The US national debt is estimated at over fourteen trillion dollars (TreasuryDirect.com). The country's deficit problem is not new. Overcoming the problem showed its difficulties. Nothing seems to be able to alleviate the problem. “As early as this year, the House of Representatives proposed an estimated thirty-two billion dollars in cuts to children's programs” (Sanderson). Even though the country is heavily in debt and budget cuts are absolutely necessary, it is not fair that America's children should pay the consequences. Why make children pay for something they didn't contribute to? The government must continue to support and fund programs that help children, such as A Keiki's Dream, because these programs provide them with opportunities they could not otherwise obtain, these programs build children's self-esteem and provide a safe environment. charities that help give children opportunities they would never have had otherwise. First, for example, A Keiki's Dream is a program that organizes services for children in need in Maui County and inspires hope in these children (MauiNews.com). A Keiki's Dream grants a self-directed dream to each child in the program (AKeikisDream.org). Without this program, children in Maui County would not have the opportunity to achieve their dreams. Additionally, in-kind programs, that is, programs that provide services rather than money, are profoundly beneficial. They meet the needs of families, support them, and essentially provide an “invisible safety net,” says Janet Currie, an economics professor at Columbia University. Without in-kind programs, the needs of families would not be met. Second, without government funding, many programs...... middle of paper...... August 28, 2011. Currie, Janet. “The Invisible Safety Net: Protecting Poor Children and Families in the United States.” » Web blog post. VOX. January 4, 2009. The web. September 6, 2011 “Debt to the penny. » Trésor Direct. Internet. September 10, 2011. “Every child is special. » A Keiki's dream. Internet. September 7, 2011. Iyer, Aparna. "Erikson's Psychosocial Theory of Development." Buzz. Internet. September 1, 2011.Jeremy. “Create an emotionally safe environment for our children.” Stay home dad. 30Nov. 2010. Web blog post. September 5, 2011. Harder, Arlene. “Developmental Stages of Erik Erikson.” Online learning location. Internet. September 10, 2011.Navarro, Emily. “Government funding for charities: When it goes down, charities lose twice. » Charity browser. May 1, 2005. the web. September 5, 2011. Sanderson, Jamie. “House offers more discounts in children's programs. » PoliticusUnited States. February 17, 2011. Internet. September 4. 2011.