gshiggs of Orlando, FL Spend more time working and less time protesting? Is that really your answer to this problem, Dogood? You've clearly given it a lot of thought and consideration.

I'll be sure to give that sage advice to the 100,000+ children of low-income families in my six-county region who face the prospect of hunger every day. It's their own fault, right? They picked their parents, didn't they?

I'll also share it with the 85,000+ senior citizens who must seek food assistance in my area--many of whom are counting slices of bread for the last week of every month until their next check arrives. Surely they've got some marketable job skills left after 40+ years of working, right? There are lots of jobs one can do while using a walker. These people only saved the world and built the infrastructure we live under today--beyond that we don't owe them a thing.

I'll tell it to the 75,000+ low-income families in my area who have at least one household member working full-time, but who still don't bring home enough wages to ALWAYS have food on the table. One small financial emergency knocks them right out of the saddle.

I've heard the same kind of narrow-minded sentiment many times before, nearly always from "I got mine--screw everyone else" type people who are looking for reasons to feel justified in not helping their neighbors through a tough time. Other times, it's from people who believe we're still living in a time when having a job--any job, really--will provide enough money to cover the basic necessities of life. Sorry folks,we turned a corner away from that notion at least two decades ago. Wake up and smell the maple syrup, Maine folk!

Is it the government's job (and theirs alone) to help our neighbors have the basics of life, or is it our job? I think we know the answer to that in our hearts--at least one would hope so. It's what separates us from most of the rest of the world.report abuse

silence dogood of augusta, ME Spend more time working and less time protesting, and you will have money for food.report abuse

John Harker of Mount Vernon, ME Yankee Biker,

I agree and we need to add to that the need for a plan to bring JOBS to Maine. Most poor folks who are having trouble putting food on the table cite JOBS as the most important thing they want. Good paying JOBS. Policies that create more business in rural america will help...alot.

Also, when we teach good eating habits to children and PARENTS, we also need to stress discipline. Kids can't have it their way, Parents must stick to the principles of good, and not of excess. Reading the story today about one families struggle to pay the bills, when asked what the child will get for the birthday, the answer was an expensive video toy. HUH? We need better parenting. I am afraid to say, church and private schools do a better job in that regard than some public schools.

Good editorial......report abuse

Mark Katz of Hallowell, ME Having now read excerpts from Dr. Brown directly, I support his recommendations and assessment without reservation.report abuse