my editorial reply to:
Tucson being named as the 6th poorest city in the U.S.
While I am a Christian, Focus on the Family does NOT speak for me.
I do feel that the erosion of family values is a contributing (but not the single cause) of poverty. Traditionally, widows and orphans were taken care of by the church. The intrinsic values of our society are not being promulgated to the next generation, caused by the deterioration of the integral family unit.
How do you overcome poverty? Education plays a key role. Charity DOES begin at home, but if that value is never taught, how does that trickle through the society?
If I see a homeless person on the street, I DO give them money. I am my brother’s keeper. If they spend it on alcohol or drugs, that is their choice. I gave for the right reasons. I believe ultimately, they are accountable to God, for how they utilized the assistance they received.
I am on Social Security. SO I know full well the decision many seniors face: do I eat this month, or do I buy the medicine? No one should have to make that decision, but I and many seniors face that dilemma daily.
It should not be incumbent on the state to provide welfare. That function was originally handled by the church. Maybe that is where it belongs.
Wayno