Visionary American Leadership: Champion for the Poor

There are parallels for American society in the masterpiece novel “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens.

The marginalized French peasantry are depicted as oppressed, humiliated, and demoralized.

It was the intent of Dickens in this immortal classic to influence the wealthy in London in 1859.

Dickens, unbeknownst to him, has another task, to inspire the wealthy in contemporary America.

In his famous opening lines, Dickens has a message for America. All who have ears to hear must listen:

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us”

Champion of the Poor

During the 2016 presidential debates, the topic of poverty in America was glaringly missing from the conversations.

Charles Dickens was a champion of the poor because of his horrific childhood. He was forced to work in a factory, as so many other children were, to survive.

Dickens was forced to quit school. He worked ten-hour days at a local warehouse for six shillings a week. In the mid-1800s, a British shilling was a silver coin with the approximate size and value of a U.S. quarter. So, Dickens salary was roughly a U.S. $1.50 at that time.

In his novel, Dickens is warning the aristocracy with a metaphor of sowing and reaping. If the rich sow seeds of revolution through injustice, neglect, or contempt for the poor, they will reap a harvest of revolution.

The rich were portrayed as humiliating the poor. Meanwhile, the rich lived lavishly, excessively, and selfishly.

There is a universal message in this timeless masterpiece, and a poignant statement to contemporary America.

America has a history of generosity toward the marginalized. Poverty demands an impassioned commitment to treat the poor with dignity, empathy, and charity.

American Poverty: Facts and Statistics

According the the Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization, many in America are hungry and billions of pounds of food are wasted each year.

Feeding America details alarming recent poverty statistics in the United States that include the following:

• 43.1 million people (13.5 percent) were in poverty.

• 24.4 million (12.4 percent) of people ages 18-64 were in poverty.

• 14.5 million (19.7 percent) children under the age of 18 were in poverty.

• 4.2 million (8.8 percent) seniors 65 and older were in poverty.

• The overall poverty rate according to the Supplemental Poverty Measure is 14.3 percent, significantly higher than the official poverty rate of 13.5 percent.

• Under the Supplemental Poverty Measure, there are 45.7 million people living in poverty, 2.6 million more than are represented by the official poverty measure (43.1 million).

• 42.2 million Americans lived in food insecure households, including 29.1 million adults and 13.1 million children.

• 13 percent of households (15.8 million households) were food insecure.

• 5 percent of households (6.3 million households) experienced very low food security.

• Households with children reported food insecurity at a significantly higher rate than those without children, 17 percent compared to 11 percent.

• Households that had higher rates of food insecurity than the national average included households with children (17%), especially households with children headed by single women (30%) or single men (22%), Black non-Hispanic households (22%) and Hispanic households (19%).

• 5.4 million seniors (over age 60), or 9 percent of all seniors were food insecure.

• Food insecurity exists in every county in America, ranging from a low of 4 percent in Loudoun County, VA to a high of 38 percent in Jefferson County, MS.

Final Reflections

The timeless and universal message of Dickens in “The Tale of Two Cities” demands a call to action for America.

Poverty is a reality throughout the world and also right here on our homeland.

In America, where there is such incredible wealth, our poverty is a national scandal. The homeless, hungry, destitute, and hopeless cry out to the soul of America, and to the hearts of each of us.

The scandal of America’s poverty needs visionary leadership by all, particularly those in the highest levels of society.

It is unfathomable that there are so many destitute in America and that many children are hungry each day.

America must be a champion of the poor. We must enable all to benefit from the fruits of the harvest.

We must avoid the apathy that attempts to assuage our conscience. It is not acceptable that so many only have access to a few crumbs that fall from the lavish tables of the privileged.

America has an ordained mission of justice, dignity, and moral responsibility toward every member of society.

Our nation must live according to its call to be an ethical guardian. America must be dedicated to improving the lives of the poor. This will be a hallmark of our sincerity to reawakening the nation.

There is a Latin expression, “magnas inter opes inops’ which translates as “poor amid great riches.”

It is a reminder that the destitute in America are surrounded by inestimable wealth.

America must be mindful of our poor, and express honor to all who do everything in their power to assist them.

Photo

1. Volunteers assisting the Missionaries of Charity, commonly known as the sisters of Mother Theresa, at the Saint Augustine soup kitchen, Newark, NJ, Dec. 11, 2016. (Vincent J. Bove)

2. Homeless lady at the entrance of Central Park, 59th Street and Columbus Circle, NYC, Jan. 1, 2006. (Vincent J. Bove)

3. Bethseda Terrace, Central Park, NYC, Apr. 4, 2013. (Vincent J. Bove)

Related Coverage:

America’s Forgotten Homeless: Awareness, Compassion, Dignity

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Vincent is author of over 200 articles, including his weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times; 35 countries, 21 languages, and growing.

