We, as a country, are not really prepared to eradicate poverty. We accept without question the millions of low wage jobs with few benefits and real chance of real advancement. The children of these low wage workers pay the price.
For millions of "at risk" American students this is the hand they are dealt. We talk about the achievement gap and the racial gap but neglect to face the gap of wealth, income, and power, which, of course, infects the lives of our school age children.
These students have original, blessed, and wonderful spirits and minds. But they come from homes with little disposable income and low literacy rates. There is no money for books, computers, extracurricular activities.
Many live in housing that is inadequate, poorly constructed, overcrowded, lacking green space, and dangerous. They cannot afford the cost of college. They will work in retail, restaurants, and factories, or in construction.
Many are already doing this during their high school years. They are smart enough to know their work is undervalued and underpaid. They have seen their parents toil for low wages for years. Their situation, experience, motivation, and available choices are not the same as children from middle or upper income families.
We are all victims of an economic system which relegates millions to low wage jobs, low income, low living standards, poverty, exclusion. We must fix this.
by Tx Trumbo
Please scroll down for the other articles in today's issue of The Truthless Reconciler! Thanks!
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