Joe Biden: Help Thy Neighbor

Author: Crystal Fontaine

As I was channel surfing (desperately trying to find a decent show to watch), something caught my eye for the first time: Dr. Phil’s show. Normally, I am not one for talk shows. However, the particular topic of the day drew me in like a fish: Human Trafficking, the modern day slave trade. The thought of it alone sends a cold shiver down my spine. Unfortunately, it is a huge problem that needs to be addressed.

Dr. Phil focused on women who had survived trafficking in the United States (yes, we are not immune). These women were either forced or tricked into prostitution. Human trafficking includes labor and sexual exploitation, involving women, children, and even men. According to the U.S Department of State, about 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked annually with the majority being women and children. There are many cases where people are sold by their families who are desperate for money and believe that no harm will come to that person. Usually, they are tricked into thinking they will have better lives. Many who are trafficked into the U.S are given hopes of the ever-famous American Dream.

The economy is struggling. The U.S presidential election is only one week away. We all have our concerns. Why worry about others that we may or may not be able to help when we are struggling ourselves? The United States has made some efforts in combating human trafficking but thus far none of them are even close to what is needed. These small efforts include Congress passing legislation so Americans who prey on children abroad could face up to 30 years in prison. Also, the Department of Health and Human Services is declaring that these victims may be eligible for the same support as refugees. Other government agencies have implemented plans to combat human trafficking as well.

Currently, Senate Bill 3061, sponsored by Obama’s Vice Presidential nominee Joe Biden, calls for appropriations for the years 2008 through 2011 for the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 in order to enhance measures to combat trafficking in persons. The bill outlines a plan for an anti-trafficking program monitoring system as well as authorization to establish the Paul D. Wellstone Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts in Combating Trafficking in Persons. S. 3061 would establish protection for aliens or work-based immigrants who may be victims and are willing to testify. Policies and procedures would be specifically made for unaccompanied alien children, guaranteeing them a safe return to their countries. The bill also includes the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008, which prohibits finances for particular military and connected areas from being made accessible to the government of nations who are or have supported the use of child soldiers. Congress also has another bill pending, H.R. 3887, which gives additional policies and provisions in regards to human trafficking.

George Shaw once said, “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.  I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live”.  Our economy may be undergoing a financial crisis, but we cannot forget that there are people out there who also need our help – even in our own backyard.