I’m sitting here writing this, finally able to compose myself after watching something on TV that I know many people are going through during this economic crisis. I’m referring to eviction. I watched, sitting comfortably on my parents’ sofa, as a Harris County Constable in Texas had to serve eviction notices to multiple people on a daily basis who have been unable to pay their rent due to lack of income because of the Coronavirus. Now, with the CARES Act payments having expired and the eviction moratoriums doing the same, many find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Despite this being a somewhat short news story, my face was stained with tears watching person after person, family after family, having to leave their home, some with no place to go. Their pain was palpable.
Since the onset of this pandemic, I have been blessed enough to maintain my employment, despite suffering a pay decrease due to the fact that I work in the hospitality industry, which has been devastated by this crisis. I have been able to spend time with my family, staying with them during the latter part of the week since I’ve been fortunate to be able to partially work remotely. I have continued to not only pay my rent, but I’m also scheduled to move into a new apartment in late October that has given me something to look forward to this year. All of these blessings were going through my mind as I watched these distraught, terrified, and financially ruined families gather what little they have and walk away from the safety of their homes in hopes they are able to find a safe place to stay.
What have we become as a country? How did we get to a point where there is such a huge divide between those who enjoy a comfortable, or, in some cases, extravagant lifestyle, while others cannot afford even the basic necessities including a roof over their head? Why have so many in positions of power and influence become complacent, taking their roles for granted? Why do they continue to childishly fight over petty things rather than act like adults, set aside their differences, and work together towards much-needed change?
This economic downfall is like a house of cards. Remove just one wall and you see a collapse that affects so many – businesses, families, landlords, banks, etc. I am aware that there is much that goes into our socioeconomic status, but until we acknowledge and fix issues as basic as equal rights for all Americans, we will continue to see suffering on an unimaginable scale.
I know that so much of what we’re experiencing now could have been avoided. It has been avoided in other countries who had a national plan to fight this pandemic and the associated financial effects. What hurts me on a daily basis is that this country seems to be stumbling around in the dark, unable to find its way. I know so many who are suffering. As this news story showed, rent is more than many can afford right now, but, for everyone, compassion is free. I pray that it becomes the foundation of our national plan. I believe that out of compassion comes love, and love will always light up the darkness and hold us together when times are tough.
Thorny Issues 