Chicago Crisis of Violence Demands Visionary Leadership

The cascade of bloodshed being witnessed throughout Chicago, one of the iconic American cities, is a national indictment.

This indictment is reflected in a moral decay, decrepit school system, apathy, and a failure of leadership.

Each and every law-abiding person who lives in America deserves the dignity of security. Every human being deserves protection from violence.

Preventing violence must not only consist of soundbites based on good intentions. The crisis demands a realistic visionary leadership that can inspire transformation throughout every element of the community.

Visionary leadership is critical to Chicago. It must be grounded with practical tools that build collaboration. Visionary leadership is built on the pillars of courage, community, and character.

We must not be indifferent to the bloodshed unleashed in Chicago.

America has a legacy of conquering seemingly insurmountable mountains. We must avoid apathy and ignite hope.

We have the character to change the tide of violence in Chicago and we must overcome indifference and inspire community.

Sobering Reality of Chicago’s Violence

The crisis of violence impacting Chicago continues through alarming current headlines that include the following:

*Shootings up nearly 50 percent after another violent weekend in Chicago
*The Chicago murder rate is so high, it’s expected to have an unimaginable national effect
*Why 2016 Has Been Chicago’s Bloodiest Year in Almost Two Decades
*Chicago’s Top Cop: Residents Are Begging Me To Save Them From The Violence
*Homicides out of control in Chicago
*Chicago hits grim milestone of 700 murders for 2016 and the years not over

These horrific headlines clearly reflect the crisis of Chicago violence. America must have a sense of moral outrage and inspire determination to change the course.

The Chicago crisis is a national scandal demanding visionary leadership that ignites community.

Transformation for Chicago must include the schools, workplaces, communities, faith-based communities, political officials, criminal justice system, media, law enforcement agencies, and of course families.

Families are being shattered throughout American society and we must address this crisis, especially through our schools.

Although transformation for Chicago appears to be an intimidating task, America has a legacy of rising to the occasion.

As a nation, we must remain courageous, never lose heart, and remain committed to animating character back into our society.

Chicago: America’s Violence Epicenter

In my July 25, 2015 article for the Epoch Times titled “Chicago Gang Crisis: Epicenter of Violence in America,” I detailed blistering violence tragedies.

The violence has intensified with heartbreaking headlines memorializing the carnage.

Warning signs have been screaming for effective intervention. These warning signs are most tragically witnessed as we listen to the cries of mothers losing their children to violence.

The great windy city of Chicago, acclaimed in song as “my kind of town” is a city in crisis.

The throbbing cadence of the city’s heartbeat is disintegrating with the venom of gangs, drugs, shootings, murders, mayhem, chaos, hopelessness, poverty, and death.

Final Reflections

Chicago’s renewal demands ambassadors of visionary leadership that inspire change, collaboration, character, and unity.

Chicago must accept a responsibility to change with a sense of urgency. Ethical guardians must be inspired not only in the Chicago police department, but among its political leaders, and every member of society.

Solutions include the Chicago Police Department’s unwavering commitment to the highest levels of ethical training, accountability, transparency, and community policing certifications.

But the responsibility for change is not entirely the responsibility of the Chicago Police Department. Every member of society has responsibilities, and we must forge iron-clad partnerships. Every member of society is co-dependent on one another for security, safety, and community harmony.

The immortal quote of Benjamin Franklin “We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately” comes to mind. It can be paraphrased for life in Chicago as the following.

We are in a time of crisis and we must all learn to live together, or surely we will perish together.

Chicago must also remember that over time this moral cancer of violence has festered, and time will be critical for healing.

The time to begin the healing process is now. Chicago must ignite the flames of character throughout the community and pay a particular dedication to its youth.

The young people of Chicago, and throughout the nation, are the catalysts of change.

Our youth are the hope of America. We must encourage them, inspire them, and give them the tools of character that their communities and nation deserves.

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Vincent is author of over 200 articles, including his weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times; 35 countries, 21 languages, and growing.

Photo
Police investigate the scene of a quadruple homicide on the city's southside on Dec. 17, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. Three people were found shot to death inside a home in the Fernwood neighborhood, another 2 were found shot outside the home, one of those deceased. Chicago has had more than 750 homicides in 2016. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Global Terror Casualties Requires America’s Vigilance at Home

During my presentations and published works over the last 20 years, I have continually encouraged leadership, vigilance, and collaboration.

These principles are critical to protecting America’s interests and safeguarding our homeland.

In my Nov. 19, 2015 article for the Epoch Times titled “Paris Terror Demands America’s Vigilance,” I called upon America to enhance security.

