Perhaps your story should reference Michael Harrington's "Other America" or Jacob Riis' "How the other Half Lives" or Edward R. Murrow's masterful "Harvest of Shame". If you did that your readers and viewers would be reminded that poverty has always been with us and the power elites have always wanted it to be in "invisible".

The tragedy of today's poverty is that it exists at all.

Hi Ann

The John Mayer concert was great Peaches was like an ant on TV but the crowd was great. I didn't understand all the green and Mayer must of got dressed in the dark. Al was great and it's just to early and crowded for me. I taped the show.

Luke is doing a great job like it or not he's getting answers and respect. He's bringing honesty back to Jouranlist after the let down by the fake Fox Fake New Journalist. I hope to see Cary on NBC after she get's her degree.

With all the action going on what stands out for me is again Obama always making me proud. He is showing by example as he will have his daughter to start earning her own money by babysitting. Most of us remember that as our first job as young people. Teaching kids how to earn their own way and pay their way is a lesson all kids should learn. Going to Florida for vacation is a plus.

The Recession is much worse then the one in the 80's because Law Makers aren't putting the citizens first. Most people don't realize those receiving unemployment still pay taxes. To continue to refuse help for those who need it yet rush to give away money to banks without questions. Nice to see CEO's got billions in the bailout money as Hank Paulson knew it all along. It's clear the Law Makers felt it more important that CEO's get big bonus with taxpayers money but taxpayers can't get help with their own money.

President Obama doesn't need to talk about race because every American has experienced racism of some kind in the United States. This topic has been beaten to death and if you haven't learned by now you wont learn or don't want to learn. Racism is like a dent in a cake pan that by only getting a new pan will the cake be correct. Each American has their own story of the years and the stuggles. For many Americans alive today they don't need an education is racism. We see Justice Thomas who lived in the times of many stuggles to get equality as even his Mother and Grand Father spoke of what they did for Clarence to have the chance for a better life. Justice Thomas spoke of how he belives in discrimination after he benefited from the Civil Rights Bill. Obama has to take note to how the white farmer stepped up to defend Ms. Sherrod. It was clearly egg in the fact to racist. I'd like President Obama to stick to doing the job of the people and let the wing nut/racist do Satan's work.

have a great weekend all

I just saw your segment on Nightly News and was moved to tears by all those stories on all those paper plates. As an Ohio resident, how could I not visit Friends and Neighbors' website and make a donation. Thank you for telling their story.

Volunteer aid programs, such as food pantries, are a great blessing, but it's a "hit or miss" social strategy, and so many are left out, especially in rural areas.  This is precisely why the US needs a comprehensive welfare system, such as those found in the more modern nations. Under the best of circumstances, we are not/never were a full-employment economy. Today, we are far from having the best of circumstances.  Many people desperately need help.  For each person who is helped, how many go without?

America can do better than this.  A good place to start would be to openly and truthfully begin discussing US poverty. It is time for government to consider reallocating our resources out of war and corporate "tax relief," and concentrate on rebuilding the US.

Ann,

Lester's Making a Difference about the woman in Ohio feeding her neighbors was truly uplifting. She is

wonderful. And so are you.

Phyllis

Good Evening Mr.Holt, Since you didn't have a posting for tonight this comment is regarding tonight's broadcast. Another great broadcast as always. Nice to see you filling in for Mr.Williams tonight. Very touching piece by Ann Curry in the "Making A Difference" segment. So many people struggling to feed their families and this piece showed how good hearted people can make a real difference in the lives of others.

Now on to the broadcast. First of all the report by Anne Thompson about the preparations in the Gulf for Tropical Storm Bonnie which is headed to the Gulf waters this weekend. The ships being pulling up the pipe, fishing vessels moving closer to shore and boom being moved out of the water is exhibiting caution as to the oncoming storm. The combination of the oil and the storm surge is not something people are used to experiencing and the goal is to make it through. It will cause a delay in the relief well August target, but hopefully not too much of a delay.

The report by Michelle Kosinski showed how so many living along the Gulf coast are watching and waiting as the storm approaches the shores. They have already endured so much and know only to move all the belongings and ride it out of get out of the area. One hopes it will not cause too much damage to the region.

