The forgotten issue

   Michael R. Petit has been waiting for more than a year for America's presidential candidates and the news media to start talking about the issue of children in poverty.

   Petit is the president of Every Child Matters, a Washington-based organization that lobbies for better living conditions for children living in poverty.

   For him, the 2008 presidential campaign has been a time of extreme frustration. He laments that his organization, and others like it, have been unable to get Barack Obama or John McCain to talk much about poverty.

   Nor has he had much success getting the news media to raise questions about an issue that faces an estimated 37 million people -- well over one in 10 Americans.

   "Obama has a section about poverty on his Web site, and he has proposed some programs to help, but neither of these candidates are talking about the issue," said Petit, former commissioner of Maine's Department of Human Services.

   "Since the wars started in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2001, 28,000 American children have died of child abuse, suicide or homicide. Thirteen million kids are in poverty, 8 million lack health insurance, 14 million are left alone after school ... I try to get the media to ask the candidates what they are going to do about it, and the media won't pursue it."

   The Buffalo News did raise questions along those lines with both major party candidates. The same 12 questions on poverty issues were e-mailed to spokesmen for McCain and Obama on Sept. 22. An Obama spokesman got back to The News the same day.

   It took two more e-mails before a McCain spokesman responded, and only to say that McCain and his running mate, Sarah Palin, would not be available for interviews. (Obama and Joe Biden also declined to be interviewed.)

   Finally, after several more e-mails and phone calls, McCain's Western New York campaign coordinator, Russell Gugino, sent answers to the questions on Oct. 9.

   "I understand why the Wall Street meltdown is the major story right now," Petit said. "But we've been trying to get people talking about poverty since long before the meltdown."

   Do readers think that either one of the candidates really would make an effort to help people pull themselves out of poverty?

   -- Dan Herbeck

Comments

[R.Turner]

Most poverty is caused by broken families caused by have-nots wanting and buying non necessities causing more poverty to themselves causing distress in demanding bailout by those who attempt to live righteously.
Wake up

[pgr88]

After 50 years, and Trillions of $$ spent on "poverty" we have the same amount of "poor" but now also have added dysfunctional families, broken schools, a huge Gov't to support all this spending, and groups like ACORN destroying our Democracy who make money and thrive off the "war on poverty." The sad fact is, "activists" like Michael Petit and their knee-jerk solutions have actually made the situation worse. It's good he is being ignored.

[Dick]

The bigger question, as always, is:

What have "the poor" done for themselves?

[Mike]

Don't worry comrades, Chairman Obama will redistribute enough wealth so that we all will sink to the poverty level...

[Lydia Bezou-Hojnacki]

Poverty is a state of mind. I know many truly poor people who live within their means. THAT IS THE KEY! It's what we do with our money that separates the needy from the non-needy.

It doesn't take much to entertain yourself and your kids with just a radio a sandbox, and a beach ball.

Soak those beans overnight; don't buy expensive canned ones. A bag of dried beans costs the same as one can--but you get three cans' worth when you do it yourself! Of course, I am being facetious here--I don't know too many poor people who go to great lengths to live frugally! Pitiful! That's the real problem.

Anyone can call the police to rat on bad neighbors, report theft of services (gas/elec/water) abandoned vehicles, rodents, trash, illegal dumping.

Being poor does not mean being dirty.

Unfortunately the idea of being helpless to change the landscape comes with despair and the culture of entitlement. And I think the despair is fed by the culture of "GIMMEE, GIMMEE." The more others have, the poorer some believe they are, and the deeper in debt they'll go to "prove" otherwise.

It's all in the head. One's own self-esteem works wonders. It doesn't take money to have self-worth; it takes education and smart money management--including smart buying habits, entertainment choices, housing choices, and having a savings account!

Everyone can live the clean life and enjoy being debt-free.

What the government needs to do is establish an income floor of about $20,000 for a family of one, $22,000 for two, etc. Any benefits received to make up the difference between earned income and the established floor should be paid directly to landlords, mortgage lenders, utilities companies, etc, whatever applies in the situation. Part of the benefit would be reserved for purchase of food on a federal debit card with strict restrictions on what constitutes FOOD.

