Barry Graham: Illusory Flowers in an Empty Sky

Daily Kos says being poor is becoming a criminal offense, and debtor’s prisons are making a comeback.

This should be no surprise. It is only the latest in the U.S.A.’s war of enslavement on poor people.

The most cruel reality of poverty in America is that it’s expensive. In fact, it is so expensive that, in order to afford to be poor, you would have to be quite rich.

When you bounce a check or become even slightly overdrawn, there is a charge. Try explaining to the bank that if you could afford to pay the charge then you wouldn’t have had to become overdrawn in the first place.

If your utilities are shut off, there is a reconnection charge and a deposit. Try explaining to the power company that if you could afford to pay the charge and deposit then you could have afforded to pay your bill.

If your rent is late, you will be charged a late fee. Try explaining to the rental agency that if you could afford to pay the late fee you could have afforded to pay your rent on time.

If you file for bankruptcy, you will be charged a fee of hundreds of dollars - although you may be heartened to know that your creditors will not be allowed to seize any artificial limbs you might have, and they have to leave you one Bible. But it is no joke - being poor costs a lot of money.