"It is exceedingly difficult to have dignity without food ... But it by no means follows that the provision and supplying material wants will yield a sense of self respect ... And this is perhaps the most serious cost of a service orientation: It neglects the poverty of the spirit in ministering the needs of the flesh," (Cahn & Cahn, "The War on Poverty," Yale Law Journal, 1964).

Unlike past generations that had to endure our nation's difficult economic times, we — that is, many of us — now enjoy an unprecedented quality of life. Our political leaders will give the public a glimpse of the visible challenges of what it is like to have to depend on food stamps for daily existence. In America, however, being independent is highly valued, and what will not be visible is the pain of having to ask for help, often seen as a sign of weakness. Each of us might ask ourselves when was the last time we had to ask for help and how did it make us feel.

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Utah native John Florez has founded several Hispanic civil rights organizations, served on the staff of Sen. Orrin Hatch and on more than 45 state, local and volunteer boards. He also has been deputy assistant secretary of labor. E-mail: jdflorez@comcast.net