"Showing up is the first step in fighting poverty"

I thought this was a wonderful commentary, but you should listen rather than read it, since it's better with his voice. The take-away quote:

"People will tell you government doesn't work. But I've seen it work. It starts with somebody showing up and making an effort. I have also seen it fail. Mostly that happens when no one's paying attention."

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12017456

NPR - Morning Edition
July 17, 2007
Commentary
In Rural Poverty Fight, Showing Up Is a First Step
by Dee Davis
· As part of his eight-state tour focusing on poverty, Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards is scheduled to stop in rural Kentucky, where writer and rural advocate Dee Davis has witnessed the visits of politicians in the past.