I saw an interesting dialogue this morning on BlueOregon.com about John Edwards run for the presidency. Someone was pointing out how bothersome it was to them that John Edwards, with his multi-million dollar estate, would be talking about ways to end poverty. Another person thus responded, questioning why anyone would chastise John Edwards and his millions, especially considering he is a self-made man.
This got me to thinking about a variety of things.
1)Wages. The more you make, the more respect and worth you garner.
2) The term "self-made". Who in the hell is truly self-made? Not one of us. We've all had to rely on the help of others to get where we are. No matter how easy or difficult the road has been, someone has always come along and helped us achieve our next goal. The term "self-made" is an illusion. Those who create the most success for themselves usually have the most support. Not all are born into such a support system and not all of us have the know-how (or trust) to create such a network of support.
3)His plan to reduce/eliminate poverty. While it's a good start, it leaves out many things we as a society seem afraid to address and discuss honestly.
(a) His plan wants to raise the federal minimum wage to a measly $7.80/hour. Why do we even have a minimum wage? Why not instead have a livable wage? We need to talk about this.
(b) He wants to guarantee employment to all those who are "drug free". What does he mean by this? What about people who use marijuana for medical reasons? What about the right to privacy during people's off-work hours? This is just a sign he supports the draconian war on drugs (not to mention the invasive drug testing done by employers and the multi-billion dollar industry created as a result). This war on drugs in reality is a war on the people, usually those who are the most vulnerable, the poorest. While I agree people need to be alert and sober while on the job, on-the-job accidents also occur when workers are sleepy, stressed-out (and who the hell isn't stressed out working a minumum wage job, trying to support themselves and/or a family) or on other prescription drugs that have side-effects. We need to talk about these things rather than just paint the canvas with the illusive phrase "drug free".
(c) He wants to guarantee employment (again, with those minimum wage jobs) to those who are willing to "work hard". Who says what is hard work or not? People who are employed at such employers that pay the crappy wages ARE working hard. Anyone able to keep a roof over their heads on such wages IS working hard. Working hard is over-rated and is part of the rugged indivualistic diatribe we're all brainwashed with since birth. It wears on the body and on the mind. Instead let's talk about working joyfully. Let's focus on helping people find what makes them happy, what brings them joy, and then help them create that out in the world. Let's guarantee every one of us a livable wage. Let's talk about this rather than the mindless "work hard and you will get ahead" diatribe. Let's talk about people's abilities. We're all different. This promise of a minimum wage job if you work hard sounds like a continuation of the slave labor force. We need to work to break that--not continue it for christ sake.
4) John Edwards lifestyle. I would like to pose a few questions for Mr. Edwards. Does he think it possible for every one of us to be afforded his affluent lifestyle? Are we all worthy of such a lifestyle? (If he's smart, he'll answer "yes" irregardless of what he really believes.) If so, does he think the planet can sustain that existance for every one of us? (That answer would be no.) This needs to be discussed. We need to create a vision that outlines the basic minimum existance you and I can afford to live which does not deplete the planet and which does not cause another to go without. Then and only then when he has thoughtfully and honestly answered this question will I think of him more of a real humanitarian who truly does wish to see putting poverty to an end. Ending poverty means we must create a much more equitable playing field. And that means those with the most will have to relinquish some of those resources, or at the very least, change how they, how we live our daily lives.
I'll take all of this one step further. How about we have a system that guarantees us all the basic minimums needed for physical survival: Safe, sound housing. Cleaning running water. Healthy, fresh abundant food. Clean clothing. Health care. Sound good? I'm sure it does. Here comes the tricky part: these things are provided for all and are not dependent upon ones income. That's the part that challenges some of the values of our western world. That's the pill that would be hard to swallow. But swallow it we can. The only qualm I have about such a system is the obvious: we must have government leaders that would see this vision for us all. We must have a deep trust in our government to provide this for all fairly and equitably. And right now, we obviously do not have leaders who are capable or even interested in such concepts. They're too busy sucking off the weakest while lining their own pockets and those of the elite.
I did not have a full understanding of poverty until I lived it. I don't think anyone can have a true understanding of living in poverty until they do. If you don't know what it's like to wonder how you will pay for next months rent......if you don't know what it's like to be sick and unable to afford to go to the doctor because you do not have health insurance....if you don't know what it's like to be low on food and have to eat ramen noodles or peanut butter to get by until food stamps kick in or that next measly pay check is deposited.......if you don't know what it's like to need new clothes or furniture but you don't have the extra cash to buy such things.........if you don't know what it's like to live this way on an on-going basis and if you don't know what it's like to experience the stress and the emotional, physical, mental and spiritual effects...........if you do not know what any of this is like, you do not understand poverty and therefore, you are not fully enough aware of offering up the REAL solutions. I have an idea: for those government leaders who love to spout the "let us end poverty" mantra, let them create a series of discussion groups that are largely comprised of people who live in poverty. let those of us who have lived it or are living it offer the solutions. it begins by asking us what we need.
i'm ready to talk if they're ready to listen.
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