'Major' parties fail to protect the children, Nader won't

September 27, 2000

Page and Section: 2 A

Everyone knows an investment in our nation's children is an investment in a bright future. Yet, despite the strongest economy in history, our Democratic and Republican representatives have failed to act to ensure this future is bright for everyone. Census data from 1996 indicate that, despite a record-breaking economy, more than 20 percent of American children live in poverty -- the highest level of any Western industrialized nation. For African Americans and Latinos, the situation is worse: More than 40 percent of children in these groups found themselves below poverty levels.

The problems of childhood poverty don't end at an inability to afford food and clothing. Quality, affordable health care is absent from these children's lives. Their parents don't have access to reliable, accredited child care. Their educational opportunities are substandard. They're not only unable to afford essential school supplies but must try to learn in dilapidated facilities that result from the concentration of poverty in cities. Studies show that this lack of equal educational opportunities all but guarantees these children will remain in poverty throughout their lives.

Ralph Nader is the only presidential candidate who's truly working to alleviate these problems. Nader wants to end our government's current practice of dumping $200 billion annually into corporate welfare and instead invest in our nation's schools, raise the minimum wage to a working wage, expand child care and create a system of universal health care. Only an approach as diverse as Nader's can solve the complex problem of child poverty. Other presidential candidates claim they'll leave no child behind, or that they want to begin working for the people. But only Nader has a consistent record of truly working for the American poor and the American people. He has given us his life. Now it's time for us to give him our votes.

Cory Meier, UI senior