Security must include ongoing training, certifications for the public and private sectors, preparedness initiatives, and collaboration.

The article addressed the reprehensible attacks throughout Paris on Nov. 13, 2015 and stressed vigilance.

My definition of terrorism was memorialized in the article as “a contemptuous evil against life, justice, and charity as well as a cowardly assault against human rights, moral law, and the dignity of humankind.”

The article also condemned those who use religion to commit atrocities. It stressed that “the true hallmark of any person who proclaims a life of faith is manifested through honoring the dignity of every human person.”

Terrorism was describled as the heinous, barbaric, and cowardly act it is because it desecrates the sacred.

Relentless Wave of Terror

The accelerating terror attacks decimating families and communities worldwide continues with no end in sight.

Attacks throughout the Middle East, Africa, and Europe remind us of the meltdown of moral decency inflicting humanity and the consequences of unleashed depravity.

The despicable realities of terrorism are continually manifested when people are attacked while assembling for the most ordinary of human activities.

Recently, horrific blasts occurred in major cities thousands of miles apart with innocent people paying the ultimate price by these senseless attacks.

Terror attacks are unceasingly reminding us that anyone can be a victim. An attack can occur anyplace, and at anytime.

Places once considered sacrosanct, including parks, schools, workplaces, shopping centers, and even houses of worship are potential terror targets.

Recent Terror Attacks

The globe has become a very small place, and although these attacks occurred on distant shores, they remind us that humankind is inseparable. Each person who walks this earth is mystically connected by the bonds of humanity and all people of good will deserve security.

Vigilance must be the focus of our activities and each of us is called to have the mindset of an ethical guardian.

These recent terror attacks must be reminders to remain vigilant and continually heighten our security awareness and preparedness:

Istanbul, Turkey – on Dec. 10, two blasts, about a mile apart killed at least 44 people, most of them police officers. Additionally, about 150 people were wounded. The attacks took place after a heavily attended soccer game. This attack is a reminder to law enforcement that they are often a target. Police must follow strict security protocols regarding their assembling in large groups in easily accessible public domains. It is also critical that law enforcement responders to incidents remain highly vigilant. The first incident may be planned to set the stage for a secondary attack against them.

Cairo, Egypt – a bomb detonated in the women’s section of St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral during Sunday morning mass. The explosion killed at least 25 people and injured dozens more.

Magadishu, Somalia – at least 20 people were killed and 15 injured after a car filled with explosives rammed into the main entrance of a port. Like the Istanbul attack, this also targeted police according to a law enforcement official.

Terror attacks on distant shores cannot be understood as insignificant to America. These attacks remind us of the heinous consequences of terrorism. Every attack demands assessment and must encourage our nation to continue review and enhance security.

America’s security mindset must include hardening soft targets with implementing sound countermeasures. These include security vulnerability assessments, background checks, investigations, training, warning sign reporting and swift intervention, physical security, personnel security, procedural security, and informational / cybersecurity.

Strengthening America’s Trauma Centers

As I conclude this article, I would like to address our nation’s trauma centers and encourage America to strengthen their security and resources to serve communities. Our trauma centers will be critical in the event of a terror attack.

The report titled “U.S. Trauma Center Preparedness for a Terrorist Attack in the Community” is a must read.

This report, developed by the National Foundation for Trauma, deserves study by law enforcement officials, private security professionals, public safety representatives, and hospital administrators.

Recommendations in the report showing areas for improvement include the following:

• Provide adequate funding to trauma centers based on their proximity to hazards and threats.
• Spread authority and information about planning and implementation.
• Improve surge and decontamination capacity, particularly in regions with high vulnerability.
• Plan for family members of patients and staff.
• Sustain operational capacity for more than 3 days.
• Provide after-care for chronically ill patients and displaced persons.

Aside from these recommendations, the report highlights commonalities of exceptional disaster programs worthy of notice.

These programs include exemplary leadership principles, significant and ongoing disaster preparedness planning, and extraordinary collaboration with the public, private, and military.

America must remain vigilant, with eyes wide opened to incidents world-wide and on our homeland.

We must remember that to be forewarned is to be forearmed.

Related Coverage:

Terrorism Demands Police-Community Unity

Terrorism Attacks Demand America’s Leadership

America, Wake Up: Harden Your Soft Targets

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Vincent is author of over 200 articles, including his weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times; 35 countries, 21 languages, and growing.

