Being Poor...
I've been reading rather than writing the last few days. So much to read and absorb about the whole aftermath to Katrina and the response. I think the only good that may possibly come out of this is that we may be able to start a national discussion about race and class issues in this country and how these issues affect ALL of us.
A couple of days ago, John Scalzi wrote this entry about what it means to be poor after trying to explain to a friend why you can't just evacuate when you have no money, car, food, etc. The post, and its over 300 comments meant a lot to me because it showed that so many people (and internet savvy ones at that) actually can identify with being poor and understand that no matter what your circumstances, people aren't throw-aways and that being poor doesn't always mean that you are a lazy, good-for-nothin'. Most of the time, you are just stuck in a storm that you have no resources to get out of.
It also showed me that many of us are there or have been there, and also, that for a single mom of two that is overeducated and barely employed, I'm not doing to badly, Thank God.
Yes, I agree, that post was very poignent for me, too (I posted about it on my blog as well, in fact!).
I am also reading (and watching) a lot these days, it is hard to tear myself away from it all. I want to know what is happening, and to never forget it.
Though I am sure for me it will fade, and for the most part, my life will go on as it was. Not fair. So many others will never have that luxury; lives and hearts so permanently altered...
Posted by: Kristin H. | September 07, 2005 at 10:48 AM
That was a great post on poverty you refered us to. I spent way too much time there. Something so healing about just being able to share like that. That was a lot of comments witnessing (instead of political discussion etc). thanks
Posted by: cluttergirl | September 08, 2005 at 08:47 PM