The chance to build a better life

Dr. Lloyd David, founder of the Brighton-based education and training non-profit Creative Workplace Learning, recently wrote to the Allston/Brighton North Neighbors Forum to remind us that according to the 2000 Census there were 5,783 adults in Allston/Brighton over age 25 who had not graduated from high school and 24,504 people who spoke a language other than English at home.

While we talk about Allston/Brighton being a "middle-class" neighborhood, we also have thousands of neighbors living in poverty. In many cases, their situation is similar to our parents, grandparent, or great-grandparents who immigrated to this country in years past.

In this video, Presidential candidate John Edwards offers a message for the holiday season that is a worthwhile break from the rampant over-consumption that so often dominates our culture.

"One out of every four homeless people on our streets is a veteran. Thirty-seven million Americans live in poverty. Who speaks for them? We do.

This is the season of miracles, of faith and love. So let us promise together: You will never be forgotten again. We see you, we hear you, and we will speak for you.

In America, the chance to build a better life is a promise made to each of us, and the obligation to keep it rests with us all."