Uniting the United States

Between cheers of support, former Senator John Edwards (D-N.C.) discussed ways to end poverty in the United States at the Campus Progress of the Center for American Progress Convention in Washington. Edwards urged college students in attendance to lead the fight against “America’s great moral shame,” 37 million Americans living in poverty, and to fight against President Bush’s “war on work.”

Edwards cited past efforts by Presidents F. Roosevelt and Johnson that helped to alleviate poverty, adding that the United States has failed to focus on poverty as a major issue for 40 years. He recommended fixing economic shortfalls by raising the minimum wage, increasing tax breaks, and restoring child tax credits to all taxpayers. Edwards said Americans should no longer tolerate hungry children, inadequate public education, lack of healthcare availability, and veteran suicide rates.

To involve students more in the fight against poverty, Edwards encouraged convention goers to become involved in Half in Ten, Edwards’s campaign dedicated to reducing poverty levels by half in ten years. Edwards told students not to sit on the sidelines and become active in helping those most in need.

Edwards also told students that youth movements have historically brought social change and encouraged youth to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors and unite the country for change. He said the “two Americas” divide is growing and that the indifferences associated with it are turning into the status quo.