The United States continues to evolve as a divided collection of states, divided by class and race. Despite public policy, legislation and even social unrest, the cycle continues to roll over those disenfranchised populations. This essay is a reflection of the Los Angeles poverty trap, yet applicable to the perpetual poverty faces by blacks and Hispanics in Houston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Boston, New York and Atlanta, to name a few. Being "caught between the freeways" serves as an unfortunate metaphor of continual poverty. In conclusion, even the escape route through education seems truncated with the most recent considerations that limit access and preparation for America's most vulnerable population.