We find ourselves frustrated and angry with our elected officials because of their inability to steer our country through one of the worst economic crisis in more than three decades.
I was born in the late 1960’s and was a pre-teen and teen during Ronald Reagan’s Presidency (1980-1988). I find it quit eerie that many Americans today look back “fondly” on those years…I do not!
In1987 alone America faced an economic crisis that many economist compared it to the “Great Depression” of the 1930’s. From 6% unemployment to hundreds of thousands of jobs lost, violence, poverty and the increase of possession and distribution of illegal drugs (“crack”) —we’ve been down this road before dear Philadelphians/Americans.
Recently I received letters from “Phil Abundance” and the Salvation Army requesting donations so that they could provide services to many Philadelphians/Americans in need. And I can tell you—our great country is in need.
It occurred to me that organizations like the aforementioned, for example, need all of our support. In past comments I’ve stressed the need for each and every one of us mobilizing and taking immediate action to strengthen not only our families but also our communities as well because this is one way of taking action…giving. We cannot under any circumstances wait for our elected officials to take action on our behalf because history has shown that charity foundations have always been there to aid our communities through the perilous times when politicians who abuse their power were not.
Give whatever you can…but give.
I know that this is our darkest hour…but the dawn is coming. It’s coming!
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What I find dark in so many instances, is that which lies between the ears of many who believe it is our politicians that really have the power to shed any light on the travesties that bear heavily upon America. America is wasteful! Look at the staggering capital that Black America spends alone, on clothing, electronics, automobiles, and food. Now compare this to what Black America spends on education. If at least 1/4 of money spent on those perceived luxuries was invested into that which would benefit the community...instead of trying to look good for the community, there would be more communal acts; rendering the need for such charitable organizations to be strained as they are. As a child, I sold lemonade to make coins. As a child, Philadelphia Savings Fund Society (PSFS)came to our elementary school on a monthly basis to teach us about banking. In high school we had Drivers Education, which taught the basics of driving etiquete, which greatly reduced incidences of teens acting irresponsibly behind the wheel. Although I assessed that of the Black community, much of the same crosses all ethnicities and cultures; none are exempt. But tell me, who has stopped anyone from banking money? The justification is of many is that "I have too many financial responsibilities to be able to save". Try re-evaluating current expenses i.e cable, telephone (cellular/home), car payment, and then tell me how much you could have banked. Let us not forget about those folks who have a child every year, yet lack the foundation to appropriately care for them. There are also those who live beyond their means, who are not deserving of such graciousness bestowed upon them by any charitable organization. Then there are those folks who legitimately live below the poverty line who are deserving of such charitable acts, yet cannot access them. The most charitable of acts comes from the members of the community "first"; lightening the burden on those of us contributors to the Salvation Army, PhilAbundance, and so on. Political restraints my a#*, how bout taking personal responsibility as an individual and "loving thy neighbor". The "dawn" comes, when one opens their mind, sheds their arrogance, and makes way for "new" information from an "old" way. Grrr!
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