The report by Mr.Tibbles from Milwaukee concerning the extreme weather showed how the heat in many States is not going away any time soon. Seeing the flooded roads of Milwaukee was terrible then followed by high temperatures produces much humidity. Seeing the cookies baking on the car in Maryland was proof of how hot the air. One hopes relief will come soon.

The "Making A Difference" segment by Ann Curry about Lisa Roberts starting the food pantry to feed people in need was truly nice. So many are struggling because of the economy and she is helping thousands of families. I like the idea of writing on the paper plates and sending them to Washington, D.C. and I hope President Obama reads them. One can agree that staying hopeful is important in this situation. Lisa Roberts is nourishing hope to many,many people.

Nice Piece.

Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Holt. See you on Weekend Today and Nightly News this weekend. Peace to You and to All!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna,Lori,Cary and Matt!

Be Well Always!

Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well Richard!

Take Extra Good Care Richard and Crew!

XOXO

Lisa

Hello Lester / Ann
I believe I read somewhere "Making A Difference" was Brian's wife's idea.
Hats off to her.
We see everyday people doing what Jesus asks of us- do to the very least.
I believe John Kerry said that during a debate back in 2004 against President Bush. Impressive. Kerry is a smart man.
A pal once said- poverty is a crime. All I know is that suffering is attached to poverty..you see it in Africa, Haiti and here at home..
I am humbled by today's "MAD"..aiding the poor.
DEFICIT-- the 2010 word. Serious word but sadly not taken seriously by the right wing folks (excuse the bias).
Playing politics. Proud to be a Liberal..the last fiscal responsible conservative was President Clinton..but he is a walking genius..so says Dave Letterman.
Agree. He gave Bush a surplus!!
Happy the Clintons are happy. Heard, back then..those mean, nasty Republicans gave Clinton hell the same way they are giving our dear President hell. I pray for Obama. He needs God's blessings.
I so dislike FIX news, FOX NOISE as Olbermann always say.
Fox divide and is evil.
Charles R. apology to Luke is the right thing to do.
Love to Ann Curry (who dresses her?)..
Hoping Mr. Williams is fine.

It is sad that so many people in America need food, but your show tonight showed some people standing in line waiting for free food and were extremely fat. Fat people get hungry, but they certainly are not malnourished and when they eat enough to feed 4 or 5 people, it is time they either cut back or buy their own food. Thousands of children will go to bed because there is not enough food for everyone, so why are the food pantries enabling the obese. Eat less so others can have something, too. Gluttony is unattractive and it seems awfully selfish when some huge fata## eats all they want and others go without. This is summer. They can plant gardens. The food shortage did not happen in a day so they need to plan ahead stop taking food out of the mouths of the truly need such as the children. Stop supporting the overweight so we have more food to go around. If they choose to eat like hogs, pay for it.

This evenings (Friday 23 July) story on the good people of Southeast Ohio was very touching and personal for me. My father's family comes from the northern edge of Appalachia in Ohio.

I live in the Washington DC meto area and my wife and I were touched by the sensitivity of Ann Currie story. Lisa Roberts is working and doing a most wonderful work for those who cannot do for themselves. In addition to food she serves up HOPE!

God Bless Lisa and the others that work to make this Food Bank work to feed our fellow citizens. Bless Ann Currie for presenting a truly human need in such a clear cut manner.

I will make it a point to be one of "Lisa's Helpers" with financial support during this year.

John

The reason poor people are fat is because they only eat the cheapest of foods....potatoes, bread, etc. If you are hungry that's what you eat so your children can have any protein available...that is if there is any. Fresh veggies are expensive and not always available so no one gets those. Fried flour and lard is a mainstay for many of these families. You can't be thin and eat this way. It is a very unhealthy diet but there are no other choices for so many unemployed and hungry.

