Poetry, Politics, and Poverty

I don't like injustice in any form. Archie Bunker would have called me a commie pinko meathead because I think politicians should be measured by the same yardstick they use to measure everyone else. Politicians should not be a wealthy, privileged class peering down at taxpayers through binoculars. The Medicare Prescription Plan is a typical example of what happens when politicians control the lives of citizens. Low income citizens, in particular, are confused and anxious about this prescription plan. Most pharmacies share that confusion and anxiety. It's a typical government plan because it punishes the poor and has little impact on the rich.

I grew up poor. Mother did the best she could to raise four children after her divorce from Dad. Dad earned a very good income but wasn't inclined to share it with his wife and children. Court mandated child support rarely materialized so Mom worked low income jobs, including killing and cleaning chickens for a living. Believe me, she knew poverty first hand and so did her children. Poverty is a trap, a maze so difficult to escape that few crawl out of it successfully. Those who have never lived in poverty can't fully comprehend the trap, and prefer not to think about it.

When Medicare became law, many politicians were against it. According to those politicians, presiding from their airy dens of privilege, Medicare and Medicaid were social programs. At the time my Grandpa laughed at their rantings. He said, "Listen to the wind blow! Those guys have a nifty social program of their own going but you don't hear them speaking out against THEIR health care perks and benefits." Grandpa's words took on a greater meaning when my mother got breast cancer. She was working as a nurse aide at the time and was denied Medicaid, so she waited to start treatment until old enough to draw Medicare.

Poets have raged against such political inequities for ages. Poetic voices shout against war, injustice, and underhanded politicians. I appreciate the courage it takes to speak out, but hate to break the news that their energy has probably been wasted. Governments will continue to fund wars and secret projects benefiting politicians and their cronies. Health care for the masses will continue to be a failed dream. And the perks and benefits my Grandpa ridiculed 30 years ago will continue to accrue for politicians while low income citizens suffer. When a government has absolute power and does not spend tax money wisely, dissenting voices have little chance of penetrating.