Fighthing Hunger In Our Communities

     Every time we turn on the television to watch the news, pick up a newspaper or read a magazine we are reminded of the problem of hunger in this world.  There is a great deal of focus on children in particular.  We read their stories and see their pictures and it is heart wrenching to think that these young people have to suffer this much.  But what can we do about this?

     There are many organizations and individuals who are addressing this situation, particularly in some of the poorer countries like India, Africa or Latin America.  One of the problems is funding and the man power to work on this issue.  For every dollar that we give to one of these organizations to help these children, a certain percentage must go to the people who are actually doing the work.  It is admirable what they are trying to accomplish, however, they do not have the resources to do this work out of the kindness of their heart.  So, we ask, what is a possible solution to this dilemma?

     I believe that one of the things we can do to help is to concentrate on our own communities.  Do you have any idea how many children are homeless and how many children go to bed hungry every night right here in Austin, Texas?  If we were to have those figures readily at hand I think we would be amazed.  But as individual citizens or as part of a group such as at Church, at work, or through an organization we belong to there is much that can be done without involving a large amount of cash.  We could each add some items to our weekly grocery list or ask that others we know contribute in like fashion.  Then all that would need to be done is to distribute these items to the neediest.  Yes we could go to the Red Cross or the Salvation Army, but there again part of the contribution is going to the organization itself.  It we took the initiative to collect and distribute items ourselves then we would know that the most good was being done by every dollar collected and/or spent.

     Think about it.  If at least half of the population of Austin were to do this on a regular basis, many of those going hungry on a daily basis would be helped.  Not only that, it would let them know that we care about our neighbors right here at home.  Perhaps even this boost would help even more in the future when some of these children remember what was done for them, and pay it forward to those who might be in need when they have grown-up and hopefully overcome some of their own problems.  Wouldn’t that make Austin a better place to live and a better place to raise our children and grand children?  I definitely believe that each of us can make a difference in our own communities.

I read your article and it’s a very interested article.  I like the comments you are presenting and how you began when you were a child and how you perceived government when it was taught to you in Elementary school through High School being honest as to not being real interested and how you see it now, “…far from perfect…” but it is still our Government and the need to tell our Government what and where we think changes should happen.

The examples you are giving are important subjects that I really believe our Government should take into consideration.  I agree with you that one of the biggest issues is to protect the Mexico/Texas border and as you say, not from illegal aliens, but from the drug war.  

Mexico is losing the battle against the drug war and the United States needs to act quickly in order to not be invaded as it had happened already in Mexico.  I also agree that the best solution is not to “avoid Mexico at all cost.” as our government suggests.

Our Government is confronting to a lot of big issues and it is necessary to act fast on many of them.  The ones you are mentioning in your article are worth to pay attention and act promptly.  Thank you for taking the time to write this article and to also share it with your classmates.

Education for Everyone

By: Marisa Contreras

     One of the things that concerned me is that Education is not available for everyone and there is a lot of young people that would love to have the opportunity to have an education just like everyone else in this country.  Right now, education is given to everyone free or without any legal requirements until High School, but not college, much less University.

     One big obstacle is that many of these young people were brought to this country when they were small children and now, as adults, they do not have the option to enroll in a University or get any kind of grants from our government because of our legal system. 

     I understand that most of these grants should be given to residents of the United States, but there should be a small budget for some outstanding students that throughout all the previous years dedicated their time to school and received excellent grades. 

     I really believe that our government should dedicate more time and effort looking at this situation and see that potential excellent citizens get the education they dreamed of.  Also, as a public and as a community we should seek for ways to make easier channels available to these students or give our government the agenda to follow and make it possible.

     I know there is a lot people that will be opposed to my way of thinking, but we are living in a country where we preach freedom and freedom should be given to make education available for everyone.