Get rid of poverty of the mind

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Does an healthy economy necessarily equal a happy society? Possibly the same question could be asked of an exchange in language communication. Just like language, an economy is also concerned with the exchange of goods and services where such interchange hopefully add to a better standard of living.

Usually, an economic environment requires the aggregate contribution of the citizens. But, is the peace and security of a nation inexorably linked to a booming economy? To base any prediction for peace and stability on astute financial management is as one-sided as believing that having high security walls equals safety.

It is believed that the people of Russia or Ukraine, for example, would suddenly discover peace and stability if one country were to become the possessor of the other’s wealth or opulence. Managing scarce resources to meet unlimited demand is an housekeeping job that may not reduce discontent, theft and kleptomania. For instance, if tourism were to see its numbers triple in tourist arrivals to the country, much would still not change for the man in the street who is hell-bent on causing mayhem, who, although seeing chances for his employment skyrocket, will still choose to remain unemployed and disaffected.

A healthy economy, although looking good on paper and to the world’s lending institutions, does not mean that scarce goods and services will automatically become affordable to the ghetto communities, or that pocket areas of impoverishment will change within the culture that nurtures them. Low unemployment rate doesn’t necessarily mean low chances for employment. It also means that wealth and prosperity aren’t comparable to peace and contentment for either the rich or poor who share the same space.

Even if you should get rid of the adage that you will always have the poor with you, it will not resolve the disquiet among a number of people.

HOMER SYLVESTER

Mount Vernon

New York