting, even life-long relationships are things that only happen in movies, or to the those extremely lucky people in life. That the people that actually experience life-long love and happiness are exceptions to those rules, and that everyone else will either be stuck in a loveless relationship or live by themselves, lonely and miserable. Maybe I'm just being over-dramatic, but the fact that I see couples break up that I would never guess were unhappy, or when I see a spouse cheat on someone that would do, and has done any and everything to please them, it just makes me lose all hope in love and relationships, and in humanity all together. I know that I am young and I have a lot of heart ache and relationships to endure, but if they are all going to be in vain in the end, why go through it? Why keep getting my heart stepped on and feeling that stab of rejection if in the end I don't find my Prince Charming? Because isn't that what dating is about, a trial and error stage for a person to find a person that they are truly compatible with, to marry and spend their lives together? I guess I'm just looking for somebody to tell me that it is possible for two people to stay together, forever, and stay happy and in love. And not to just say it because it's something I want to hear, but because they truly feel that it is possible, because they've seen it happen, because it has happened to them...or maybe I'm just a dreamer looking for a dreamworld where people can stay in love...

Session 14: Immigration

Immigration has been a hot button topic for as long as I can remember and comprehend. Somewhat like the health care reform that I spoke about previously, it seems that the Nation is split down the middle when it comes to the topic. There are those that feel that immigration, legal and illegal, will further damage the infrastructure and economy in the US, while others believe that immigration will be the leading force in regaining some economic stability. Though the immigration rate has declined, it has not been as substantial as some would like to think, there is still a steady flow of immigrants to the US, especially to states such as Georgia and California. Though both sides have valid points on the issue of immigration, it seems that there is still somewhat of a stand-still on what will be the ultimate outcome of the issue, since there as been a kind of back and forth within Congress, as well as other governmental structures about the issue. Obama is trying to set a more concrete plan into motion with the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, which would prevent children of illegal immigrants from being turned down for health care. This is a great start because, as I talked about before, without proper health insurance, many illegal immigrants will have to turn to charity care at hospitals, forcing taxpayers to dish out even more money and insured citizens to pay even more for coverage. As of right now, looking at all of the issues, I am not sure what my view is on the issue, but I do find it ironic that many people disapprove immigration, even legal immigration, when the US was basically founded and established because of immigration.

Session 13: Housing and Community Development

Having once lived in lower income housing, I know precisely how it feels to move some place else where there is less crime and poverty, and to just experience new surroundings. Now, with so many different programs being put into place, more people can experience that same feeling, and not just the few it once was. Not only is Obama establishing the White House office of Urban Affairs to help generate more financial help to lower income, urban areas, there are other organizations and programs being put into place to help those living in public housing where crime and poverty can run ramped. One such program is the HOPE VI, which tries to lessen concentrations of poverty by placing public housing in non-poverty areas, instead of just isolating lower income residents as has been the traditional approach. This, in turn, promotes mixed-income communities. Public housing agencies are also providing help to the housing market for lower income residents by proving Housing Choice Vouchers. These are administered through PHAs and helps lower income families find suitable, sanitary and safe housing. The family chooses the home but it must meet PHA standards. If the home does, PHA will pay a direct subsidy to the landlord, and the family pays the difference. This is a great program because it provides much needed assistance to families that would otherwise continue to live in poverty and inadequate quarters. The fact that the government, as well as other non-governmental agencies are taking such an interest and role in housing for lower income families shows all that can be done to start to combat poverty. The government is doing a good job in helping to decrease poverty rates in the US with such programs. I had no idea that so much was being done in this area, but it is often times easy to not look back at hard times in your life, but one must never forget where he or she has come from, nor the people that are still there, and I am happy that many people that shared a similar living experience with me can now share the experience of living a better life in a better living environment.

Session 12: Social Security

With many people concerned about the future of social security, Obama tries to reassure that he will do all in his power to make sure that in the future, seniors can still retire and receive social security. With the economic downturn, many have pondered, and even feared that there would no longer be enough in the Nation's budget to pay out social security. The fact that the elderly are often in the poverty group is also something that should be considered when thinking of social security. Yes, taxes may have to be heightened, but think about the fact that once a person has reached a certain age and can no longer contribute to the work force, what kind of income are they to receive if social security is cut? It would not be far that only those that are wealthy will be able to retire and not worry about their economic well being, but also those that worked hard to be able to retire. What Obama is proposing is a good way for the federal government to prevent poverty amongst the elderly.

