Creativity and Poverty

Poverty has finally returned to the political radar screen. This week NPR's "All Things Considered" ran a series of thoughtful commentaries on the issue. Among the voices heard were the following:

• Cynthia Hendrickson, who tells how her struggle to rise from poverty mirrored the lives of many of those exposed by Hurrican Katrina.
• Alexs Pate, on why corporate America has a role--and a responsibility--in addressing the needs of the poor.
• David Shipler, author of The Working Poor: Invisible in America, on how the Boston Medical Center uses lawyers to help poor people get better health care.

These commentaries offer creative strategies for addressing a really complex issue. The poltical implications are enormous. Conservatives may no longer ignore this problem, and must commit to a public investment that will truly make a difference. Liberals, on the other hand, must realize that government aide alone is not by itself a long-term solution. If Democrats are looking for an issue to redefine themselves, articulating a thoughtful, comprehensive strategy on poverty might be a good start.

-G