In Morgan's "Slavery and Freedom: The American Paradox", the issue of poverty is brought up. This is one of those ideas and issues that I get really interested in. Seeing and hearing about poverty makes me wonder:
How did these people get into this state of poverty?
Is anyone or anything at fault for their condition? Who or what?
Is it possible to understand their situation or "put yourself in their shoes"? Or is it impossible because you don't have similar experiences to draw from?
Is it possible to really end poverty?
How do the wealthy view the poor? Why do they see them that way?
Is it wrong to put oneself into the role of caregiver or philanthropist?
Is the idea of charity valid, or demeaning?
There are at least three views of poverty presented in this chapter. Jefferson mistrusted government and thought he couldn't be free if he had debts to anyone. He worked really hard to pay off his debts so he could be a "free man" in the sense that he doesn't owe anyone anything. To be poor is to rely on others for charity, help, work, or goods (143). John Jocke is known for his belief in the right to revolution in the protection of liberty. This only applies to those with liberty and power, namely the wealthy. Since the poor don't have liberties of the wealthy to begin with, they don't have the right to revolution. Instead pf revolting, they should become a steady supply of urban work (146). Madison wondered if it is possible to eliminate the poor or lower class at all. Can poverty be wiped out? How? There always needs to be a "lower class", so how low is too low? What should change so the poor are at least in a better situation? It's surprising that these three men, all of whom were in the upper-middle class of upper class, have extremely different views towards the poor.
Poverty is scary, especially for those who live it every day of their lives. It's also scary for the future of rapidly developing countries all around the world who just aren't prepared for ever-increasing population.
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