Session 11: Health Care

There has been quite some controversy over the issue of health care for the past 2-3 years. The country seems to be split on whether the Health Care reform is in the best interest of the Nation. With 20.5 % of Georgians uninsured last year, there has been quite a heavy cost for caring for these people when they are in need of medical attention. Many hospitals, such as Grady and Piedmont are giving charity care to these patients, but at the end it is the taxpayers that feel it in their pockets. Grady, arguably the most visited hospital in Atlanta, has lost over $200 million in care for those uninsured, with Piedmont losing close to $30 million. Such hospitals often times depend on federal grants, and charging insured patients higher amounts to make up for such losses. One would think that with such an effect on the economy and taxpayer dollars, the majority of Americans would be in support of the Health Care reform. Well, a recent study showed that about 47% of Americans were/are against the reform, saying that it would cause higher taxes, and force them to buy insurance even if they don't want to, or risk getting fined a set amount. What is so interesting is that people would feel this way, even though it is evident that the economic downturn has left many people without jobs, thereby leaving them without health insurance because they were getting the insurance through their jobs. What is even more shocking is that the costs of not having universal health care is far greater than having it. One must look at it as what would be the lesser of two evils. And with the increased amount of Hispanic illegal immigrants, the cost for insuring them will be quite high, but not as high as giving them charity care and forcing the insured to pay higher premiums and out of pocket expenses, as well as regular tax dollars. What the federal government has done so far to prevent poverty on the side of health care is wonderful, but if a repeal is approved, would only increase poverty substantially. 

Session 9: Historical and Current Policy Responses: Social Welfare and Tax Policies

Chapter 7 and 8 could not have gone any better with my experience last week volunteering with some people in the homeless population. In chapter 7 of John Iceland's book, Poverty in America, I got a chance to learn some of the history of social welfare and the policies that were in place since the beginning of this country. The fact that starting in the colonial times, people had the tendency to shun those that were homeless, or even just living in poverty, helps me understand why some/many people still do the same today. The problem was that many people never took into consideration that often times there are extenuating circumstances that force a person into poverty. This misconception, that people that are living in poverty because they are too lazy to work hard, is a deep-rooted misconception in the American psyche. Another behavior that is deep-rooted is that of knowing that the government has some obligation to provide a "safety net" for those living in poverty, but also feeling as though those searching for assistance will become dependent upon it and will force others to pay higher taxes to foster their "contentment" with their situation. Since many feel this way, a lot of the programs and policies set up to aid in public assistance aim to discourage dependency on such programs by giving a cut off time such as two years, and eligibility only to those willing to go out and search for jobs. This can be a good thing, and has lead to many people leaving welfare and getting jobs to support themselves and their families, but often times programs set up this way ONLY combat dependency on the programs, but not the real problem, which is poverty. What I think is being done about poverty in the United States is setting up these different welfare policies and programs, but the problem of actually POVERTY is not being addressed as well as it should be. It is great that many do not want to create a dependency on such programs, but a more efficient system has to be set up in order to combat poverty as well. Some programs are doing so, by offering training and educational programs so that those seeking help can learn more skills that will enable them to receive better, higher paying jobs, but more programs should start to take that approach. The center that I volunteered at had many different programs, and also offered education on how to use different computer applications, and resume building techniques. If there were more programs such as that one, poverty would decrease sharply.

