December 2013/January 2014
50 Years Later, Disparities Exist!
January 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the War on Poverty in the United States. This marks the time when America made a commitment to reduce poverty. In 2000, world leaders came together to form and implement the Millennium Development Goals (MDG's) to reduce the number of people in the world whose income is less than a dollar a day and to restore dignity and a basic quality of life to these individuals. So important was this idea that one of the goals was to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger by 2015. Yet, how successful have individuals, nations, and our global community been at reducing poverty? According to the 2013 Millennium Development Goal report, "significant and substantial progress has been made in halting the number of people living in extreme poverty. Other MDG's have seen progress as well. Discrepancies that still exist have to do with those that live in rural areas and those living in urban areas as well as between countries." In an article entitled, "Inequality is a Choice," Joseph Stiglitz states, "To this day, inequality between countries is far greater than inequality within countries." New research by World Bank economist, Branko Milanovic, states that "from 1988 to 2008, people in the world’s top 1 percent saw their incomes increase by 60 percent, while those in the bottom 5 percent had no change in their income. And while median incomes have greatly improved in recent decades, there are still enormous imbalances: 8 percent of humanity takes home 50 percent of global income; the top 1 percent alone takes home 15 percent."
According to a 2011 study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, income inequality first started to rise in the late 1970's and early 1980's in America and Britain (and also in Israel). Joseph E. Stiglitz states that, "widening income and wealth inequality in America is part of a trend seen across the Western world." Stiglitz also points out that the trend is not universal, because "over these same years, countries like Chile, Mexico, Greece, Turkey and Hungary managed to reduce (in some cases very high) income inequality significantly, suggesting that inequality is a product of political and not merely macroeconomic forces. It is not true that inequality is an inevitable byproduct of globalization, the free movement of labor, capital, goods and services, and technological change that favors better-skilled and better-educated employees." Stiglitz goes on to say that, "American inequality began its upswing 30 years ago, along with tax decreases for the rich and the easing of regulations on the financial sector. That’s no coincidence. It has worsened as we have under-invested in our infrastructure, education and health care systems, and social safety nets. Rising inequality reinforces itself by corroding our political system and our democratic governance." And frighteningly, he states, "last year, the top 1 percent of Americans took home 22 percent of the nation’s income; the top 0.1 percent, 11 percent. Ninety-five percent of all income gains since 2009 have gone to the top 1 percent. Recently released census figures show that median income in America hasn’t budged in almost a quarter-century."
Both Simone Campbell, SSS and Rev. Dr. Elizabeth L. Hinson-Hasty in their recent presentations asked if those living in poverty and those living in wealth really see each other? Sister Simone, of NETWORK helped participants re-enact the disparities in wealth through a human chart, entitled, Mind the Gap. Reverend Hinson-Hasty affirmed much of these same ideas in her own statistic sharing. It was noted in a book titled, Spirit Level by Wilkenson and Pickett (c. 12.2009) that the greater the disparities within any country, the worse the following became for ALL in the country:
- Life Expectancy
- Math/Literacy
- Infant Mortality
- Homicides
- Imprisonment
- Teen Births
- Trust/Child Well-Being
- Obesity
- Mental Illness/Drug/Alcohol
- Less Social Mobility
Why does all this matter? Of course, there are many perspectives and here are a few:
- Wealth supports candidates, lobbyists, media outlets thus threatening democracy.
- Children of wealth attend the best schools and connect with the best jobs thus limiting social mobility restrictions.
- Wealth creates political leverage and thus policies that favor those having wealth.
How does one redistribute the wealth and decrease inequality? NETWORK suggests work on four policies regarding income gap and redistribution in the United States. These include:
- Tax Policy - examine rates, loopholes, estate taxes.
- Wages and Labor - who champions worker rights?
- Housing Policy - no significant investment in housing since Johnson era.
- Asset Development - studies show less tension in household if small "nest egg."
Throughout this time of reflection, one may ask, Does my country have a problem of poverty? Does my country have a problem of wealth? In either case, there exists disparities that, as Christians, must be reflected upon and acted upon while taking social teaching to heart. Justice in the Hebrew Bible is relational and biblical faith is focused on the whole of creation with humanity as part of creation and emphasis on right relationship in "God's household." Thus, "Has the creation of wealth increased the well-being of ALL Earth community?" Who are the winners? Who are the losers? How can individuals and groups confront with courage and imagination? How can individuals and groups create space for alternative economies to emerge that include the well-being of ALL Earth community?
Reflections/Actions:
- St. Vincent was born to a poor peasant family. During his life he was friend of both poor and those who had wealth. Vincent said, "To serve the poor is to go to God. You must see God in the faces of the poor." What experiences and connections with others empower one toward greater service with those who live in poverty?
- What is the cost of overconsumption? What impact does it have on one's ability to reflect upon the common good?
- An excellent film entitled, The End of Poverty, is located here.
- What economic cracks and crevices divide this country? How might I/we speak and act in lessening this divide?
- To glimpse a picture of wealth inequality in America, visit here.
- The Story of Solutions, the educational Annie Leonard series’ ninth web film; it focuses on how communities find answers to the problems named in the eight preceding videos, beginning with The Story of Stuff.
- Mind the Gap workshop materials are located here. Other resources are located here and here.
