A 'voice' of compassion, commitment and hope for all the children-especially those living in the world of poverty-driven-inequalities!

In her own words......:

"I have had the honor and pleasure - indeed, the experience - of reading Poverty & Despair versus Education & Opportunity: Breaking Down the Barriers and Building Bridges by Al Colella and Joseph H. Crowley. This book is a much needed enlightenment and awareness of the many dimensions of living in poverty and an inspiration and motivation for action. Additionally, the authors address the spectrum of poverty-induced-inequalities that directly and severely damage the humanity of those who find themselves within poverty's clutches often for reasons and circumstances beyond their control. Poverty deprives many of the quality of life and opportunities always assumed to be an American right.

It is important to note that the authors have provided a systemic perspective into poverty and its unsustainable costs to all Americans - costs in considerable dollars but costs that go well beyond dollars. Their focus is upon the relationship between poverty and the impediments it creates to the education of children living in poverty and the resultant damage to their quality of life. Ironically, there is reason and rationale that education is the road - perhaps, the only road - out of poverty. As expressed by the authors, the road out of poverty goes through the schoolhouse door.

The readers may ask "Why, my voice?"

Simply put, your voice needs to be added to the many 'voices' that have cried out for compassion, commitment, hope and action for decades. I certainly agree with the authors to acknowledge many efforts that have been brought to bear upon the 'symptoms' of poverty. However, it is equally appropriate to acknowledge the continuing existence of poverty and its inequalities despite these many efforts! The social, economic and humanitarian impact of poverty remains an anomaly in America - the land of opportunity - and will remain so until a national goal, priority and commitment of resources for the elimination of poverty becomes a reality.

Returning to the question of "Why, my 'voice'?" in particular? I feel it is my social, civic and moral responsibility to speak out for those without a voice. I am a woman, a mother, a grandmother, a Latino and an active member of my state legislature. My life began in very humble beginnings that were economically 'poor' but, fortunately for me, rich in family advocacy, support and belief for the absolute necessity of education. My mother with just a few early grades of schooling was and remains the inspiration for my life and, through me, to my children and my grandchildren. It was my mother's inspiration that motivated me to establish a children's day care center in the inner city for children disadvantaged by poverty. Beyond my family and my community, I entered the political arena as an elected state representative in 2004 where I remain motivated by my mother's inspiration for education.

The authors have provided a forceful and inspiring message for all Americans!