I'd like to see a severe cut-back on the items that can be purchased with government-funded food programs. Unnecessary food--snacks, candy, "juice" drinks, frozen dinners, deli sandwiches, take-out, $8.99 veal chops--should be banned.

Revise the Earned Income Credit to benefit 18 year-olds who earn below the income floor. It is disgusting that young people have to be 25 or over to benefit from EIC.

All housing should be inspected and certified safe for occupancy, and landlords must be held accountable for fixing drafty apartments that waste tenants' utilities funds.

That's where government needs to place its priorities!

[ScottGrimshaw]

I am curious as to how much money Petit pulls down as president of "Every Child Matters"? That would include all benefits and non salary perks.

This would be a mandatory element in any serious journalist's reporting of a story. Isn't the Buffalo News a legitimate news outlet?

[eastside retro]

Barack knows what it's like to be a black man in a white man's world. He will bring the change we need. He will make the rich pay their fair share and stop the loopholes. He is for hope and change he will bring reparations to our land. He is the only one that can heal the wounds of past injustices. He knows that if we can give 700 billion to help the rich he can give the same to the poor. It's our time' he is the man this country has waited for, he will bring hope and change.

[Paterno]

Single mothers. Why am I not surprised? For thiry years or more they have been the pster children for poverty. As eastside retro writes: let's spend another 700 billion dollars. That will probably help.

[Lydia Bezou-Hojnacki]

Forgot one more important item: Raise the Social Security contribution from high earners by removing the cap from all base, commission, bonus, and overtime pay. Then raise the minimum entitlement to conform to the poverty level floor, $20,000, with a maximum of $32,000. The problem with Social Security is that the wealthy have NEVER contributed their fair share with the ceilings in place. EVERYONE should pay up 7.5% on ALL earnings, including up to $3 Billion, LOL! Watch the coffers grow for our young people's retirement security!

[who cares]

I am sorry, I am so tired of hearing about the inner city poor. I live in S. Buffalo. My husband and I have 2 kids and both of us work full time. I pay $223 per week for full time child care. Take that out AFTER taxes and what that leaves me is approximately $135 per week to take the bus ( we dont own a car), get groceries, lunches for my daughter in high school not to mention her allowance of $10 per week. My husband pays the rent, utilities, health (family coverage) and dental insurance out of his check and there is not much left after that. Now remember....$135 to take care of a family of 4 each week. That really is not alot. Its a huge luxury in my house if i can spend more than $60 on groceries (for my family of 4).

Most people suffering inner city poverty get food stamps, WIC, Heap, financial help for daycare etc. I dont qualify for even a little help.

I say in the words of my brother...suck it up buttercup we all are struggling you are no different nor are you any more special than anyone else.

[Ron]

The "poor" seem to be unwilling or unable to accept that the ONLY answer to poverty is EDUCATION. Black teenagers who decide that no one is going to tell them what to do end up dropping from school and continue to be poor. Hispanics migrate here and instsit that they will only speak spanish.... welcome to being poor for all your life.

Bill Cosby has long been a champion of education but is attacked by black groups when he tell them that as long as they refuse to accept that education is the ONLY way out of poverty.

Blacks and Hispanics need to realize that you get out of life what you put into it.

[mackyoho]

It's easy for some to criticize adults for being poor, because of laziness, drug addictions or other flaws in character, but what about the children that are born into poor families, through no fault of their own? Our govt spends billions even trillions to bail out banks and insurance companies. Is it so terrible to suggest that govt do something to help kids out of poverty? Show a little heart!!!

