Call The Law

Do you have generational poverty in your family? I'm not talking about family members who don't spend their money well. I'm talking true poverty. Bob is one of ten siblings. Their mother died young and their dad went on to marry several more times. Along the way there came two half siblings and a step sibling. That's where the family acquired a pocket of true generational poverty. It was in the family when I married Bob 54 years ago and I have no doubt it will be there in another 54 years. It's absolutely the hardest work ever lifting people out of this kind of poverty.

We visited this family through the years and never worried about finding them. You just drove until you found a house with a big dog tied to the front porch; at least one non running vehicle in the front yard; black garbage bags of trash on the porch and out in the yard (it's not a lawn), and assorted empty alcohol containers scattered around. There well may be a shouting match going on out in the yard among multiple generations of family that pool their resources and live together. It's quite common to hear someone shout "CALL THE LAW!" That's our family.

People are wondering what's going on with the 2016 election. A must read is the book 'Hillbilly Elegy' by J.D. Vance. I'm actually listening to the audible version, with the author as narrator. You will have a much better understanding of why white blue collar people are flocking to Donald Trump. He speaks their language.

Listening to this book takes me back to think about our family. I totally understand now. Both political parties have missed it with these people.

I hope you will read the book.

Mr Peppermint

Bob is addicted to soft peppermint puffs.  The source where we've always purchased them quit carrying them so he's been without, and not happy about it. Daughter ordered a big bag of them and they arrived yesterday. He's a happy camper again.

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This week we went to Walmart Grocery on Monday especially to get one thing. I put that item on his list and he failed to put any in his basket.

Yesterday we went to Costco.

Today we have to repeat Walmart to get what he forgot on Monday.

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He's actually been feeling a little better this week. Seems to have a little more energy and be a little sharper mentally. This is good.

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House Speaker Ryan is scheduled to reveal what he hopes will be the GOP plan for dealing with poverty in America, that pesky problem that keeps buzzing around Congress like a singing mosquito.

Do you have poverty in your family? Bob is from a very large family with a number of incidents of poverty.

On purpose I am writing this post BEFORE I'm exposed to Speaker Ryan's plan. If his plan can solve the following situations I'm all for it. Think about these examples as you ponder his plan.

1) Sister-in-law. Widow with only husband's Social Security as income. She's just moved into a government assisted apartment. She is a case of living breathing poverty. Tell me Speaker Ryan where does she fit in your plan?

2) Nephew. Never did well in school and eventually dropped out of school. Dropped out of several attempts to get GED. He's working. He mows yards for a living. No health insurance. No money for dental care. Bunks with guys in same shape. He's probably 50 now. Job training is not likely to work in his case. He has no money to prepare for his retirement years. If he gets chronically ill who pays? What happens as he ages? He is a case of living breathing poverty. Tell me Speaker Ryan, where does he fit in your plan?

3) Niece. Two terms in prison, many times through county detention center for drug addiction. She's 52 now and clean at the moment. Looking hard for a job but has no job skills and no employment history. No jobs are available because of her lengthy record. No health insurance, and no chance of preparing financially for her retirement years. How does she get food, shelter, and clothing? Speaker Ryan, do you have a job for her? She is a case of living breathing poverty. Tell me Speaker Ryan, where does she fit in your plan?

4) Niece (age 24). Mentally challenged, hearing impaired, has experienced two kidney transplants. What job do you have in mind for her? She is a case of living breathing poverty. Tell me Speaker Ryan, where does she fit in your plan?

It's one thing to walk the hallowed halls of Congress far far away, secure in the knowledge poverty is caused by lazy people who don't want to work. It's another thing to live and work with poverty. It can't always be solved with a job. It can't always be solved with money. Poverty is extremely complex. Please don't paint it as simple.