Indifference and Complex Social Issues, Not Michigan, Are Breeding Poverty

Within the last week, we helped a woman with her annual filing of her income taxes.  As I was explaining her modest Michigan renter's credit and home heating credit, I noticed she was not following along on the return.  She reached into her pocket for a pair of glasses.  One of the temple arms (which holds the glasses on your ear) was missing.   The bridge which rests on the nose was taped together with what looked like masking tape.  As she put on her glasses, I stated something like "Looks like you need some new glasses."  Her response was "I got them at the dollar store" and implied that they are all she could afford at this time.

For privacy reasons, I can't go into the details of how little this woman (and her child) live on. I am not sure it would change anyone's mind about her anyway.   However, let me say that in completing taxes annually, I am at times humbled by how little folks can survive on.  When I complain to myself about not having enough money to buy a new car or to take a vacation in warmer climates, the poverty incomes of some of our neighbors can be less expensive than the cost of my desires.

The other day, I was shopping in a Dollar General.  Admittedly in a hurry, I apologized to a woman who was spending considerable time looking upward at the shelf in the aisle which contains over the counter antacids and stomach relief.  As I pulled down from the top shelf, the private label, Zantac ranitidine knock-off that I normally buy, she said:  "They're all so expensive.  I haven't taken any acid reducer for days." 

In hindsight, my guess is that she was unable to read the labels on the top shelf (which she also had a hard time reaching).   I wonder if she too had a problem with seeing without glasses?  Don't know, but she was grateful for my advice that the $3 bottle of acid reducer was "the best price that I've found in the area."

I am not sure why either of these two women find themselves struggling to pay for glasses or acid reducer.  What's the old saying?  "There but for the grace of God go I." 

On the other hand, I do know that I was more than frustrated earlier in the week when I read this editorial in the Detroit News.  Obviously, not everyone believes that as a society, or at least federal, state, or local government need to care for the less fortunate.  I must say that the political views expressed in this editorial do not jive with mine.  But I guess they show that we have along way to go before we agree on how best to care for the poor and near poor in our state.

The editorial was entitled:   "Michigan is breeding poverty."   It can be read in its entirety at:

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120212/OPINION03/202120303/Michigan-breeding-poverty