- How intentional am I in finding common values to build on when speaking with those who disagree about poverty and wealth? How often do I ask, "What matters to you?"
- Watch the Poverty USA website in December for a simple calendar with suggestions for learning and action each day in January.
- Events and Resources including readings of the past year on poverty are listed on this webpage.
- Read and apply alternative logic to our lives through The Moral Underground by Lisa Dodson.
- On Tuesday, December 10, 2013, Pope Francis will launch a worldwide movement to respond to the needs of the poor and vulnerable in our midst by praying and acting to end hunger. The prayer kicks off Caritas Internationalis' Campaign One Human Family, Food for All to raise awareness and encourage action that addresses U.S. and international hunger. Resources can be found here OR here.
Human Rights Day is December 10
This year’s Human Rights Day, December 10, 2013, marks the 65th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. On this day, we are encouraged by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) – as people of faith, who acknowledge the dignity of every human being – to reaffirm the Universal Declaration’s statement that “no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”
Kelly Kundrat, in an article titled, "Solitary Confinement: Penitence, or Torture?" explains that "solitary confinement within the United States prison system began at the Eastern State Penitentiary. This type of punishment originated from Quaker religious philosophies of natural healing with penitence and reform through isolation. The idea was individuals would use the time alone to reflect on the error of their ways and emerge with modified behaviors and attitudes. However, the practice of solitary confinement was abandoned— for a time—as cruel and ineffective. Isolation proved to be negatively modifying behaviors instead of positively promoting self-reflection. Individuals who experienced solitary confinement became psychologically destroyed and increasingly violent. After September 11, 2001, solitary confinement reemerged as a main facet of the U.S. military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba."
The use of solitary confinement within Guantanamo Bay and/or any other place where individuals are kept in isolation at length and without due process, violates human rights, international law and Christian faith. U.S. Catholic bishops oppose the use of isolation units, especially in the absence of due process. This is stated in their 2000 pastoral letter entitled, "Responsibility, Rehabilitation and Restoration."
Reflections/Actions
- How much do I/we know about the current day prison system in our country? Whom among my/our acquaintances has visited or been in prison who could share with me this reality?
- "... It is clearly laid down that the paramount task assigned to government officials is that of recognizing, respecting, reconciling, protecting and promoting the rights and duties of citizens." (U.S. Catholic Bishops, Peace on Earth #77.) How do I see government fulfilling this statement?
- Spend some time reflecting upon the Universal Declaration of Human Rights located here. In what parts of the world do I see violation of these rights? What groups/organizations do I work with to help individuals/groups whose rights are in violation?
- NRCAT has developed a Human Rights Day toolkit to help congregations and religious organizations observe the day.
- In remembrance of the first anniversary of the Newtown, Conn., killings (December 14th, 2012), there will be a vigil at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. on December 12th, 2013 at 4 p.m. sponsored by Faiths United Against Gun Violence. Individuals and groups may join in solidarity to end gun violence around the world. Faiths United will again sponsor a Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath, March 13-16, 2014. Resources to host a Sabbath event will be located here.
Alternative Gift Giving
Alternative gift giving is common this time of year as individuals and families observe with deep gratitude the "enoughness" in their own lives. The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth are again offering opportunities for individuals and families to participate in alternative gift giving. These include:
- $1/day sponsorship for a girl at Asha Kiran, a home for abandoned children whose mother is a commercial sex worker.
- $1/day sponsorship for a child affected by polio in Rajgir with funds covering meals, medication, education and skills training to offer a life of independence and dignity.
- Any donation to support the SCN disaster relief efforts in Washington, IL after a devastating tornado.
Donations may be sent to the Office of Congregational Advancement, PO Box 9, Nazareth, KY 40048 indicating in the memo section your giving preference.
U.S. Legislative Updates
Budget Conference Committee for FY 2014 Budget Resolution: The Conference Committee continues with a December deadline for agreement. Great differences exist over entitlement reform and potential tax increases. Various groups are closely monitoring the talks for Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, tax loopholes that could be closed, funding of the Affordable Care Act, Pentagon cuts, and the continuance of sequestration. Chairs of the Conference Committee include Representative Paul Ryan and Senator Patty Murray. Ranking members include Representative Chris Van Hollen and Senator Jeff Sessions. Individuals are invited to contact these legislators urging them to prepare a budget that provides a "circle of protection" around those most vulnerable in our nation, provides a path out of poverty for those most vulnerable, and maintains the $1 trillion in cuts to Pentagon spending. As Christians, the common good must take priority.
Farm Bill 2013: Legislation continues in a conference committee that could reach an agreement. While an agreement remains highly unlikely due to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program cuts that vary greatly in legislation passed by the House and Senate. If the current conference committee does not reach agreement, the farm commodity support programs and the insurance program becomes the safety net for farmers. The other option would be to extend the Farm Bill being careful not to have the extension end at a time when legislators have elections. Watch the Newsline for potential action.
Comprehensive Immigration Reform: With 8 work days remaining in the House calendar for 2013, Immigration Reform seems unlikely unless it is passed piece by piece. If legislation does not pass in 2013, 2014 must begin with the legislation as mid-term elections will get the focus. Therefore, it is highly important to stay alert and visit regularly the Justice For Immigrants website and in the spirit of Advent, watch the Newsline for potential actions.
