I was glad to see John Kerry in Central Point recently, but I wished he had taken some questions from his constituents. I have one burning question for him. My question is this; "Do you think you understand what it is like to be low income in America today, and do you understand some of the challenges the poor face?"

There is no correct answer to this question. The only way to really understand poverty is to be poor.

Until you find yourself standing in line in a welfare office, waiting for an intake appointment, or in line at the grocery store with an Oregon Trail card (food stamps) in your pocket, you cannot understand what poverty does to people. It chips away at your self worth. It takes away your anger, your pride, your self worth and whittles it all down until you are complacent and accepting.