[boonies]

Candida...eastsideretro...how does Barack Obama being raised by a well-to-do bank vice-president (his white grandmother) enable him to feel for the poor?Maybe it happened when he attended uppercrust academic institutions on a free ride?
mackyoho...this year alone all levels of govt. are throwing ONE TRILLION bucks at poverty, yet you feel its time we do something??
I would like to see the usual suspects who bleed uncontrollably for the poor to demand an accounting of the welfare state and what good it has done...Call it the Exit Strategy on the War on Poverty!
Lydia...your essay was a wonderful balance between the two shouting sides, what with the emphasis on personal efforts AND a serious reassessment of what govt. has done up to now to HINDER rather than help the needy...Perhaps you could elaborate for some of the readers what course you chose to reach where you are today...self sufficient and beholden to no one? Are you a college graduate; how long did it take you to make it; from what sort of background did you come &etc...not prying here just think it may help someone...

[Lydia Bezou-Hojnacki]

Boonies--thanks for the upbeat commentary. I will tell you a few things: Live within your means! That does not mean one has to save cash first for a house and a houseful of furniture. It means buying the best quality you can afford, and pay for it on terms that are comfortable while you work, always anticipating (and saving for) a tragedy. Secondly, DO SAVE for that impending tragedy. There may be one in your future. And the incident need not be a tragedy--it could be a treasure! When I was married,my husband and I lived on one income and saved all of the other, in anticipation of the inevitable children. When we discovered that it was no hardship, we did step three: Set up nest eggs for the children for a good start as young adults.

Last, and most importantly, care about yourself, and don't worry about how others live, what clothes they wear, what late-model cars they drive, or how big and fancy their $300,000 homes are. If you can live well in a $60,000 house, WHY BURDEN YOURSELF with more?

Other gems from Lydia: Learn to maintain your own home, buy a double for income from a tenant, use your car for 10-15 years, cook from scratch. And we two eat well on $160/month, I kid you not! That's $40/week for food. Recycle old clothes. I save everything, and my "good" work clothes are later recycled to "house and gardening" outfits, then to "sleeping clothes," then to "painting and scrubbing" outfits. When they fall apart, they become dusting rags, draft plugs, and paint drop cloths, among other things.

Frugality is the key to peace of mind. If you have no debts, you can sleep well at night!

And, Boonies, I am well educated and now retired. LOL, I am on the "public dole," Social Security, and have, in the past, been on unemployment. Nice to have essential safety nets in this country!

[Jeff]

I wonder where I would be in life right now if I had sat around waiting for a handout rather than working and going to college? I would probably be sitting around waiting to vote for Obama so I could get a cut of someone else's hard earned pay check.

[eastside retro]

I am not surprised to see all these racist comments. He is coming' He will be here' the fat cats oil companies and big shots driving Big SUV's with big houses and 401 k's it's time you pay your share. Barack will heal all wounds of slavery and build from bottom up. Bacack will give 700 billion to minorities to even the score, it is time the poor get a chance at the good life. I watch TV on a small set, no big screen' it's my turn. Barack is bringing hope and change, He is coming' Let us welcome him in our hearts and listen to the man who will change the world. Glory Be.to the meek the poor the forgotten.

[Hank]

A Democratic Administration, under Obama-Biden, both understands the poverty issue and will include reforms on the issue. The Republicans have one attitude toward poverty: they don't care, unless it is somehow faith-based. The nation understands why poverty is not a campaign issue when the Republicans are imploding under the weight of their own horrible performance over the past seven years. To those in poverty, change is coming to Washington, change that will grow opportunity, home-grown.
Bonds will be issued to fund infra-structure and jobs. Barack Obama said again, today, it isn't about blue stateas or red states, it is about the United States of America. The poverty-stricken are part of the U.S.A. Did this question even have to be asked?

[pgr88]

Of course, anyone who is against more money spent on "poverty" is "hateful" and "racist."

You all must realize - this money does nothing for the poor. Little reaches its target, and when it does, it has serious unintended consequences. It is simply more money from politicians to be passed through their favored groups.

Like our schools, we keep dumping money into such "programs" and we spend more than any country in the world, yet our schools are worse than ever. Don't you get it by now?

Do you realize that the founder of ACORN made over $1 million in salary?

[WNYMind]

I am never surprised to see how many racist rants end up posted on this blog in response to questions dealing with poverty, education, unemployment, or any other issue that the trogs in Buffalo want to sweep under the rug.

