I Have a Dream: Self Reliance for All

Poor Man Survival

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“What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or in the holy name of liberty or democracy?” ― Mahatma Gandhi

I Have a Dream: Self Reliance for All

I have a dream…

Watching the Ken Burn’s documentary on the Roosevelt family legacy reignited my pipedream of helping my fellow citizens who have fallen out of the middle class.

Folks during the Great Depression knew what it was like to be poor compared to people of the 21st century [However, the cost of living by comparison is dreadful]. Programs such as the CCC, TVA and other programs helped rebuild America and helped restore self respect and put some cash back in the family coffers.  It didn’t end the Great Depression but it sure helped rebuild the American spirit, unlike the welfare programs of today.

The poor of today often have large flat screen TVs, expensive Smart phones, vehicles and nice clothes.  Back then the majority of families remained a mom and dad unit while the majority of poor families today are usually fatherless and having children [expected to be the majority in 10 years] out of wedlock no longer seems to carry any stigma…after all, Uncle Sam will provide everything you need no matter how many children you have.

At this point, approximately one out of every three children in the United States lives in a home without a father.

When my foreign cousins [mostly from Germany] come here they often comment on how much stuff Americans own…to the point where they have exhausted room for cars in the family garage and need to pay to store their stuff. Their take is few in America are really poor but what amazes them most is how poorly educated so many of us seem to be.

A recent report titled “Hunger in America 2014” released by Feeding America, revealed that 46 million Americans have relied on charities for food in the past year.  That equates to one in seven and we have record amounts of people who receive food stamps.  Yet, look around you.  We also boast the most obese people in the world!  More than 60% of Americans are now considered obese.

Prior to being waylaid with a heart attack and other health problems my plan had been to open a camp for unwed mothers, limited to 15 cabins and it would include a garden, livestock and repair shops, a communal dining hall and library.   Everyone would be expected to pitch in whether it be food preparation, sewing, animal care, or working in the garden.

For women under the age of 30 in the United States, more than half of all babies are being born out of wedlock.

We would also offer basic skill training covering paramedical skills, small engine repair, electrical, plumbing and carpentry. Education covering the three Rs would be offered as well.  Working with animals and your hands is a proven confidence builder and helps to build self reliance skills.

I’ll be in the hospital again this weekend to have some devices inserted into my heart. If all goes well, I hope to be recuperated by the spring of 2015 and plan to research grants and or donations which will enable me to restore the non-profit status of a group I used to be the volunteer chair of [the Minimalist Group] and will research various groups where I might find grants to secure funding for this 10-15 acre facility…any suggestions would be welcome.

It is not enough that you have a vision. The vision must have you. – John Ortberg

[Incidentally, I looked at the Bill Gates Foundation and they don’t bother much with needs in America].

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