2. December 2009 by student.

Poverty is very important and it is a big issue in America. One of the richest countries in the world has 35.9 million people who live below the poverty line. That includes 12.9 million children reported the U.S Census Bureau. The level of poverty keeps going up. We cannot change poverty, but we can think about others when we throw away food and clothes. A little bit can make a big change in somebody`s life.

Poverty continues to be a critical issue that America has to face. Lack of money to survive affects people`s health and psychological well-being, even children. Studies have shown those children who are living in poor homes most likely have a cognitive development problem. Sometimes they have low self-esteems that relates to rebellion and seeking attention and they sometimes become criminals. According to the book, Poverty in America, “poverty also provokes social disorder and crime, and it reduces public confidence in democratic institutions if people do not feel their needs are being addressed by the prevailing system”. Some of the harmful effects of poverty are the cause of low income such as family that does not have a stable life and low levels of education.  Property also affects the economy. Imagine how much money we have to spend for people`s needs and our taxes go up.  Decreasing the levels of poverty and having healthy economy take a lot of money by providing services that is fundable for them to purchase goods and services. Sometimes that is free. .

Think about making a difference.  Poverty is not only in poor countries, but also in America. It is real, so be cognizant about it and help somebody.

Posted in Social Problems | 1 Comment »

2. December 2009 by student.

Drugs abuse is a big problem in society. Drug abusers affect not only themselves but family, friends and government resources even children.  We need to protect the future of America, that our children, and protect our economy from spending billions on drug- addicted people. Can we really stop them?

 Children of people who use drugs are mostly neglected and abused. They put drugs before their children and in this case you find these children on welfare, lacking what they need to survive. They also often have a lack of proper immunization. We can imagine how much money that we have to spend for these children to be safe.  These children are at risk even greater than their parents who do illegal drugs such as methamphetamines. Methamphetamine abusers produce their drugs at home. They are using hazardous chemicals such as hydriodic acid, iodine, and anhydrous ammonia. Children who are living in these homes often breathe these dangerous chemical gases and ingest toxic chemicals. These children`s physical examinations usually are positive for methamphetamines and suffer from both short- and long-term health consequences. Children are most likely to have a psychological problem from being neglected or abused.  According to “NCLSS data show that U.S. law enforcement agencies report having seized 9,895 illicit methamphetamine laboratories in 2004. These agencies report that 2,474 children were affected by these laboratories (i.e., they were exposed to chemicals, they resided at laboratory sites, or they were displaced from their homes), while 12 children were injured and 3 children were killed”. 

            The economic impact of drug abuse on businesses can be an urgent issue because of employees who use drugs.  Most people that use drugs are unable to keep a full- time job. If they do, they put a lot of people at risk; for example, that person can be an airline pilot, train operator and bus driver. Drug- addicted come from all classes. It can be anybody, at anytime, anywhere. How scary that has become. Researchers report that in 2004 5.7 percent of the drug tests on individuals involved in an accident during their duty were positive. Most drug users steal from their job because they want to get money for drugs and that is a bad influence on the business and the economy

            The economic consequences of drug abuse are really crucial for federal, state, local government resources and taxpayers. The consequences for children of drug abuse are a burden because they have gone through life without necessary resources. What can we really do about that issue?  The problem of drug abuse may seem impossible; however, we can help somebody who is on drugs and police need to be involved more to enforce laws against drugs dealers. Drug use is a big issue that cannot be ignored. It is everybody business and we all have been affected somehow.

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