Of course poverty requires more discussion in the national election. Of course it gets turned into a race bating rant by Buffalo News readers. This is Buffalo after all, and blaming the poor for the lack of good jobs in the economy, and the lack of health care, child care, education, etc... etc... is typical.

In a politically conservative place like Buffalo, what else would you expect. Particularly in places where the lumpen class run things.

The truth is that the Great Society programs were short lived, they were swiftly dismantled by conservatives and the type of bigotry that thrives in places like Buffalo. The attitude is, I got mine, now throw the rest of society away.

For all the racist ranters out there. When there is full employment in Buffalo with everyone making a living wage, then go talk about lazy people. Until then, the real problem is the intellectual laziness of the people who already got theirs and want to spit on the poor and act like they are superior. That's the kind of mentality that breeds facism, which is close to where the Buffalo mindset is.

[Your turn]

It's kinda like going to a birthday party every year where the receiver of gifts is often indulged year after year after year. Yet when it comes time for the receiver of goods to throw a party and give something back to someone else the rules change, they say NO, I am too poor and always have been.. If you keep giving and get nothing in return, not even gratitude, everyone is reluctant to give more again.
.

[Danno]

Why is this such an urgent problem, Mr. Herbeck? The so called "poor" drive cars, have cellphones, free food, and subsidized rent and utilities. They also have enough pocket money to afford the highest rate of obesity, alcholism, smoking, and drug dependency and illegitimate birthrate of just about any group of people on earth. Probably the most effective solution would be to cut them off, but neither campaign has the stones to suggest that.

[WNYMind]

Danno manages to spread lies and false information very well.

The truth is, the poor do not own cars, they take the bus and pay full fare or walk. The poor typically do not have subsidized rent. There is over a 4 year waiting list for rent assistance in Buffalo and most people qualified for it, don't receive it due to underfunding. The poor also have high rates of obesity, etc... due to a lack of income to afford healthy food and the need to rely on the cheap food that promotes obesity (a trip to the grocery store in a poor neighborhood would confirm how this works). The rest of this garbage is easily refuted too. Back up your lies with real statistics some time, or go blog in hell.

[eastside retro]

He is coming''Glory Be' to heal wounds of slavery. The people want reparations ..all want it except fat cat republicans. The majority of the people will vote the future and will elect the only one that can bring hope and change. Barack will win a landslide and the little people will have a big victory. It's time the little guy has a chance at the good life and the fat cats to pay for it. Obama said it enoungh is enoungh.

[Hank]

The soci-economic illiteracy expressed here by local opinion-posters (not WNY Mind), is shown by a letter to the editor in the American Legion magazine (November 2008). While addressing poverty in veterans, it is applicable to all in poverty. His letter states, "A strong effort is needed to assist veterans in improving their skills. The U.S. Department of Labor, in its National Assessment of Adult Literacy, points out that 30 million adults possess less than basic literacy skills. Another 60 million adults possess basic skills. Many are veterans. Unemployment, poverty, welfare and crime are heavily fed by low lteracy skills. In addition to providing for their health, one of the best ways we can help assist veterans in succeeding in life is to help them improve their literacy and math skills."
This is the positive approach. The negativism of the local racist and hate-ist posters is nothing but fear and reactionary attitudes.

[Dorothy Jenning]

John McCain is no better than George Bush. Both support disastrous economic and foreign policies:

John McCain is in favor of the Bush tax cut for the already super wealthy, the top 1 percent of America. If you like the Bush economy, if you like the Bush tax cut and what it has done to our economy, making the already wealthiest people wealthier and the average middle and upper-middle classes struggle harder, then John McCain is going to give you a third term of George Bush.

If you like what has happened to oil prices in recent history, the Iraq war, a COSTLY war with no end according to John McCain, John McCain is going to continue that policy. If you like what you see about health care, John McCain has no health care plan = you are on your own.

If you enjoy financial turmoil, banking deregulation and corruption, Keating Five scandals, Enron lobbyists, John McCain will bring that.