Maggie's Farm

I have a hard time believing French's comment that more are saved by "the Cross" than government programs or private charity but can appreciate the follow-on sentiment that some form of "commitment" to getting out of poverty is essential. In the trenches, much of "poverty" work is shifting (at least in my 'hood) to teaching to fish rather than providing the fish, although in the current economic environment, both are needed, sadly.

As to the constant comparisons of american poor with other poor across the globe, 'tis true, they are largely better off but there are more than just a few problems with that line of reasoning. One, we live here, not there, so we need to improve the context of our own society to the extent we can. Two, human emotions tend to measure in relative terms and if you care about a "happiness quotient" or some form of measurement not based on DVDs per capita, the kid who shows up in school with no gym shoes, change of clothes or calculator (due to family finances) is getting set up for a sense of personal failure - with potentially negative consequences for his/herself and for the larger society. Three, agree with Barry completely, poverty is not a unitary phenom. I could go on. but I won't. at the moment.