One million homeless school children

The numbers are staggering.

For the first time in history, public schools reported more than one million homeless students enrolled, according to data released today by the U.S. Department of Education.

The 1,065,794 homeless students enrolled by U.S. preschools and K-12 schools in the 2010-2011 school year is the highest number on record, and a 13 percent increase over the 2009-2010 school year. Furthermore, this total underestimates the number of homeless children, because it does not include homeless infants and toddlers, young children who are not enrolled in public preschool programs, and homeless children and youth who were not identified by school officials.

Forty-four states reported school year-to-year increases in the number of homeless students, with 15 states reporting increases of 20 percent or more. States with the largest increases in the numbers of homeless students include Kentucky (47 percent), Michigan (38 percent), Mississippi (35 percent), Utah (47 percent), and West Virginia (38 percent). In Michigan, the number of homeless children enrolled in public schools has increased 315 percent between 2008 and 2011.

Imagine a child going from school to a shelter or to car to do homework or study for a test. Think about their relationships with classmates. What is their nutritional status? What happens if they get sick?

The number of people living in extreme poverty has reached record levels. Over 20 million Americans have a few thousand dollars to live on in a country where that will not go very far.

God hears the cries of the poor. Do we?

Our politicians serve the wealthy. Yes, some pay lip service to the poor, but the proof is in the pudding. Every law, budget, statute, and ordinance increases the suffering of people with little or nothing. Our glorious politicians have even made it a crime to sleep in public when the shelters are full. The only exception is that the smallest state in union just passed a bill of rights to protect the homeless.

And the rich, whose wealth has grown obscenely to record levels over the past several decades? Thanks to the loopholes created by our glorious politicians, many pay little or no taxes. They are renouncing their citizenship at a record pace rather than risk their tax bills going up a few percent. Any wonder why Jesus said it would be easier for a camel to pass through an eye of a needle than for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven?

And our religious authorities? Many are too busy bleating about sexual purity and selling politicians.

Just remember. God hears the cries of the poor. Do we? The Lord of Lords is watching.