Amazing Grace

"God bless Mommy. God bless Nanny. God, don't punish me because I'm black."

The above line stands out in Amazing Grace by Kozol. It's only in readings like this that most people come to the realization of what life is like on the other side of the fence. The article seemed to explain a place so foreign to the America I know that I began to get lost in the reading. It's difficult to comprehend a neighborhood where murder, drugs, and prostitution are a norm, especially for children, or where waking up the next morning is solely dependant on the weather at night. The excerpt above shows just how sad the childrens' living environment in these neighborhoods actually are. They actually believe this lifestyle they are living is a curse based upon the color of their skin.
Although equal rights have been fought for in the past it seems as though in some areas of the United States they still have not taken effect. These communities are plagued with diseases such as AIDS as well as drugs such as cocaine and heroine which lead to the use of dirty needles further spreading more disease. Also the incinerator used to dispose of amputated arms and legs as well as old hospital beds, cars, and broken televisions pollutes the surrounding neighborhood air. Just the thought of this is very unsettling, we complain when given the task of "taking out the trash", trying to imagine living next to something as toxic as this is very disturbing. 
The question I cannot answer is this, how can we as fellow Americans, and fellow humans make a difference. Although there were only a few places mentioned I am positive they are not the only ones. In a country that prides itself on equality and freedom there should be more laws and support that ensure just that.