Poverty in America: Your Backyard
by mgarsteck

Comment by mgarsteck:
We are the land of opportunity yes, which may be the reason why you think there is no poverty in America. Because everyone here has an opportunity to exceed.

However, I again will invite you to come to LA and spend time on Skid Row with me and my group. In any society, poverty exists no matter what you might think. Just because 5 cents will buy a lot in a poor African country, doesnt mean it buys you anything here.

Come and talk with these people, while its true there are a good amount of people who choose to live on the streets, there is an even greater number who are desperate to get off the streets and take every chance they get. Even if they get government assistance doesnt mean it at all helps because they are still stuck in their situation, most still cant afford to buy even the cheapest of places to rent and provide for their family.

I would hate for this to happen to anyone, but homelessness can happen to anyone, including you. And if it happens, Im sure you would be quick to change your mind.

Go to Skid Row, talk to one of the prostitutes who are forced against their will to be prostitutes. Tell me that poverty doesnt exist. Go talk to one the thousands of people that are out of their mind from being mentally ill, and tell them they have no excuse to be poor and live on the streets.

If we are the land of opportunity, then there should be no excuse. I wish to provide ways and opportunities for them to get out of the cycle that they are in. Poverty is a very very vicious cycle that once you are in, its extremely difficult to get out of.

Again, like I said before, denying poverty exists in your area is just an excuse not to help.

Poverty in America: Your Backyard
by mgarsteck

Comment by OmanOtter:

Originally posted by mgarsteck: There is no comparing of other countries when it comes to deciding if there is poverty. I guarantee if you stepped out here with me you would quickly change your mind. A homeless person starving on the streets in America is in poverty, no matter how you look at it. In my opinion people say that other countries have it worse than our poor so that they can justify not helping those that they see everyday.

Well, after two years in Africa, I will admit that when I eventually return to America (I've just moved to Germany) I think I will be far less likely to give handouts to "poor" Americans because I'm unconvinced that poverty (and especially starvation) even exist in America. I've become very cynical and skeptical of those in the developed world who claim poverty. The mentally ill will be an exception to some degree. Druggies that got themselves into that mess and don't want real help are problematic. I don't mean to detract from your kindness, but I just read a quote by Thoreau that seems apt. It was in "Dark Star Safari" in a chapter in which the author criticizes the negative effects of aid on African development: "There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root, and it may be that he who bestows the largest amount of time and money on the needy is doing the most by his mode of life to produce that misery which he strives in vain to relieve." This may or may not be applicable to you. I don't intend it that way. It's just pertinent to the question of aid to the poor.

For Judi.
by mgarsteck

Comment by JarHead:
very nice photo

For Judi.
by mgarsteck

Comment by Tom:
Great colors! The ocean looks so smooth... very nice work

For Judi.
by mgarsteck

Comment by michelR:
Great photo but i dont understand how this is meant to represent "sunshine after the rain". 6

For Judi.
by mgarsteck

Comment by bmartuch:
Almost looks like a partial eclipse. Nice colors.

Poverty in America: Your Backyard
by mgarsteck

Comment by mgarsteck:
There is no comparing of other countries when it comes to deciding if there is poverty. I guarantee if you stepped out here with me you would quickly change your mind. A homeless person starving on the streets in America is in poverty, no matter how you look at it.

In my opinion people say that other countries have it worse than our poor so that they can justify not helping those that they see everyday.

Message edited by author 2010-09-14 00:55:21.

Poverty in America: Your Backyard
by mgarsteck

Comment by OmanOtter:
Congrats on the ribbon. Great shot. But, looking at it from Africa, there is no poverty in America. None. None at all.

Poverty in America: Your Backyard
by mgarsteck

Comment by IreneM:
Matthew, great shot and HUGE congrats on your first ribbon! Wish you many more.

For Judi.
by mgarsteck

Comment by Judi:
Wow...I really like this. I feel comfort when I look at the water and vapour.