Poverty is a National Security Issue

The New York Times has this to say about John Edwards' position on poverty:

More than any of the presidential candidates, John Edwards has come up with a specific and plausible plan that provides for health care coverage for all Americans. And he followed that up yesterday with an excellent speech on poverty at home and abroad, with some good and specific ideas.
For starters, he said he would appoint a cabinet secretary for global poverty efforts and hold a worldwide summit on improving sanitation and drinking water. At a time when global poverty is justifiably gaining increased visibility and resonance, these are excellent ideas. Edwards also urged a big U.S. push for primary education around the globe, and he's right that that should be an absolute priority.