A perfect example of how America should work resulted from one of President Obama's stimulus campaign stops yesterday.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/11/henrietta.hughes/index.html

She's being hailed as the "face of the economic crisis," and now Henrietta Hughes has become a household name after reaching out to President Obama on Tuesday in an emotional plea for help...

"I have an urgent need, unemployment and homelessness, a very small vehicle for my family and I to live in. The housing authority has two years waiting lists, and we need something more than the vehicle and the parks to go to. We need our own kitchen and our own bathroom. Please help..."

On Tuesday, the president offered Hughes a kiss on the cheek and a promise: "We're going to do everything we can to help you, but there are a lot of people like you..."

Chene Thompson -- the wife of state Rep. Nicholas Thompson, R-Fort Myers -- offered Hughes and her son a house in nearby La Belle rent-free, according to a spokeswoman.

"Basically, I offered Ms. Hughes and her son the opportunity to stay in my home rent-free for as long as they need to... I'm not a millionaire, I'm not rich, but this is what I can do for someone if they need it..."

A Web site, HenriettaHughes.com, was set up featuring video clips of the homeless woman at the rally and information about her plight. The site hails her as "the face of the economic crisis."

If Henrietta Hughes is the face of the economic crisis, Chene Thompson and her husband Rep. Nicholas Thompson are the face of American compassion.

When Mrs. Hughes pleaded with President Obama, all he could really do is promise to do "everything we can to help you, but there are a lot of people like you." And he put her in touch with housing officials. Government bureaucracy.

But Mrs. Thompson offered them a place to stay. And, apparently, people started offering money to help.

ALL WITHOUT THE GOVERNMENT.

Some people believe that if the government doesn't take care of the poor and weak, no-one will. This is a perfect example that Americans, given the opportunity, will help each other. People helping their neighbors. The community helping out those that need an opportunity to re-establish themselves in hard times.

And no government spending necessary.