Today's U.S. economy is faced with massive debt, some of the highest unemployment statistics ever, bank failures, and even entire country failures. The Bush and Obama administrations have diverted their attention away from the fallout the economy has created. It's time we introduce those in power with those in need.
Tent cities on the rise
In an area near the great arch outside Saint Louis, Mo. there are dozens of people living next to a highway underpass. These people are much like you and I only they have no permanent home like you and I. These people live in tents and cook outdoors not because they love camping, but rather they have no place else to go. This area has become their home where they do everything from bathing, cooking, going to the bathroom, dressing, and raising their families.
These homeless people are trying to make the best of a bad situation. Yet even in these troubling times from a tree branch overhead is an American flag. They haven't forgotten America but has America forgotten them?
Sadly, this is not a problem that is confined only to certain areas. These type of tent cities have risen in so many sections around the country, and no one seems to know what to do. The people in these tent cities were once rising stars of industry or influential teachers to our children. These people have earned our respect yet their cries and prayers are not being heard.
The USDA recently reported that 15% of American families were too poor to buy adequate food last year. Does this sound like the America you grew up in? There is a lady who stands alongside a harbor and asks for your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free. I don't believe Americans huddled together trying to stay warm and be able to eat a hot meal is what she had in mind.
The Ohio Daily reports that trade with the US has gone from a total of $5 billion in 1980 to $387 billion in 2007. Our trade deficit with China in 1985 was $6 million. Today it is a whopping $266.3 billion.
This writer can't help but wonder if things may be out of balance causing these tent cities to be popping up. Gee, ya think? American home foreclosures topped 100,000 in September 2010 alone. Instead of amber fields of grain are we going to see oceans of tent cities and wonder why someone did not do something?
In my opinion, if we don't put a stop to this insanity, the next American president will be Chinese!
Howard Richardson - Mr. Richardson has worked directly with homeless families trying to impact their lives in a positive way.
Join the Conversation