Ready for another soapbox rant? As Iāve said before, I am not a political person, and I donāt intend to make this a political statement of any kind. However, there seems to be a lot of stuff in the news about Russia did this to influence the outcome of the election or, the democrats did this or, the republicans did that or, why isnāt she in prison or why isnāt he being impeached? It seems to me that there are a lot of people getting paid too much money to cry over a lot of spilled milk. Whatever whomever did or didnāt do to influence the election – that happened a year ago! – the fact remains that he is the president, and will be until heās either voted out, or impeached.
Why canāt we put this behind us, and use these āpeople getting paid too much moneyā to look into a few things that are worth looking into and talking about? Here are some areas Iām thinking about, as I write this.
First off is Puerto Rico. Over a month after suffering two very devastating hurricanes, this US territory is still in dire need of power and shelter and food. I have seen pictures and videos of US military members in PR, helping clean up and deliver food and supplies. Well, we have active and reserve service personnel who are trained in communications, electronics, heavy equipment, construction and other areas needed down there. Why canāt we divert some of these people and monies to going down and setting up rudimentary communications and shelter. It would be a start, and give our service members some great training opportunities, as well.
And, while Iām on the subject of Puerto Rico, I know that a lot of people wish they could go down there and help, but, for some reason, canāt make the trip. Just because you canāt physically go to PR, you can still do something. Loads of food and water and clothing and household goods have been collected and sent to them. What about more personal items? If you are a school teacher, why not have your classes write letters to be delivered to teachers and students in Puerto Rico? When I was a kid, we called that being a āpen palā. An outdated concept with the invention of the WWW, but, they donāt all have the benefit of electronic communication. If you are a member of a book club or reading group, maybe your club could send down some books, coloring books and crayons or colored pencils. If you knit or sew, knitted goods and blankets would be welcome. My point is, while sending truckloads of goods down there, there is something special on an individual level that lets them know they are thought of, as people,Ā not just charity.
Now, a little closer to home, how about giving states a little more of these monies to buy, fix up and staff some of the defunct, closed down motels, school buildings, apartment complexes, etc to give the homeless and hungry a place to live, be safe and warm and a soup kitchen in areas that donāt have much to offer. State prisons could play a role in this, too. Set up working farms on the prison grounds, and the inmates could grow food for the prison, the public kitchens and even the schools. Thatās something Iāve been saying for years. It also gives them something productive to do while serving their time, and teaches them a skill. They took Home Economics out of the schools. They should put it in the prisons. Skills they can use to aid them in finding work when the are released.
If these āpeople getting paid too much moneyā are really good investigators, let them investigate the ones who are abusing the welfare system and SSI, and put a stop to all of the unnecessary monthly āpaychecksā being sent out across the country. If Iām able to work, and have to work to support myself and my family, they should have to, also.
Thats enough for now. Sorry if I stepped on any toes. Like I said, Iām not political, thatās just āthe way I šš it.
Jim G Black Writes 
Amen!
LikeLiked by 1 person