Everyone is cutting the fat. Unfortunately our society thinks that people struggling against poverty and other challenges-aging, homelessness, catastrophic or chronic illness-are the ones that need to do with less. Social services are the first programs to be reduced, and people who are already treading water are often left to drown.
As the federal government cuts assistance to America’s most needy, organizations that are trying to help at the grass roots level find themselves trying to plug the hole in the dike with their thumb. Even larger, state and national, non-profits have to narrow their focus.
Fortunately, such organizations have traditionally been staffed by creative, generous, caring folk like our own “English Lady,” Pamela Atkinson. I am constantly touched by her, and others, who continue to implement new and simple ways to bridge the gap between people, and reach out to help those in need. People who have learned to do more with less.
In 2007, the top 20% of household had 85% of the country's wealth. So we in the other 80% were left with only 15% of the wealth. That ratio hasn’t improved recently, I’m sure. A great number of corporations, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, pay no taxes at all.
There would be no companies without workers, and consumers that buy products and use services. There would be no wealthy without lower income persons tending their gardens, cleaning their houses and offices, repairing their appliances and automobiles.
So, I ask you, who really deserves more, but has to do with less? Who needs to give more out of gratitude to those who work hard, or fight hard, to build and protect this land of ours? Why can’t the wealth created be shared equally by all?
Here are this week’s links:
Jobs cuts for poor seniors... by Tayefe Mohajer, Associated Press via Deseret News
Salt Lake City unveils ‘donation meters’ to help homeless by Jared Page, Deseret News
United Way focusing on low-income neighborhoods by Heather May, The Salt Lake Tribune
Nonprofits will struggle to absorb United Way cuts by Heather May, The Salt Lake Tribune
Local 8th graders hold benefit to help homeless youth by Kylie Conway at ABC4.com
A Ramblin’ Man Makes His Way Off the Island by Corey Kilgannon in The City Room at The New York Times
Street Newspapers and vendors from NASNA (North American Street Newspaper Association)-When you see a vendor selling Salt Lake Street News, buy a paper to help them out.
Search results for “homeless:” BBC (UK) Scoop Independent News (New Zealand) WorldNews
Video Spotlight
from invisiblepeople.tv at YouTube
Entertainment
Television: Beyond the Blackboard-Inspired by a 
true story about a teacher who makes a difference in the lives of the homeless children she teaches in a shelter's makeshift classroom. Sunday, 8 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2
Books: Nobody Don’t Love Nobody by Stacey Bess-The Hallmark Hall of Fame production listed above is based on this book, written by a woman from Utah.
Music: Bon Jovi tours Philly shelter for homeless youth by Maryclaire Dale, Associated Press via ksl.com
[ photo: Matt Rourke, Associated Press]-“Recording artist Bon Jovi, left, seated next to Kevin Ryan, president of Covenant House International, laughs aloud with others during a ceremony marking the opening of Covenant House’s new facility Tuesday, April 19, 2011 in Philladelphia. The Covenant House shelter in the city’s Kensington neighborhood plans to house 20 formerly homeless people ages 18-21.”
Writers: Video-Stephen King speaks for workers, unions, veterans, and people struggling against poverty.
Other related links (not found above):
Nat’l. Coalition for the Homeless / Nat’l. Alliance to End Homelessness / State Homeless Co-ordinating Committee (UT) / Utah Division of Housing and Community Development & participating agencies /Palmer Court Apartments (SLC) / Utah Department of Workforce Services (jobs)
Until next week, Happy [insert your holiday here]. Enjoy the music.
your editor
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