Session 7: Poverty and Wages

In this weeks session, we were asked to read many different articles and view different videos having to do with minimum wage and living wage. I found it quite shocking the amount of money that tipped workers are paid. $2.13 an hour is not enough for anyone, even if they are being paid tips and such. And to think that those tips have to be shared with the host, bussers, and other parties is absolutely ridiculous. Now that the federal minimum wage has been risen to $7.25 an hour, there seems to be some hope for those working for minimum wage, but the fact that some states have their own minimum wage does not ensure that everyone's pay rate will increase. What I think is being done about poverty in the U.S. on a federal level is great, because it seems that the federal level realizes that increased standards and costs of living should mean an increase in pay for those earning minimum wage. On the other hand, many states don't seem to get the picture and is another reason of Why I believe people are poor in the U.S. In one of the videos that I viewed, a young woman went around asking "What can you buy for $2.13"? Many couldn't even respond, because there is practically nothing that a person can buy for that amount of money, let alone live off of it. When one thinks about the costs of an apartment/house, transportation, food, clothing, health insurance, and other essentials needed to survive, it is hard to imagine how anyone could think that its okay to pay people such low amounts of money. I say that all states should set their minimum wage to $7.25 at least, in order to in some way combat poverty.

Session 6: Economics and Causes of Poverty

Chapter 5 and 6 in some way legitimized my idea on how historical discrimination and hinderance on many minority groups still have a lingering effect on the poverty rates of some of those minority groups to this day. In these chapters, it talked about how some of the institutions and laws that were set up to purposefully disenfranchise minorities, Women included. What I found to be most interesting is how many believe that poverty is becoming, and to some, already is, "a woman's problem". Many of the families in poverty are headed by single females, and the fact that there is still great income inequality between men and women, even when doing the same job, contributes greatly to the notion previously stated. Minority women fair much worse, seeing as they are not only minorities, but women as well, which makes it doubly hard for them to acquire prosperity. One common thread that I have seen since reading this book is the impact on education and success and income stability. It seems that education is the a direct link to the potential income that will be acquired by an individual. This goes back to the institutions set up to keep minorities in poverty, with legislation like separate but equal, and traditionally racism and segregation, where many Blacks and Latinos have access to schools that are greatly under-funded and don't have as many resources as those of their White and Asian counterparts. Overall my views have not changed from this week's reading, hopefully something will change with next week's reading assignment.

Session 5: Globalization and World Poverty

Continuing to read chapter 4, I learned how the U.S.' poverty rate differs from other countries around the World. Of course, it was among the richest countries, along side many Western European countries, and the poverty rate here was significantly lower than those of developing countries such as South Africa and South Asia. Standards for poverty in developing countries are quite different, because the poorest U.S. citizen would not be considered poor in say Latin America or South Asia. What I found to be very interesting; however, was that when compared to the other richer, developed and industrialized countries, The United States poverty rate was clearly higher. How is this possible? Well, there seems to be some paradoxically factor when it comes to the U.S. Susan Mayer claims that "the U.S. safety net is weaker" (63 Iceland Poverty). That can be proven because while other richer countries such as Canada have free health care and spend a lot more money on public goods, benefits and services, the U.S. does not. It is in this that you could find one aspect of why the poverty rate in the U.S. is lower, since poverty is the lack of the essentials to survive, and health care is an essential to survive, yet many Americans do not have health care because it is either too expensive or to hard to obtain. Another reason why is because there is vast income inequality in America, so while the rich seem to be very rich, the poor are extremely poor. Therein lies the paradox of the U.S.' poverty read. But the fact that there is such an inequality in incomes and a lack of spending on public goods is part of Why I believe people are poor in the U.S. It is this, amongst other things that I have discussed in my previous blog, and what I plan to discuss in my upcoming blogs.

