IN OTHER WORDS

March against poverty

In more than 25 cities and towns across Massachusetts, marchers are currently lifting their voices in compassion and outrage. Their “March to Abolish Poverty” includes cities and towns suffering from the highest childhood-poverty rates. Its last day is in Boston on Sunday, the 36th anniversary of the assassination of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. True to our revolutionary legacy, citizens of our state led the abolitionist movement in the 1800s to end slavery. Now it’s time for new abolitionists to end poverty.Many of the marchers know firsthand that dire needs such as health care, jobs, food, and housing are being ignored while Congress voted an additional $87 billion to continue the war on Iraq. More than 190,000 workers in our state are still looking for jobs.

Are all our citizens being asked to sacrifice butter for guns? The vast majority of President Bush’s tax cuts are benefiting the wealthy, while leaving a legacy of red ink. Massachusetts is following suit, with tax breaks for the wealthy and budget cuts that tear apart the safety

net. In contrast, the March to Abolish Poverty leads to spiritual life. We urge you to express

your empathy for our fellow human beings who lack the basic resources of a decent daily life. —The Boston Globe