To the Editor:

In reference to Mr. Voegtlin’s 1-27-10 column on poverty: From fall of 1965 to spring of 1969 I was involved in "The War on Poverty" as a local volunteer and VISTA Volunteer.

Poverty is a very complex situation and throwing money at the problem is not always the solution, either by individuals or government.

In my work I met a migrant family that worked all day, and as one of the young sons proudly told me, earned $13 for the day's work.

I also met a man who did not wish to work on his father's Arkansas farm and went on welfare at age 18 for "thin blood" and spent his winters in Arizona and summers in Arkansas; living on taxpayers with no intention of working.

I met another man who shot dice for gas money to drive to the union hall to seek work; he became a pipeline foreman.

I saw women leave the fields and accept training and become bonus earning factory workers, while others refused the opportunity and took welfare checks.

For many, low wages continue to create problems even though they work, often at jobs others will not perform; too many still refuse to put forth effort to improve their position through education and job performance despite existing opportunities.

A company cannot operate a welfare program for non-productive workers, and government cannot continue to support able-bodied workers who will not attempt to help themselves.

Our current economic situation indicates "the piper" may be calling in his debts.

I hope government, business, and citizens awaken before it is too late. The problem spans all races and economic sectors, and it is us.

Larry Jones

Jackson