Poverty is a Weapon of Mass Destruction

[jtuck004]

14. I know. Grew up in Oklahoma, and along with being one of the single most Progressive

states, they built one of the premiere vocational school systems in the nation. You could literally study any of dozens of good paying trades and go to work. I took some of their network classes - when other places were charging $20K a year, I could get a computer and software there, even learn on my own, for about $1 an hour. Took an Air Condiitoning class - turned out to be taught by an engineer from Trane just working a second job - taught us electrical troubleshooting that was invaluable, and I went to work with that too.

I remember a block grant program funded an effort where they were trying to get kids off the streets and into work. Right in the historically black area, NE Oklahoma City, they were running a tremendous program.

They also funded city leadership programs, lots of community activities.

Much got cut, as I recall. Silly, shortsighted and lazy people, we are. Think all the good things are gonna happen without our investment. Hah.

It's the choices we make, as you said. And it hurts all of us.