Photos

1. NYPD, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Feb. 28, 2015. (Vincent J. Bove)
2. NYPD, Times Square, NYC, Jan. 17, 2015. (Vincent J. Bove)
3. A woman reacts at the site of an explosion where flowers have been placed for the victims of the Dec. 10 blasts, outside Besiktas' Vodafone Arena football stadium on Dec. 13, 2016 in Istanbul. Twin blasts hit Istanbul on December 10, 2016 killing 37 police officers and seven civilians. (OZAN KOSE/AFP/Getty Images)

Pearl Harbor’s 75th Anniversary: Reawakening America

On Dec. 7, America reverently pauses to commemorate National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, and the 75th anniversary of the attack.

Pearl Harbor must eternally remind America, and the world, of our resilience, resolve, and patriotism.

During this milestone commemoration, America must reflect, and rededicate ourselves without reserve. Our sacrosanct principles of freedom, liberty, and democracy must guide our moral compass.

We must reawaken the enduring character of America, expressed through the sacrifice, courage, and determination of our nation.

America must forever remember the sacrifices of the fallen.

A Date Which Will Live in Infamy

The 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor must also inspire a renewed admiration of our “greatest generation.”

As Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) proclaimed, the “date which will live in infamy” must be seared into the soul of every person privileged to call America home.

The event that thrust America into World War II, and defined our unwavering defense of moral decency will indeed “live in infamy.”

The fires of our patriotism must perpetually burn our hearts, and light the path to the world for peace.

Inspiring World Peace

Understanding our past and the consequences of events enables insight, understanding, and wisdom.

These are characteristics that are critical to preventing future turmoil, conflicts, and wars.

America, and every nation of the world, must reflect on Pearl Harbor and the catastrophic events of World War II. We must learn from the past and have a full force commitment to working with one another to inspire peaceful solutions to our differences.

Our nation must continually be dedicated to the 71 years of peaceful coexistence between Japan and America.

Both nations must inspire hope for a bright future for nations currently engaged in division, conflict, and turmoil.

“Remember Pearl Harbor”

Although Dec. 7, 1941 began as a typical Sunday morning in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, events would quickly unfold to make it a defining day in American history.

The fast facts surrounding the attack on the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet Headquarters on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu include these from the National WWII Museum in New Orleans:

• Shortly before 8 a.m., Japan launched approximately 200 planes form six aircraft carriers. This ignited their first planned phase of Operation Hawaii, forever immortalized as “the attack on Pearl Harbor” or “Pearl Harbor.”

• This was a surprise, unprovoked attack that stunned America, which was focused on events in Europe and Hitler’s morally despicable war of conquest.

• The U.S. fleet at Pearl Harbor suffered severe devastation including damage or destruction to 18 ships. These included the battleships Arizona, Oklahoma, California, Nevada, and West Virginia.

• More than 2,400 U.S. service personnel were killed.

• The attack, contrary to the devastation inflicted, unified America. Until then, the nation was divided by pro-war “Hawks” and anti-war “Isolationists.”

• On Dec. 8, the day after the Pearl Harbor attack, FDR addressed Congress. The president demanded a declaration of war with his immortalized “Day of Infamy” speech. FDR received resounding, unified support with a vote of 82-0 in the Senate and 388-1 in the House.

America was united and dedicated to a complete and unconditional victory. The collaborative rallying cries throughout WWII was “We’re All in this Together” and “Remember Pearl Harbor.”

Final Reflections

At the end of my presentations, I take time to honor all American military personnel who have offered the ultimate sacrifice.

This tribute includes the story of an American soldier killed in Iraq whose internment ceremony I attended at Arlington National Cemetery.

But any patriotism I have inspired, pales in significance to the honor expressed through the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association (PHSA).

The PHSA, officially recognized by the United States Congress, is dedicated to ensure all generations of Americans remain cognizant of Pearl Harbor.

As detailed on their website, may the words of Houston F. James, a Pearl Harbor survivor, reignite the fire of America’s character:

“Destiny ordained that you be permitted a journey to the jaws of hell.

“Destiny allowed you to observe the horrors of war.

“Destiny has granted you the privilege of a continued journey through life.

“Destiny will ask you to remember each time you hear the word survivor, you’ll remember and be thankful.”

Related Coverage:

Gold Star Families: Honoring Those Who Make the Ultimate Sacrifice

Memorial Day: Honor the Fallen, Widows, Orphans

America’s Flag, Patriotism: Resuscitating Our Destiny

Note Well:

Linkedin: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

Join Vincent’s Linkedin Group: The Sentinel: Reawakening the Nation

Facebook: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

Vincent is author of over 200 articles, including his weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times; 35 countries, 21 languages, and growing.

Photos

1. U.S. Arizona, Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941. (World War II Museum/U.S. Navy)

2. Battleship row, Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941. (World War II Museum/U.S. Navy)

3. Pearl Harbor Survivor Houston F. James with United States Marine. (Photo Credit: Pearl Harbor Survivors Association)