No one reads our forum here...

[Riftaxe]

short of spam, how do you knock sense into the mainstream of this board?

While those in poverty cannot contribute $35.5k for a dinner appearance, we all know those in poverty are more then willing to work their asses off it it is worth it.

Poverty as an issue will never be a glamorous issue, especially those of us familiar with it, but how do those in poverty get recognition?

[Divine Discontent]

1. caring about those who have next to nothing, or nothing is a matter of admitting several things

about ourselves as a society. It is hard for many to do. That is why many turn away when people are on the streets begging.

The only thing we can control is what each of us do. We can appeal to each person's better angels and ask them to help the needy in some manner. Also, if it's not obvious, GOP candidates don't give a crap about the needy, so we need to remind our candidates there are people who are hungry, or have no routine care, or struggle to even pay the most basic of bills and to stand up for them even if they're not going to get any donations from them - because it's the right thing to do, and they'll get their votes.

[Riftaxe]

2. It takes more then individual action i fear

I have been in poverty, and only fortune has allowed me out of it. But it is not an issue that should be ignored, since in the end we are dealing with people, and people should not be ignored.

I have no answers, I do what I can because i recognize myself in the faces of the women and men I see who want to contribute, but lack the knowledge or skills to be able to.

[Divine Discontent]

5. I agree. it takes more than individual action. still hoping for a strong fight for the people by

our progressive politicians. We must keep pressing them, for it isn't easy to break from the norm. We must keep on them. I was hoping Pres. Obama would get in and be so populist in his actions that it would change much, but that's not happened. So, for now, we must keep being helpful together, but I agree, and disagree with the GOP who say it's only up to each of us, that it also is a burden upon gov't to do more.

[demguy72340]

6. +1

[shireen]

3. it's overwhelming

I get so sad about it. The sick fact is that our political system is most often driven by money.

That's why i STRONGLY support people like Bernie Sanders. Admire people like Dennis Kucinich. And gained a new-found respect for my member of Congress, John Sarbanes, when he voted against the debt ceiling bill (prior to that he didn't really make an impression, seemed like just another generic democrat).

:hug:

[saras]

4. To care about the poor, you have to admit that you're not responsible for your own wealth...

There's lots of other stuff, much of it impressed on people in early childhood, but that's the crux of it.

I think it's the cause of the 'fear of socialism' meme - to talk honestly about socialism would mean admitting how complex our society is, and how dependent our jobs and lives are on all these other people that we know little about and have no control over.