The Poverty Trap

This weekend I had to go to the doctor because I had an illness that just wasn't getting better. Nearly 2 weeks of symptoms, disruption to normal life and reduced productivity and finally I had to go. The reason I finally went was because I was worried I was going to end up with pneumonia...again.

The reason I waited so long was because I have no health coverage, no money in the bank and rent was just due. This isn't a good time, if there ever is one, to be ill.

This made me think of the trap my family is in and one that many of you are in as well. When you already work over 40 hours and are unable to cover normal living expense there is no room for illness. No room for a missed day of work or a doctor bill or a prescription. I wonder how many people are made sick just because people like me cannot afford to take a day off to recover?

This poverty trap has tens of millions of us in its grasp, living in a world of juggling past due bills, over draft fees, making partial payments here or there just to keep the lights on a bit longer.  Working class people calling up food banks to see if they can get help and standing in line at indigent clinics trying to get antibiotics because they just had to pay their rent and utility bills.

Are you in the poverty trap? How long have you been here, friend and do you have any hope of ever getting out?