These past few years that the World has been experiencing economic upheavals has taken its toll on even the most conscientious and stable individuals in our Society. Many families are faced with the dilemma of downsizing.
These past few years that the World has been experiencing economic upheavals has taken its toll on even the most conscientious and stable individuals in our Society. Many families are faced with the dilemma of downsizing. The middle class once owners of Real Estate, cars and other possessions are being thrust into the category of the "Have Nots" due to unpredictable financial times.
The perception of the Homeless and Disadvantaged is now changing. They are no longer individuals who have been careless and irresponsible. They are honest, hard working people with good jobs and families; however, due to the rising cost of living and low wages, they are not able to meet all their responsibilities.
Large families are being forced to move into small apartments because of unemployment and the inability to pay their bills and sustain their lives. Most people assume that people become homeless because of bad management or lack of ambition, but during these uncertain times it is happening to the most responsible citizens, and sometimes it is due to no fault of their own. One unfortunate circumstance, such as ill-health or a death of a family member, can lead to a road of degradation and nomadic circumstances.
The support system that once existed in years gone by is non-existent. The general tone of most peoples' attitudes are "Each man for his/her self". The climb to survival and longevity has taken on a dangerous competitive edge, where no one cares to help their fellowman. It has become an insatiable lust for the almighty dollar, where scruples ard morals are left hanging in the wind.
Games of "Catch 22" are being played because even when individuals are prosperous and managing, Corporations and the Elitists are seeking to relieve them of their worldly possessions. For instance, businesses are closing their doors overnight, leaving workers jobless without any explanations. Condominiums and Real Estate Organizations are seeking higher dividends by selling out without a moment's notice to the highest bidders. Therefore, our lives have become lessons in Luck and Chance, because even when individuals have the money, at any point in time, their lives can be altered by unforeseen circumstances.
As a society, we have embarked upon times that are unreasonable, with a very grim outlook for the future. How can we remain positive for the younger generation, when we cannot offer them solace by saying that their lives will be better. We encourage them to pursue an Education; however, the reality is, even with an Ivy League Education, they are not ostracized from the harsh cruelties of an economy that lacks meaningful opportunities.
People are turning to all sorts of "get rich quick" schemes or dabbling in drug sales to enhance their incomes, thus creating more criminal activities than any other era in history. The most rational of citizens have turned to lives of impropriety in order to survive.
Our Governments keep chanting that CHANGE is coming; however when a person or persons are firmly embossed in quick sand, CHANGE should not be gradual or a goal to aspire to. It should be IMMEDIATE.
So, as citizens continue to lose their homes, livelihood and possessions, the Government continues to send messages of hope and change to offer comfort. As most Jamaicans may know the old phrase, "Promises offer comfort to fools."
Therefore, before the sky falls in and we are left with our worlds being torn apart, all good citizens are looking earnestly for signs of REAL CHANGE and POSITIVITY. We can only hope and pray that it comes sooner than later.