The Katrina catastrophe is just an awakening to what the toll of Poverty can do to a state and to this country. As a nation, if we do not start taking a stand and fighting poverty, the survival mode of human nature will visit us all with higher crime, drug trafficking and overall moral disintegration.

Those left behind to fend for themselves in Louisiana are part of a growing majority of people living at or below the level of poverty in this country. American's have become accustomed to turning a blind eye to what goes on here in the United States, unless it directly affects them in the moment. We think nothing of helping other countries, because photos and infomercials call attention to their plight regularly. America is a rich country and because of this it is easy to assume the poverty level is not a problem here.

We, as Americans, should be ashamed that this is pushed under the rug. We need to start programs that allow these individuals to break the chain of poverty, most were raised in. There are some that take advantage of the system, but a lot more working hard to make ends meet with pride intact.

The United States has 35.9 million people living below poverty and the number is increasing drastically. The single parent homes, where mom is the sole bread winner, the percentage jumps to an alarming 52.9%.

America needs to start looking at our own state of well being as a nation. We need to come up with ways, other than welfare, to sustain the lives of all. Perhaps giving tax breaks to companies that will hire and train individuals; raising the minimum wage to an amount that is above poverty level, these are just a few ideas. We are diverse enough that if we make this a priority to ourselves and our nation, we can put in place programs that work.

Take the time to think about it. Were you aware that poverty was so rampant here in the United States? Do you feel that our government and society as a general are doing everything within its means to solve the growing problem? Why not let yourself be heard. Contact your local representative and if you have a business, why not make a big difference in someone's life by training them and helping society, one step and one person at a time.