Obviously, education, homeownership and job opportunities are critical to a meaningful bipartisan war on poverty. I recently had the opportunity to join Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa of Los Angeles at the University of Southern California in a two-day-long conference on poverty sponsored by Daughters of Charity and co-chaired by Maria Shriver, wife of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California.
It was both edifying and provocative to hear the viewpoints left and right, liberal and conservative, Republican and Democrat as we grappled with an emerging consensus that emphasized public-private partnerships and the critically important role of private enterprises in playing a central role in this 21st century challenge to our nation.
Had she lived, Mrs. King would have had a place of honor at this USC event, but in her memory I dedicated my speech to her friendship, leadership and moral clarity in calling America to honor its pledge as reflected in our revolutionary declaration that all of us are born equal, have intrinsic worth and dignity, and have the inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
In "Pirkei Avot," or "The Ethics of Our Fathers," Rabbi Shimon wrote of the three crowns to a man's life: "The crown of learning, the crown of priesthood and the crown of royalty. But the crown of a good name exceeds them all."
That goes for women as well as men, and Coretta Scott King leaves the ultimate legacy to her family, friends and the world - the legacy of the highest crown of life, that of a good name, indeed a great name.