I'm embarrassed to say I'm American.....it's disgusting to see hard working Americans and their families going hungry and homeless....it's shameful that our gov'. doesn't take care of it's own.....hundred of ilegals and their families are here sucking the life out of the country....why is the gov. afraid of them???? they get housing, social sevices, education, food stamps..they stay here get their education check, goverment aid???? why, they're ilegal..getting Federal aid???what's up???American Dream for them is Nightmare for us...and US citizens are not elgible for any services ..after they've served in wars, worked , paid taxes...I guess that answers the question....it's deplorable...this CHRLA, coming in from Ca to protest....what??? why don't they keep on going to their country of origin and protest there??they'll get laughed at and shot...or CHRLA should keep on going along the border to clean up all of the @!$%# and trash the ilegals leave...CHRLA is going on it's own ignorance,, can't read English'''the new law is for ILEGALS coming across with drugs and to commit crimes...The mexican president should be ashamed '''protesting about the treatment of his people...if he gave them a better life they wouldn't have to be coming here ,sheezzes....I'm so disgusted of seeing and hearing about the American Dream...ha...when people have never worked here or paid taxes..and just keep draining the cofers...it's our own fault for letting the gov. take care of everybody esle..except here!!!!!

As one of the forgotten millions of underemployed/unemployed '99er's ..( no NBC ..'99ers' are not a 'ball team') I've lost everything. Nobody cares. Media ignore us entirely just as our President and our Government do. One day they're talking about 14.6+ million people unemployed facing homelessness-- ..and the next day they celebrate 2.5 million that finally got help after being tortured by Congress and then FORGET all about 12+million 'left overs'. How dehumanizing. Never thought I'd need help after working my whole life.

This lovely woman who is helping all those people is an inspiration to us all. Thank you for everything you do. I wish I were there to help. Bless your heart. I hope I am blessed to know people like you on this scary journey into the unknown. I wish you all the best.

I will be sending my own paper plate.

..If I can find one.

How dare they!!!
610 Talk just said Obama's economy speech is a front store display..
How could they be so heartless....
The President is jumping through hoops to provide extended relief to the unemployed.
Obama is a kind, caring compassionate man.

Sorry to be so picky but what is happening to journalism. Shouldn't it be "an Ohio woman...." AS for the rest, perhaps Obama should have let the country sink instead of trying to save it. Perhaps people would have worked together then instead of all of the back-biting hate. "A or an," guess it doesn't matter when there are caring people left in the world. Sometimes you just have to wonder about it. Sort of like Diogenes with his little lantern looking for an honest man. I believe Obama is an honest man and look at the hate and venom piled on him daily. Judgment day will certainly be interesting.

We're 'unseen' because our government and the media CHOOSE to ignore us. You can type '99ers' in the search box right here on NBC and get ZERO results. NONE of these guys can even do simple math. They don't seem to realize or remember that they WERE reporting on`14.6 million unemployed --that at least 4 million of them were long term unemployed without benefits--the '99ers'-- who were swept up in this recession and unemployment crisis at its inception--and that only 2.5 million unemployed are 'FINALLY' being helped with the recent passage of this bill, but only after having been TORTURED interminably by the 'powers that be' on the floors of the House and the Senate. The MEDIA doesn't even have the decency to address this crisis at length until it is resolved. Mel Gibson has a better chance at more coverage! What does that say about what they deem important? People are losing their homes, their resources, their food, their dignity and their hope-- in short order. What does it take to get their attention? Do we have to move to Haiti? Haiti got emergency attention and assistance within 3 days of legislation. Granted, they were being buried under rubble at the time, so it was a necessity-- But what of the collapse of our own nation? Working stiffs and middle class--the cogs of this machine. Along with missing cogs comes gears that grind to a hault, with no hope of further movement. Without the cogs that are our middle class, you have the 'haves' and 'have nots' --and stagnation and collapse. Why do Congress and our President and the MEDIA choose to ignore millions of people on our own homeland? What happened to our beloved country?

I am totally disabled with a rare auto-immune disease. After 3 huge spinal surgeries the pain is still unbearable at times. My SSDI will go away when America goes bankrupt. My wife works 2 part time jobs but the financial pressure is building up fast. I live in a small town in NH and the town keeps increasing property taxes and the water bill. I think the passage of Gatt and Nafta along with the plutocrats and bankers have engineered this coming destruction of America. In short, the American dream is dead and gone forever. These poor folks are in my thoughts daily. Am I a conspiracy theorist? You bet!

