A top of the line education, three square meals a day, a well paying job, a car to drive and a roof over our heads is what every American attempts to acquire in one way or another, but fails to achieve on a daily basis. Living that type of lifestyle sounds easy however, this simple accomplishment is out of reach for many families in this country. In the midst of the battle between the Republicans and the Democrats, the number of Americans falling into poverty still rises. It is poverty by design because part of the battle by the two parties is not about how to eradicate it, but it seems to be more about how to make the problem worse. Cutting programs or reducing funding for things that were put into place to help an American grow as citizens only creates more problems and creates problems that are not yet taken into consideration. A good example would be the Head Start programs that are being affected by the Sequester.

Its not a new concept that a good education, coupled with diversity in the workplace that is also lined with plenty of opportunity, is not only the foundation that is essential for getting out of poverty, but it is what is needed to stay out of it.

ABC News, Ashley Horton

NBC News reported a story entitled, “In Plain Sight.” The piece addresses how many college students who are working hard to finish his or her education are in need of food to eat. Some colleges are attempting to bring food pantries to their campuses to help the problem, but some students are not in a hurry to accept.

“Ashyle Horton, 22, was reluctant take help from a University of Arkansas food pantry because of the stigma of need. That program, like others, works to decrease the shame of seeking assistance.”

Although it is not the responsibility of the government to ensure that every American live the dream, it is their responsibility to provide access to whatever tools and resources that are needed for one to realize his or her vision. Being ashamed of assistance is a product of our nation’s leaders who want to label others as being part of the, “47%.” Much like the comment made by the 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate, former Mass., Governor Mitt Romney. There is only one percentage to take into consideration and that would be 100. Everyone is equipped to play a role in the life of another in order to help him or her succeed. Pointing fingers, placing blame and making the simplest of achievement not available to the masses creates poverty. That is why it is by design. If policy makers talk to everyday citizens and ask them what would be needed to help fix the problems surrounding the issues of poverty, they just might be surprised. Getting insight from those who have or are in the situation would bring about the best advice for plausible solutions.