Does everyone know it is a problem that is real? If true, there sure are a lot of incredibly selfish, compassionless people in this country.

And I sure do have solutions. A few ideas are to raise taxes, including my own. I don't have much, but I can do with less than I have if it means some one else's child doesn't suffer from malnutrition. Get out of Iraq. Rearrange domestic spending priorities.   Work to change values so that 'conspicuous consumption' is no longer a virtue.

And you know what, Martin? Every day for the past 33 years I've gotten up, gone out, and worked hard to try to help find workable solutions. To find ways to help people to fill essential gaps. To help people try to learn the life skills they need to live and survive, if not to thrive. To link people with jobs, training, medical care, food resources, day care, elder care, burial expenses.

I don't need to read anybody else's handbook. I've got the knowledge, the skills, the training and the first-hand, front-line, up close and in person experience to know. I've read the research and the cost/benefit analyses about what works and what doesn't and I have seen that research ignored again and again. I have literally walked with people down their dying path because they could not get essential medical care where medical care is plentiful and world class for those who can afford it. I have gone out into the mall parking lots to try to assist families with young children living in cars and shelters because, in spite of working full time, they don't make a living wage and housing costs are inflated.

Have I solved the big problems? No. Do I have all the absolute answers? No. But a day at a time, a person or a family or an issue at a time, a meal or a month's rent at a time, have I participated in solutions?

You are damn straight I have.

I'm not about philosophy, Martin. I'm not about politics anymore than I have to be in order to try to see people not starve in the midst of plenty. I am about action, one on one. I am about looking for proactive ways to make a positive difference in the world one life at a time, if that is all I can effect. I put my money and my lifework where my mouth is. I'm not talking theory, little big man. I'm not talking petty little pissing matches with words.

Bug off.

Janie