Congrads to Ann Curry . I didn't know she was a photographer. Sometime a picture is worth a thousand words . 22% of children living in poverty in the United States . There used to be welfare where poverty was an opportunity to go to school and get some job while getting welfare . This Clinton eliminated . Clinton idea was to give political make work jobs to these individuals to support the Democrats . Then he pointed to how he solved unemployment . Well this only work till it fails . As Ms Curry indicates a Crane operator which is a trained skill job is unemployed , as her example . Well, Crane operators are needed in China , and I am not being flip. The point is if the accent was on growing the business of the United States this is where the Politicos would be instead of none growth jobs. Some one doing filing in a political office of for x firm that get a tax break for hiring Blacks aka as the disadvantaged . Hopefully , the black community will give up their excuse to get money or jobs from others as disadvantaged with the election of Obama . It get a bit trite , now . You see Obama will be evaluated for what he does, not for the color of his skin , and this is because his job is to represent all Americans ,according to him .

As to Obama doing his job per his campaign promise about education there is no plan . Is he doing good job? No. Obviously , we need engineers and the like . We will not get this as his idea of education is of words and not math or the sciences . A union crane operator ( used to make 300/ day ) had to be the user of certain scientific knowledge . Certainly , he can be retained for something given he already had technical knowledge . Where is Obama program for life long education . It doesn't exist . I wrote to Obama and indicated that a government network or education network is what is needed to advance science and math . This could be using a UHF setting which can be picked up by anyone .

There are ways to learn , but Obama isn't allowing this . China develops at least 6 x the amount of engineers than the US per say every 100,000 unit of population . The best job in America is the politician who can makes decisions that don't represent the people and this become a theft of the people trust . With this how can the politician provide for other with technical science and math skills when they in fact do not respect these skills. I think most skills could be taught by excellent teachers on TV . As I told Obama tapes of these programs could be sold by the government to defray costs . Forums could exist to explain the tapes on the Internet and add to teaching materials . So , I said to Obama and so my time was wasted . Obama is a man repeating most of what Bush did and he will say like Nixon , he received this from the prior Pres . Spinning is game of itself that and the Spinning wheel is the false promise.

I was brought to tears after watching about the Ohio woman, Lisa. How is it that we can give millions of $$$$ to other countries to help their people, but our own go jobless and hungry. What does that say about America?It says, if your a foreigner or an illegal, come we'll take care of you, but if you were born here.Good luck, Your on your own! That comes from personal experience. One last thing, Did the president even get the box of plates/stories? Did he even read them all? Did the stories bring him to tears? I've heard nothing in the news to suggest that he has.

Is there a site to donate? Please email acheck@ladybugseo.com or call 714.640.3919 ext 702-would like to help-thanks!

I grew up in Georgia, my mother had 13 children, several of the children died during birth. My father left me when I was 6 years old and left us at home with no food or money and lots of children. People gave us food when they could. I would like to help out with food and etc. It breaks my heart to see these children, they remind me of when I was a child. Mattie

Take a good, long, hard look at this, Mr. President, Congress and Media. Welcome to our world/nightmare. This is happening to MILLIONS --and it doesn't differentiate between classes, educational or socioeconomical backgrounds. This is what happens when there are no jobs available--when long term unemployed are turned away from or overlooked for a job simply because they are 'unemployed' -- or due to age descrimination--or the trifecta of 'all of the above'. This is what happens to people who have exhausted the only unemployment benefits that they were receiving. This is where all the 4 million 99ers ARE or ARE HEADING. We're selling everything to keep our heads above water. Why is this so difficult for you to understand? Stop giving us the smoke and mirrors treatment. Stop telling us how great we're doing and about all our 'forward motion'. This is our reality. Do what is right, even if it means Congress taking a pay cut like everybody else. (they're due, btw--last time was April 1, 1933) Do Whatever you have to do. Unless you can create jobs faster than we are seeking them..or losing them due to the recession--this is going to be a reality to millions more. People are suffering. FAMILIES are suffering. We need help. This is the urgency of NOW.