Blog 9
Dear President Elect Obama,
There are numerous things that can be done to help mothers rise above the poverty line. The reason that these numerous ideas and changes have not taken great effect is due to the assumption that the poor are lazy, crazy, do not even try to work hard to get simple food stamps. This, as I’m sure you’re aware of, is a huge stereotype that needs to be erased. In the book Nickel and Dimed Barbara Ehrenreich worked first hand with working class women below the poverty line. These women worked two to three jobs, while being pregnant just so they could survive. I and I am sure the majority of Americans would not ignore these women but help them if they just understood the world they live in. Therefore, I think it is first important to erase the stereotype and encourage the media to express the hard work and desperation of those in poverty. It is obvious that more funding, such as food stamps, WIC, healthcare, transportation, education, and safety need to be implemented to help – but we can only do so much with the budget we have. Therefore, we should not only look into government aid but also look into the private sector. According to “What We Can do for the Working Poor� the implementation of these private sectors into schools, and low wage companies allows those in poverty to move up into a job that pays more. A main point also is that businesses need to allow workers to move up, and it is also important for those in higher paying jobs to encourage and be references for those of lower pay to increase their job status. Not only do the workers move up the chain they are also very happy and actually can enjoy life instead of working 15 hour days without motivation (other than being able to survive).