More Americans living in poverty now than when Eisenhower was president
Stephon Johnson | 4/12/2011, 5:26 p.m.
Jackson suggested that the American government enact a "modern-day homesteading program" where unemployed urban citizens can reclaim lost homes and learn carpentry, plumbing and green jobs skills in order to rebuild America.
David R. Jones, Esq., of the Community Service Society of New York, expressed distress at what America has become and hopes that the poor of the country will not be forgotten like he feels they usually are. "We are seeing a new poor--previously middle-class or working-class people who had jobs and were able to make ends meet," said Jones in another released statement. "Many have been jobless for so long that they are queuing up for public welfare benefits. We are wasting lives, and we cannot afford to do so. Many communities--both urban and rural--now mirror a third world country, with adults sitting around with no jobs and no future for them or their families"
Both Jackson and Jones believe that jobs sponsored by the government are the solution to the economic downturn, but both suggest that the time to debate is over and the time to act is now.
"It is up to our leaders, both in government and the private sector, to move away from old habits and patterns of thought and respond to this national crisis," said Jones. "Unless we change our priorities, we will be creating generations mired in chronic poverty. The eventual result will be the economic downgrading of America to second-class status."
"We can begin to work our way out," said Jackson. "Congressional leaders, take the bold step of committing to reducing poverty by 50 percent over the next 10 years--half in 10! America, give us a listening ear...There is no time to waste. It's time for a change."