The Real Tragedy of Poverty
By Jeff Moffitt
@moffittjc (128835)
Gainesville, Florida
November 27, 2015 1:57pm CST
I saw an interesting news article yesterday dealing with the issue of poverty, and all the federal programs that have been created to address it. The article stated that if all the money the federal government spent on poverty programs actually went to the people it was intended to help, a family of four living in poverty would receive upwards of about $70,000. Sadly, less than half of this money makes it to the people it is intended to help. Before the money ever even makes it down to those who are suffering on hard times, 50% of the money is skimmed off to pay administrative costs and salaries of the charities and federal agencies who are supposed to be helping the poor. To me, this is the real tragedy of poverty, that 50% of the money earmarked for the poor aren't even making it to the poor. I'm willing to bet there are a lot of people laughing all the way to the bank, as they greedily take money that should go to the poor. Yes, many of these people and agencies are doing good work, but a truly efficient organization should never use more than 10-15% of funds for overhead and administrative costs. Fifty percent is just a tad too high in my opinion! It doesn't just happen elsewhere in the world folks, it also happens right here in the good ole USA.
6 people like this
5 responses
@moffittjc (128835)
• Gainesville, Florida
29 Nov 15
But don't you understand? We need MORE government in our lives!!! Our government is the only one who can best tell us how to live our lives. Without them, we would all just descend into anarchy, because we are too brainless to make our own decisions! hahaha
This is sarcasm ^ lol
1 person likes this
@ThankyouLord (698)
• St. Petersburg, Florida
28 Nov 15
Poverty could be partly addressed with the encouragement of cottage industries. Having a business out of one's home without ordinances interfering, taxes taking most of it, and benefits having to be sacrificed all discourage this. When people have their own way of making money, poverty (real poverty) can be addressed much (not all) of the time. We have regulated ourselves into the dirt. You must have a license, be inspected, provide handicap accessibility, register with various agencies, and declare earnings with the state and the federal government. Then we must buy insurance, and provide a living wage for anyone who helps. We get overwhelmed before we've begun. That was the door out of poverty, and we've shut and bolted it.
@moffittjc (128835)
• Gainesville, Florida
28 Nov 15
You make a very valid point! This is a perfect example of the government trying to help but instead hindering these charities. All those regulations were put in place to ensure that these agencies are run properly and efficiently, but in truth just the opposite is happening. With so much red tape to cut through, it's amazing any of these agencies can actually get anything done!
@moffittjc (128835)
• Gainesville, Florida
27 Nov 15
I had writers block this morning and couldn't think of anything to say, so I snuck over and eavesdropped on your conversation you and your sister were having. It really gave me much to write about! Sorry I didn't give you and your sister the credit for this topic! lol
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
27 Nov 15
That is one of the many reason people need to do research into the different charities - some of them do the same things.
@sherryericha (1806)
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
28 Nov 15
Every year my family participates in a Christmas arty a local shelter. It is special for us, we only donate new toys and clothes. One of my cousins gives away laundry detergent and dryer sheets. Whatever problems I have seem so unimportant. I realize there are many programs that should be doing more and better, but most of the residents are doing the best they can considering their education level, background, etc. It reminds me that the war on poverty is over. Poverty won.
