Poverty and Loss of Family Values is why Crime has Risen

By Lynn A. Granata

Families of today have a lot to think about. It's not very easy. Most families want to raise their children in a stable environment.

The middle class has suffered many set backs in recent years. Recessions, inflation and unemployment have dampened the spirit of many American families.

To add to such trouble is the prolongation of suffering in poverty for a middle class family that has suffered from a major life changing event.

Unemployment is the most common set back for those who live pay check to pay check. One pay check away from being put out on the street haunts most American families who are struggling to make ends meet.

Children who grow up in poverty are at an all time high in growing up to engage in a life of crime than are their wealthier peers.

Single parent homes can't give a child the same amount of attention as two parent homes. Nonetheless, it's the loss of family values that stunts the growth of children growing up in poverty. It's a double edged sword.

Impoverished children get involved with gangs. They are more apt to commit petty crimes, such as stealing and shop lifting. They have no older adults available to supervise them. The loss of family values has caused a generation of misfits to lose respect for authority.

Nowadays, there are no more sit down dinners at suppertime. Parents have to work long hours to get paid a sustainable amount of money to keep their roofs over their heads.

How are kids going to learn family values? Politicians can't come up with good honest answers.

More decent paying jobs need to be created. So that parents will have more time to spend with their children.