Generational Poverty

Session 4: Why I believe People are poor in the United States
As I continued to read the book assigned to us for this course, I came across a very interesting concept that I was exposed to, but didn't quite know how to address. That of course, is generational poverty. The idea that poverty can be passed down, like a fortune can, from generation to generation. This is something that I see on a regular basis, but I just didn't know enough about it, or fully understood how such a thing could happen. But now that I have read into it, I can clearly see how it could come to existence. As humans, we are beings that learn from examples and things taught to us, such as talking, walking, learning to drive, etc. Such learned behaviors shape and mold us, and though everyone learns the same basic behaviors, it depends on those that raise us and that we are surrounded around to teach us other behaviors that will make us individuals. So just as a young girl could have both parents in the house hold raising her, both parents have gone to college, graduated, and have successful careers, it is more likely that she will grow to have aspirations, and ultimately attain said aspirations, to be as successful as her parents, and marry someone that has the same goals and values. Well, the same could be said for the young girl on the other side of town, that grew up in a single parent home, where her mother works hard as well, but didn't have the resources, i.e. poor education, financial resources, and adequate child care, to go to college and enter a field of study that would allow her to attain jobs that would pay higher amounts of money. Therefore, the young girl will work hard just as does her mother, but will be more likely not to go to college, and will not be as pressed to marry before having children. This is not to say that this is an inevitable fate for the young girl, but learned behavior usually wins out over other types of education that we receive in our life time U.S. and why minorities anywhere in the World would continue to experience poverty. It is passed down, from generation to generation, and while there are the few that break that cycle, for the most part, many of those that were born into poverty remain in poverty, not because they consciously choose to or because they are too lazy to do anything about it, because often times these are the hardest working people in the entire World, but because it has been embedded into their brains and minds that this is how it is supposed to be. You see your grandmother is poor, your mother is poor, your aunts and uncles are also poor, you think its the norm. But the question is, how do you break out of that state of mind?

What is "poverty", and who exactly experiences it? Initial Blog/ Session 3

  As some of you may gather from an initial glance at my profile, I am a college student. One thing that college has taught me in the time that I have been there is how there are many different World views and ideologies, and often times we as individuals get caught up in our own views and biases, that we neglect to consider those of others, whether it be a particular individual, or a societal view that is different from the society that we associate with. One such class that has made me realize this is Culture and Poverty class. I haven't had this class for a whole month and already I am starting to re-evaluate my views on certain things. As of right now, I have a rather solid belief on what I believe certain things to be, but who knows, by the end of this semester I may have a different view of the World. What is all this to say? Well, in the class I mentioned, we were asked to give our opinions on what we think "poverty" is, as well as many other in depth questions, and I would like to share my answers with you all, in the hopes that you all will respond and give feedback on what you think about the issue.

  Coming from a relatively poor background myself, I like to think that I have a pretty good handle on who is more likely to experience poverty. I would say that mainly minorities (ie Blacks and Hispanics), experience poverty at higher poverty rates. Not only that, but single parents, mostly single mothers experience poverty. Now this is just in America, that I am talking about, because for me to try to give an opinion that I feel strongly about in regards to other countries would be ill-conceived, as I have not been out of this country. But with media coverage I would guess that those that experience poverty in other nations would be minorities, but not in the same way as in the U.S. I would say religious minorities, and again single mothers.

   I believe that some people are poor in the U.S. because for one, when one is born into poor standards, they tend to stay in those poor standards because that is all that they know or have become accustomed to. Now this is not to say that those born into this can not get out of that situation, it is just extremely difficult because the education that they are allotted does not meet the standards that are required to be successful. In is in that I believe government is to blame as well. I have seen too many times how poorly funded education is in poorer areas, areas that are desperately need the funding for the children.

   As of now, I see some initiatives taken by the Obama administration to combat poverty, such as Health Care reform and other public assistance services, but my main concern is the reformation of the Educational system, and I don't think that enough is being done in that area. As far as in other countries, I don't see a lot of governmental assistance, just because most countries do not believe in government assistance in matters such as poverty like the U.S. does.

   I partially addressed this in the other paragraph but I believe that as of now, poverty is being addressed fairly well in the U.S., but more emphasis should be put on education so that the cycle of poverty can be broken down a little. As far as globally, I'm not particularly sure but from the outside looking in, it does not look like poverty is being addressed as effectively as it should.

   I personally think that one way to address poverty is through education. I believe to be true globally, as well as in the U.S. Many of the public services offered to those experiencing poverty are great, short-term options, but can lead to dependency and can be considered a crutch. I believe that if more time and effort were put into education reform, and better educational programming, a lot more could be done for individuals.

 I will be updating this blog as the weeks and months progress, just in case any of my views change, or even if I feel I need to expound upon any points. Feel free to comment, I respect all opinions, but please try to keep it respectful as I do not entertain foolishness and disrespect. I look forward to hearing from you guys!