In this article, I was astounded by the differences in CCT programs across the globe, and their effects on families. It seems that in Brazil, it is almost impossible to survive as a family in poverty without farming and recieving the aid of CCT. Yet, it makes sense as to why the program is no longer functioning in NYC. During the most recent economic downturn, a program which hands out cash to struggling families looks as though it would be the first to go. It seems citizens in general get very nervous when it comes to giving subsidiaries to those in poverty/ extreme poverty. I thought it was also interesting to note that most countries didn’t find CCT’s particularly helpful, except when paired with very strong social programs. This means that the cash handouts for families must be accompanied by programs that would assist the families in everyday affairs such as dentistry, etc.
I wish it were easier to push more CCT programs across the globe, but for now, it seems to be functioning as an emergency boat for those in countries where it’s incredibly difficult to float along. With that being said, I think it’s still obvious that we need a similar program for NYC families.
Archives
09
May 14
Social Policy and CCT’s Reading
02
May 14
The Body Economic Prt 3
This reading, especially concerning Diane and her very unfortunate health situation, hit a very personal level for me. I completely empathize, and see everyday people whom are struggling to pay their healthcare bills or neglect to attempt to receive health care at all. Yes, this is often due to the ‘overcrowding’ affect referred to in the reading. All too often, as the authors said, insurance companies pull in the healthiest, wealthiest patients, and push out those who may be more at risk. It seems Diane’s tragic story is only one of thousands in the United States, health issues are prolonged and worsened because of austerity and a lack of trust in our medical system. Where there is only debt and misuse and unfair treatment, there cannot possibly be healing. For as the conclusion read, first as an economic and political body, we must strive to do no harm.
The striking rates at which suicide and homelessness jumped with unemployment and austerity was also alarming. However, I was rather inspired by Sweden’s ALMP’s and Finland’s drive to destroy homelessness. It is these initiatives that give the United States, and other struggling health care countries, the inspiration to reach for a healthier tomorrow. Because, if one thing rang true more than anything in this reading, the people must come first. Without our people at the forefront of our concerns, our economic austerity will do even more to plunge citizens, and this country, farther into debt and joblessness.
One bit in the reading that quite surprised me was the West Nile Virus outbreak in California. This outbreak shows the trickle down effects of austerity on that state and the overall health of its people. Citizens were losing their jobs, their homes had to be foreclosed, and their uncleaned pools became nesting grounds for infectious misquitos. The path is so clear, yet the results were incredibly disastrous.
Finally, if we are to become a body economic and move and live together in harmony, we must end budget cuts that are poisoning our citizen body’s peace of mind. Without jobs and homes, we cannot hope to move forward creating new ideas or inventing new scientific techniques. And if the future of our country is important, than we need to seriously start reevaluating our monetary spending as a government.
25
Apr 14
Greece and Iceland in The Body Economic
In the final reading of Body Economic, I was startled by the political and economic ways of Iceland and Greece. These two countries underwent similar sufferings and downturns, yet chose entirely different paths for the so called ‘recovery’ of their citizens and economy. Iceland chose to not cut welfare and other public funding, despite the IMF’s ideas otherwise. They knew that without the health and well being of their people, the economy would not pick up. This seems to be something the United States has yet to understand. Without a strong and steady undercurrent of trust and well being among citizens, where can our fiscal crisis disappear to? If citizens are not well and do not feel collectively protected in times of need, there is no reason or ability to function economically. I found this concept incredibly basic, yet it seems to be something that our political agenda constantly glazes over. It is often the ‘rich and elite’ who are able to decide the fate of all others, for better or worse. However, it seems obvious to me that we should follow suit along with Iceland and enjoy the comforts of a more healthy and balanced population.
Annaliisa Gifford
