As a child, I knew money was scarce. Though my family had one parent and one income, we sufficed. On the news, reporters spoke of the economic downfall.
Elementary teachers discussed the economic social ladder and daily statistics about increasing poverty levels. But what is poverty? About two years ago, our financial status began to follow the economic trends. My father could no longer afford rent or groceries for dinner. For months we were living off the few food stamps available to us. This was the most petrifying moment of my life. A question developed that tormented my mind.
Will we have food or a house tomorrow? Having the constant fear of living on the streets is deathly terrifying. Various letters appeared on our door demanding evacuation. Nightmares which once tormented my nights had become a reality. Bankruptcy had been an ongoing fear, but this was only half of my anguish.
Before this point in my life, I had a definition of poverty. Poverty was achieved by laziness and negligence. After experiencing financial hardship, I discovered how naive and heartless I was towards disparity. Thousands of people in our community are deprived of basic necessities as we speak. Living in alleyways, they strive to find employment, food, or a mere conversation.
This is poverty. Yet as these unfortunate individuals stand on street corners wishing for a miracle, we glance at them with callous faces as if they are worthless. I have now experienced the adversity I once criticized. The recent economic stimulus package signed by Obama will initiate an optimistic future for the United States.
Several prominent ideas which will influence our economy the most are the housing, tax, and unemployment benefits. These will allow adults o. . cle if one occurs. Fortunately, we are slowly escaping poverty. However, there are many kids out there who have not experienced this; they are in danger of making mistakes which could cause them various months, or dare I say years, of anguish.
The youth of this nation have the future government in their hands; we are the foundation of opportunity. By educating this new generation, a bright future will be ahead and a misfortune such as our current foreclosure crisis is less likely to occur. Change will not happen within the next few days, or even weeks; it will take a great deal of time to overcome the financial catastrophe we have endured. A drastic initial amount of money has been spent on individuals in hope of reinitiating the consumer cycle. However, by educating both our citizens and our youth, an even greater amount of potential is in the near future.
