I have worked with the poor who have been educated by those systems that provide schooling....years ago alot of these folks would have been in institutions for numerous reasons 2 of which are (coined by psychology) developmentally disabled and physically disabled----some folks just cant ride the merry-go-round like the rest of us.

We can go back to the time when sterilization is common and lock-up and drugged are the main things the government did for those folks

http://www.timesunion.com

Quoted Text

Spitzer's plans to aid the poor a good sign
First published: Thursday, January 17, 2008

The Diocese of Albany is unveiling a multifaceted plan to eradicate poverty over the next 10 years. We therefore were initially disappointed not to hear mention of the poor residents of our state in Governor Spitzer's State of the State speech. So we listened more carefully to the degree to which the initiatives he proposed would address the needs of low-income families.
     
We were encouraged, for example, to learn of the governor's revitalization plans for upstate. Yet these plans must include values and principles that will make the most difference to low-income families, including reversing trends toward part-time jobs and jobs without benefits.
We advance the idea of moving the measure of success away from minimum wage and to a living wage and self-sufficiency standard.
The governor recognized the need for tax relief for all New Yorkers, yet the tax burden falls disproportionately on low-income workers. We hope that as tax policy moves through the Legislature, the Earned Income Tax Credit will move from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) fund to the general fund to free up funding for those most in need.
We applaud the governor for his courageous stance to "not take 'no' for an answer" in his efforts to expand health coverage to all New York children. Since access to health care is not just the presence of insurance but also the availability of preventive and primary care, it is encouraging to hear that this administration's initiatives include addressing the shortage of physicians in some areas of our state.
We also hope the governor's proposed $400 million Housing Opportunity Fund will provide safer, affordable options for our most vulnerable individuals and families.
In his address, the governor paid tribute to Robert F. Kennedy, whom he described as "a man whose life was dedicated to building a figurative bridge so that the poorest among us could one day cross into economic security and prosperity." We look forward to working with Governor Spitzer and the legislators in enabling more New Yorkers to cross that bridge.
SISTER MAUREEN JOYCE
Chief Executive Officer
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany
Albany