Friday, April 20, 2012

Does Poverty Threaten our Democracy?

Cornel West continues to make prophetic statements about the state of the poor and disadvantaged in our country.  From his Race Matters, to his most recent book: The Rich and The Rest of Us, West is one of the few voices to champion the need for bipartisan action on poverty.  Dr. West appeared with Tavis Smiley on a recent episode of The Colbert Report.

   


14 comments:

Deb O. said...

Redistribution of wealth? -That Cornel West?

Jack said...

"We’ve forgotten that a rich life consists fundamentally of serving others, trying to leave the world a little better than you found it. We need the courage to question the powers that be, the courage to be impatient with evil and patient with people, the courage to fight for social justice."
-THAT Cornel West?

Anonymous said...

Social Justice?

deboverturf@yahoo.com said...

Social Justice?

deboverturf@yahoo.com said...

Recommended reading on ways to end poverty:
Indivisible : Restoring Raith, Family, and Freedom Before It's Too Late
by. James Robison and Jay W. Richards

Jenny Maas said...

I've heard that the opposite of poverty isn't wealth, it's enough. I have so much more than enough! I believe I have been blessed in order that I may bless others. How can I not?

Jenny Maas said...

Recommended reading on ways to aleviate poverty without hurting the poor:
When Helping Hurts
by Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert

Deb O. said...

Thank you, Jenny. Always on the lookout for good books.

Kerry said...

Just returned from one of the BEST workshops I have ever attended....anti-racism. Until the dominant culture no longer controls the resources (which in turn limits choice), there will always be staggering poverty. History tells the story of control and dominance over others for economic gain. A GREAT question to think about is "How is this working for you?"

Deb O. said...

Confused, Kerry. What is the "dominant culture?"

Jenny Maas said...

Kerry, wasn't that the real reason the welfare program was instituted - to keep the poor (mainly the African-Americans) held down and under control?

Kerry said...

Hi Deb:
The dominant culture refers to the one in control of the manufaturing, production, and selling of goods and services. For the US, that is white culture.

Deb O. said...

Kerry, what was the name of the conference you attended, if you don't mind my asking?

Kerry said...

Hi Deb: The conference was sponsored by Crossroads; Anti-racism Organization.