The policies over the past 50 years or more to overcome the culture of poverty have failed. Although all men and women may be created equal, a person's character begins to be formed the moment a newly-born infant is placed in his or her mother's arms. What that person will be in one, five, 10 or 50 years depends on the conditions of the environment in which that person is raised and lives.
The long-term solution to the current problems in Baltimore and across the nation will require a shift in our thinking regarding the source of the problems ("To break the cycle of poverty in Baltimore, fix the culture of poverty," May 9). It will take more than just money. It will require a shift to a pro-social, not socialistic, orientation in everyone's approach to life in a community — one nation.
Dr. Anthony Biglan, author of "The Nurture Effect," is one social scientist who advocates such an approach and ways to get there. There are many others. It is time for our leaders to take into consideration the potential impact of evidence-based interventions to overcome the culture of poverty. Everyone stands to benefit from the outcome.
Henry H. Emurian, Baltimore