Landing at first light
by juliannj

Comment:
Amazing shot! Wonderful!

Poverty in America: Your Backyard
by mgarsteck

Comment:

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.

S....circles
by Paul

Comment:
That's really cool.

Poverty in America: Your Backyard
by mgarsteck

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

"If you come to a fork in the road, take it!" -Yogi Berra
by essay

Comment:
Great photo, but definitely not a misquote.

Blinded by the Light. . .Wrapped up like a douche in the middle of the night. . .
by karmat

Comment:
ha ha. I wonder how many people won't have any idea where that comes from?!

Reflecting
by glad2badad

Comment:
Really nice.

Eye of the Starfish.
by Bugzeye

Comment:
Wonderful!

Who Did? Katydid!
by dtallakson

Comment:
Wow! Awesome!

Tranquility
by Alain

Comment:
Pacific Northwest? British Columbia? I want to be there so bad! Beautiful.