Posted by Walter Madison on Jul 30, 2021 in Political/Legal | 0 comments

It is without a doubt that we live in a society where there are extreme inequalities that exist between the poor and the rich. We still live in a country where many racial minorities still facing discrimination in many arenas of life. Whether it be employment, housing, education or banking; many who come from underprivileged backgrounds face mounting barriers that prevent them from being prosperous. Here is a quick overview of why we need laws in order to protect the underprivileged.

Housing

Many people, especially in larger metropolitan areas, have difficulties finding affordable housing. Although major cities like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago are well renown cities - many of these city residents can’t afford to live there. As a result, the Federal Government through the Department of Housing and Urban Development provides millions of dollars in housing assistance. Ironically, even with housing vouchers, such as the popular section 8 program - many landlords often discriminate against these voucher holders. They are often demonized as vagrants, drug users and criminals. Luckily, it is against federal law to deny someone housing through income discrimination.

Employment

It is no secret that the United States has had a history of racism. For many racial minorities like African Americans, finding suitable employment opportunities was difficult because many employers would not hire Blacks simply because of their race. Since the 60s, Congress has passed wide sweeping legislation making it a crime for employers to deny someone employment on the basis of their race, income status, gender, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. This is especially important since many racial minorities are underprivileged and live in undeserved neighborhoods and communities. These laws help minorities get a chance to find jobs that pay decent wages.

Education

Many children who live in undeserved inner city communities often find themselves going to poor-performing neighborhood schools that don’t have the same quality of resources compared to their more affluent suburban counterparts. Although there are many federal laws on the book that try to help rectify the inequalities that exist in the public education system; many states unfortunately still rely on antiquated and unjust tax redistribution systems that don’t pump enough financial resources into rural and inner city schools that most poor and underprivileged children are more likely to attend. While many states have begun the process of reforming this system - some like Illinois still rely on this. Many education activists are working night and day to lobby lawmakers to change these tax laws that prevent resources from being distributed in a fair fashion.

Banking

One of the biggest reasons why the economy crashed back in 2007 was due in part to predatory lenders taking advantage of poor people. The sub-prime mortgage crisis mainly affected lower income and blue collar households. Many of these individuals were sold loan products that contained ballooning interest rates. However, the original loan documents that were signed by many people contained clauses, stipulations and other requirements that were hard to understand. The Frank-Dodd Act, recently passed on Congress, took the necessary steps to fight predatory lending and prevent banks from financial redlining individuals who live in undeserved and underprivileged communities.

Obviously, more can be done to help fight the rising tide of income inequality and poverty in the country. However, ultimately it is up to the people to petition their local, state and federal lawmakers to pass laws that will shield the poor from the dirty and discriminatory practices of big business.

Posted by Walter Madison on Jul 30, 2021 in Political/Legal | 0 comments

Everyone has the right to a roof over their head. When it is cold, no one should have to suffer from hypothermia because they are stuck outside. When it is raining, no one should have to get wet because they have nowhere to get shelter. In a civilized society, it is important that everyone has access to some form of housing.

Homelessness Creates Hopelessness

If you have ever had to work outside on a cold day or walk a long distance on a cold night, you know how difficult it can be. Imagine having to deal with a cold night on a park bench because you have nowhere to go. Imagine further that no one cares that you are starving and cold. To most people, the homeless are a burden and an eyesore. That doesn’t do much to help your morale or make you believe that you can be something.

Homelessness Is Not Always A Choice

There is a segment of society that believes those who are on the streets chose to be on the streets. In reality, many homeless people suffer from an illness or lost all their savings due to the poor economy. Anyone who is sick should have mercy shown to them in the from of a bed and at least one meal a day. People who are willing to work should be given a place to stay while they get back on their feet.

Could You Turn Away A Single Parent Looking To Start Over?

A battered woman who has left her husband and has nowhere to go should not be forced to turn to a life on the streets. That creates a situation where she may turn to prostitution or selling drugs to survive. If she has a safe place for herself and her child can look ahead to getting a job to support herself while she gets her life back to normal.

Not Everyone Can Afford Housing On Their Own

What would you do if you suddenly became disabled and could no longer work. How long would you be able keep your house or apartment before your savings ran out? What happens if your children or grandchildren decide that you are too much of a burden to have you or you don’t have any family left at all? Where you would turn to get help? The best answer is that you would turn to public housing or some other form of public assistance to keep the housing that you have now.

Each life is worth living with dignity. For many, they are not able to afford the basic necessity of a roof over their head. While the homeless are typically labeled as stupid or lazy, most of them are good people who have fallen on hard times. If a society is to call itself developed and civilized, it must always be able to provide for the needs of the sick, the poor and the downtrodden.