Poverty is a punishment–punishment for a crime that was never committed. If poverty was a constitutional issue, it would violate the eighth amendment. Poverty is not the presence of but the lack of something.
A few weeks ago, I volunteered at a free clinic. To say that I was shocked would be an understatement. The standard of living described by many of the people who came sounded like something out of a Third World country–not the United States, and surely not Miami. However, in Miami Dade, a staggering 17% of people live below the poverty line. The majority of these people are either under the age of 18 or above the age of 65. With a weak economy, these numbers will continue to rise if people do not take action. So, as you finish reading this, take a moment to think which group you fall into: those who have more food than appetite, or those with more appetite than food.