Thursday, December 27, 2012

Vermont Voice

The term “Northeast Kingdom” to describe the region encompassing Essex, Orleans and Caledonia counties in Vermont’s far northeast corner. It has the highest unemployment rate in Vermont, the lowest wages in the state. The area has the highest number of government services and benefits for the poor in state history and the highest percentage of people living in poverty which keeps close company with addiction and criminal activity. The region is home to prisons in its two largest communities.

“People are kept in poverty because of the economic system we have,”
says Greg MacDonald, a retired 30-year veteran with the Agency of Human Services that coordinates public assistance in Vermont. “In order for capitalism to survive, you need poverty.”

Melissa Bourque of the Vermont Workers’ Center, says, “Poverty is not an accident, its part of a well-oiled system, with money the bottom line. It is not human-rights based.”

“We know about racism and other discrimination, but discrimination against the poor is not spoken about,”
says Paul Dragon, Vermont’s Reach Up director. “People are very quick to point the finger at the poor.”

More than 22 million Americans suffer from substance dependence or abuse due to drugs, alcohol or both. National data on the welfare population from 2000 shows about one in five recipients abuses drugs or alcohol. Is it the addiction that brought them to poverty, or the poverty that drove them to addiction?

Addiction is, “a symptom of those living in poverty,” Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA) director Jan Rossier says. “Often being less educated, folks are more susceptible to taking addictive medications prescribed by physicians, not knowing the risks. Initial use can result in a feeling of euphoria that is something they have never experienced, hence the desire for continued use.” Rossier also confirms drug commerce on the streets. “Pills are also viewed as a street commodity that generates revenue, and with limited options to make a livable wage, folks make desperate judgment calls."

No comments: