As Phil Underwood suggested we should address the real causes of poverty. He mentions poor education, drug use, and unwed motherhood.
Unfortunately not everyone in this country is granted a decent education. Many schools especially inner city and rural areas lack the funds for updated technology and even books for learning.
Regarding drug use, let us look at the reasons people turn to drugs in the first place. Then please remember that since they are poor they more than likely cannot afford drug addiction treatment and also cannot afford to up and move to a nice area where drug dealers are not peddling drugs 24/7.
Phil you mention teaching the poor marketable skills and introducing them to the work force. Due to budget cuts many programs that taught literacy as well as marketable skills were the first axed so tell me where these poor people are going to learn to read and write so they can get jobs? Jobs that do not require a college education are not as plentiful as they once were. Since they are poor how are they able to afford a college education?
So yes we should address the real causes of poverty and work towards solutions that address all sides of the issue. Blaming the victim is NOT a solution.
Tara Knight
Williamsport
Submitted by Virtual Newsroom
