My thoughts

Ok, I guess I will just put my thoughts down and let it go. I have been frustrated all day long with the political system and the degrading of my profession that went on last night. I may not be currently working in the Social Work field but my heart is still with those struggling everyday to make a better life for themselves, and those who dedicate their life to their community, organization or field of practice.

Here is a little of what I have seen within this country within my lifetime. I have seen Veterans who come home from war with no psychological support which leads them into mental illness, alcoholism, and the loss of their families. I have worked with Mentally Ill Veterans who can not get a bed in their Veteran hospital due to overcrowding so they are sent to the streets. I have seen Mentally Ill persons kicked out of their Nursing Homes because of Medicaid cuts not covering their stays any longer. I have seen elderly citizens choose between medications and food or electricity. I have seen a Mentally Ill, homeless, man put on a Greyhound bus because when Katrina hit there was nothing else to do with him. I have seen a Harvard Professor die due to states not wanting to count him as their citizen because of the economic hardship of taking care of him. The list goes on and on but the people who get out there and help the people who should have been given the help in the first place are those who are attacked and belittled.
I am very frustrated today and appalled that someone could become our Vice President that cares so little about the helping organizations of our country.

OK, I'm done.

I truly respect everyone who reads this right to their opinion. I also respect that we all have the ability to make our decisions based on our own morals and values and this blog was not written to sway your choice in this election just to let me put out some of my thoughts and feelings on a day that I feel my profession was ridiculed.


This is what the National Association of Social Workers had to say today.

Social Workers Respond to Gov. Sarah Palin’s Attack on Community Organizers
The National Association of Social Workers was outraged to hear Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, one of the nation’s vice-presidential candidates, malign in a live international broadcast the work of community organizers.
The social work profession takes great pride in its community organizing roots and lauds the contributions of its members, and other professionals, who commit their careers to helping residents of different communities organize their resources and take social action to improve life for themselves and their families. Small town reformers and urban community organizers have much in common.
The concepts of community organizing, community building and community development undergird the premise of American democracy. As a result of these efforts, institutions and officials often deliver more effective economic growth strategies, as well as mental health, health, and family services for people of all ages.
Community organizing is also the foundation of most successful political campaigns. Meeting fellow Americans in their communities and working with them to find solutions to problems that limit their potential is valuable and necessary work—with significant responsibilities.
The profession of social work was founded on the legacy of outstanding women leaders such as Nobel Laureate Jane Addams, who practiced community organizing in the Settlement Houses she created for the poor and working class immigrants of Chicago. The profession also counts Civil Rights icons such as Dr. Dorothy I. Height among its luminaries. It is fitting that both women are considered two of the most influential people in American history, and are inspirations for many of our country’s finest leaders.
During this election year, NASW encourages both parties to stay focused on issues of substance to the American people. We hope that instead of denigrating the lives and work of huge segments of the population, candidates will demonstrate how their plans for the country will protect and elevate the quality of life for all Americans.
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