Exit Strategy!

The wake of the anniversary of 9/11 always brings renewed vigor to finding the masterminds behind the attack, and pursuing the "war on terror." With equal vigor the opponents of the war demand an exit strategy and a defined end to the effort. Some how they oft overlook a war we have been fighting for generations, there is no outcry for an exit strategy. It seems they are content continuing the fight, with no end in sight. That my friends is the "war on poverty." A completely winnable struggle that seemingly has no end in sight. Isn't it time we finish this battle and demand an exit strategy? After all the money we throw at this cause is enough to make the poor wealthy.

To defeat an enemy you must understand it. So if you had to define the leading cause of poverty, what would your conclusion be? Well, Pastor Bob Dickie is fond of analyzing a subject down to what he calls the "irreducible minimum." When we break poverty down to it's beginnings, it's base is ignorance. So to defeat poverty, you must in fact confront ignorance.

Handing out money to the poor has never been an effective way of repairing their issues. Teaching self respect, marketable skills, character, integrity, and responsibility has always been the cure. These are the weapons of "mass destruction" toward poverty. That front line burden begins in the home and is accentuated at school. The soldiers of this war are family and the educators.

So wouldn't it be correct to assume the breakdown of the family unit is a "terrorist" tactic in this battle? Couldn't we also draw the conclusion that a consistent dose of faith based teaching and principles are a wonderful weapon toward the end of this fight? I can't help but wonder why our government and society seem to press so hard against faith and family. Is the continuation of poverty, sloth, and ignorance something that benefits them? One could make a powerful argument that might be the case!

It's always a good idea in a war to know who your enemy is.......

God Bless!
Capt. Bill