Dear Source:
This letter is in response to Mr. Paul Burt’s attack on my call to parents to help in the war on child poverty. I draw attention to the fact that app. 35% of V.I. children are living in poverty, at a rate that is twice the national average. I emphasize that parents should unite to provide support. By “support,” I mean love, food, schooling, medical care…
According to Mr. Burt, 85% of all court ordered support is being paid. So, based on his calculation, 15% isn’t. Therefore, for every 850 kids being taken care of, there are 150 left at risk. However, Mr. Burt is using the national average. So, since the Virgin Islands are at twice the national average–for every 700 kids that are being supported, 300 are not. Where does Mr. Burt propose we start when millions of children are being abused by their own parents?
Is it not true that parents should do everything possible to love and provide for their children? Mr. Burt makes personal accusations based on his assumptions. Instead of focusing on trying to help children suffering in poverty, he vents and complains.
As a victim advocate, my work is volunteer. This is not a paid position, but an act of community service. If Mr. Burt spent more time trying to help a child, he would feel better about himself.
Mr. Burt should consider Apostle Paul’s description of his care for the churches as their pastor: “…but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children.” [1, Thessalonians 2:7]
And, so I reiterate the message in my letter to The Source…the courts, governmental agencies and the community must unite to stop condoning any PARENTS who neglect to support their children.
Lisa Marie Galiber-Forgeron
Murietta, Calif.
Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
