You are raising a major issue, the cycle of poverty. Honestly, we don't know, but our children may one day. What we do know on the issue is through international research. Increasingly, there is a consensus emerging: the stage is set during early childhood. Almost all experts in the field say that we must ensure mothers have a job and an income. Moreover, we must ensure children have access to quality day care services. If we do that, I think we're investing in the right place.
On March 24th, 2009. See this statement in context.