Circle of Protection

The poverty rate in America is overwhelmingly high at 15 percent and 46.2 million Americans remain in poverty. The Circle of Protection group had a great question to ask the Presidential candidates what their view was on poverty and what could be done about it. Both Romney and Obama have similar perspectives on poverty, but have different solutions to this ongoing issue. President Obama has the view of that it is wrong of us to ask more from the poor, sick or disabled, and to even ask the middle class to pay more is not morally right. He also believes that everyone needs to get involved with this problem of ending poverty, while we focus on paying down the nations debt and rebuilding the economy. Romney's view is that when the economy is healthy and growing we will have the resources to provide for those in need. Romney believes that the problem lies with jobs and his 5 part economic plan can help restore a lot of those jobs that were lost. Both Obama and Romney are looking ahead to the future, and trying to solve a long term goal to reduce poverty in America. Each one of them makes valid points on how we could get closer to this goal. This displays that they are each seeking justice for this unfortunate problem, and they are not just trying to be charitable. It is clear that in order to accomplish this, we must restore our economy, reduce our nations debt, and create more job opportunities. I don't find anything wrong with either of their statements and believe that they both give us valid solutions to solve this problem.

Project H.O.M.E

Philadephia is a city that is heavily populated with homeless roaming for food, clothing and shelter. Project H.O.M.E. provides an oppurtunity for these people to find such necessities by bringing them justice and charity into their work and programs. Project H.O.M.E displays justice by pursueing work to end the cycle of poverty and helping individulas getting back on their feet. Their main goal is a life long change for these individuals, unlike other programs which provide temporary solutions, such as housing. By providing these people with the oppurtunity to reach their fullest potential as members of society, this program differs from other organizations helping the homeless. The most important program Project H.O.M.E. offers, I believe, is the oppurtinities for employment. With their several partners across the city, Project H.O.M.E. provides job training, interships, and employment for the homeless. By having a job, this gives one confidence to become a member of society and will hopefully continue these people to keep moving in the right direction. This oppurtunity will truly provide homeless individuals to turn their life around.

It's About Forgiveness

9/11 is a day I vaguely remember. However, now, I am fully educated and aware of what occured that horrible day. The question presented of forgiveniss of Osama Bin Laden, one of the men who is resonsibile for this attack, is hard to answer. This terrible attack has scarred Americans for life and will never be forgotten. So, how could one forgive such a person who did this to us? After reading this article by Mike Hayes, in the first paragraph he states that "forgiveness should be used to heal us from harms done to us by moving forward and not allowing this pain to control our lives." I feel as though this is a good point and believe that the American people have displayed forgiveness. The 9/11 memorial that stands in Southern Manhatten is a testomony to our appriation to those who died that day and a symbol of healing and patriotism. Also, the new up and coming world trade center shows our mentality of American resilience. We do not have to forget what happened this day but the ability to forgive has lead us, and will continue to lead us, to bouce back even stronger. Forgiveness is displayed in the Chrisitian story from Jesus being nailed on the cross. Jesus forgave everyone condemning him when he was dying. Jesus' story can relate back to 9/11. Jesus' emotions in that story are similar to the ones the Americans' were feeling during that horrific day. I feel like Americans need to forgive Osama Bin Laden and continue to show foregiveness by having this mentality of American resilience in order to grow and prosper. The fact that Osama Bin Laden is dead and the Taliban has been dismantled helps in our healing.