Reading a commentary regarding education and test results in America, the writer stated, "The United States has the highest level of childhood poverty of industrialized countries."

Stopping to think on that point, brought many things to mind.  I have always appreciated the sense that Asians have toward their fellow countrymen.  They truly act as one big family - fighting, warning, and looking out after the needs of one another, because they recognize and sense a responsibility toward their fellow man.  Often, that has been directed at me, even though I'm not "Asian"! 

I have always been humbled when that happens.

Why don't we understand in America, that we are connected to those around us who are in poverty.  We have a responsibility.  We may make excuse; we may ignore; we may deny; but they are there.

I am amazed at the fear of those who are afraid of the minor changes that President Obama wants to make in health care.  Why are we not afraid of the reality before us?  Why aren't we afraid of the effects that millions of people who can't afford to even go see a doctor has? on our society, on our education, on our competiveness as a nation, on our economy, on our collective future.

We want to act as if our present situation is somehow ok.  Yet when we complain, it is always the "government's" fault.

We want to live as individuals - yet rely daily on a lifestyle that is provided us because or our government system and the taxes we pay.

We live in fear of the word 'socialist' because of a past that needs to be left where it has died - in the past.

"The United States has the highest level of childhood poverty of industrialized countries."

Amazing!