Last night, President Obama received one of his loudest ovations when he said that "the best anti-poverty program around is a world-class education." Unfortunately, that doesn't make the old shibboleth any more accurate than it has ever been.The best way to fight poverty is with jobs for those who can work and income that supports those who cannot work or find work.True, a lucky few among the poor are able to attend decent schools and go on to college, but even then, they cannot escape poverty unless the economy is healthy and jobs are available.Herbert J. Gans is a sociologist at Columbia University. His most recent book, "Imagining America in 2033," examines politics and public policy.Photo via Joe Pineiro at Columbia University.
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