despite dismal job numbers, non existent job creation and a net loss of more than six million jobs since the recession began, the american media continue to sensationalize and stigmatize the poor as being lazy, unmotivated and unwilling to work. unfortunately, many americans, without reading, doing minor research, or even thinking beyond the headlines, commentaries and loud tweets, accept as fact these total misrepresentations and misconceptions. this allows the federal government, conservatives and misguided politicians such as paul ryan to continue to assert that poor and unemployed americans don't know what's in their own best interest and don't know how to lift themselves out of being unemployed or being poor. that is a very dangerous assumption and a preview of the basis for the november elections.
the biggest barrier between the poor, those living in poverty and the unemployed getting a job and going to work isn't motivation. it's the availability of jobs and lack of opportunity in todays economy. the single largest reason for unemployment isn't laziness or willingness of the unemployed to live on the meager benefits paid by long term unemployment insurance, but rather a failure of the current administration, the congress and the senate to put into place any sort of real economic policies to stimulate job growth. the snap program...one of the major targets recently of the poverty experts....is actually one of the most successful and most economical programs the federal government offers to those who need assistance. most recipients leave the program after a brief few months. although fraud does exist in the program, in comparison to other assistance programs it is very efficient. economically it offers more return for the investment than any other program. for every five dollars paid a recipient thru the snap program, nine dollars is generated thru local economies.
the problems facing americans today are a result of the policies of the federal government. the issues of hunger, poverty, homelessness and unemployment are the result of the inefficiency, ineptitude and failed policies of the federal government. the congress and senate are complicit in these failures by continuing to pass bills and enact laws that do not benefit the majority of the american people. but that is ultimately our own fault. we elect these senators and congressmen. we elect the president. in alot of cases we continue to elect and put back into office politicians who have so blatantly ignored the needs of the american people that they become more of a detriment to their constituents than a benefit.
november is approaching and with it elections. two years after that the presidential elections will arrive. i truly hope that each and every american eligible to vote will go to the polls and exercise that right. it is the only way to change this country and the misguided direction we have taken. do not be fooled by loud rhetoric. do not be fooled by election year changes of heart. do not be fooled by news clips or commentaries. do not be fooled by party platforms. look for yourselves....pay attention to the candidates that are going to represent you. look into their past record in politics and see what they truly stand for. what they say amid crowds and on camera is not what they stand for....how they've voted and what they've supported in the past tells you what they stand for.
this is america....this is our country. it's time to change. vote like you own it.....because you do
see you around town