An unidentified homeless man rests against the wall inside the Washington, DC, subway system. The gulf between rich and poor in the United States is yawning wider than ever, and the number of extremely impoverished is at a three-decade high, a report out Saturday found.
(AFP/File/Paul J. Richards)
HERE'S ANOTHER BIG "THANK Y'ALL" TO THE BOYS IN WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON (AFP) - The gulf between rich and poor in the United States is yawning wider than ever, and the number of extremely impoverished is at a three-decade high, a report out Saturday found. Based on the latest available US census data from 2005, the McClatchy Newspapers analysis found that almost 16 million Americans live in "deep or severe poverty" defined as a family of four with two children earning less than 9,903 dollars -- one half the federal poverty line figure.
For individuals the "deep poverty" threshold was an income under 5,080 dollars a year.
"The McClatchy analysis found that the number of severely poor Americans grew by 26 percent from 2000 to 2005," the US newspaper chain reported.
For individuals the "deep poverty" threshold was an income under 5,080 dollars a year.
"The McClatchy analysis found that the number of severely poor Americans grew by 26 percent from 2000 to 2005," the US newspaper chain reported.
Let me tell ya something, folks. It isn't just the "severly poor" that are suffering. It's you and me and the rest of us who are not part of the Noveau riche, most of whom you and I work for. While I am concerned that the growth of poverty is out of control, I am also concerned that the so-called middle class is growing faster toward the bottom than the top. We are losing ground.
If the minimum wage doesn't move, then you know that the big money will outpace the little money. It only figures. The gang in charge in Washington and big business (kind of the same thing) have made sure that their million-dollar salaries haven't lost ground to people buying lottery tickets in their only hope to make any money.
Although, don't the bullies always pick on the weakest?
It quoted an American Journal of Preventive Medicine study as having found that since 2000, the number of severely poor -- far below basic poverty terms -- in the United States has grown "more than any other segment of the population."
"That was the exact opposite of what we anticipated when we began," said Dr. Steven Woolf of Virginia Commonwealth University, a study co-author.
"We're not seeing as much moderate poverty as a proportion of the population. What we're seeing is a dramatic growth of severe poverty."
US social programs are minimal compared to those of western Europe and Canada. The United States has a population of 301 million, but more than 45 million U.S. citizens have no health insurance.
"That was the exact opposite of what we anticipated when we began," said Dr. Steven Woolf of Virginia Commonwealth University, a study co-author.
"We're not seeing as much moderate poverty as a proportion of the population. What we're seeing is a dramatic growth of severe poverty."
US social programs are minimal compared to those of western Europe and Canada. The United States has a population of 301 million, but more than 45 million U.S. citizens have no health insurance.
5 comments:
How many of us are 2 paychecks away from this fate? Probably more than we care to admit.
It is downright evil to have such enormous wealth horded by so few. No wonder the mega-rich need to live in gated communities. They're afraid that some day, the masses are gonna get pissed and storm the Bastille, so to speak.
Years ago, when most households became two-income homes, I wondered what would happen when 2 incomes were not enough.
I think we're getting close.
Remember when Kanye West said that George Bush doesn't care about black people? Well, that's just not true. George Bush (and his ilk) don't care about poor people no matter their skin color.
Soon, there won't be anyone left to buy his buddies' products. How are they going to get richer then?
the fact that we have to have the term "working poor" is scary enough.
It is sad... and scary.... Especially if one has a family or wants a family. The price of living is outrageous considering the wages.
I've been thinking of commune living with my immediate and extended family - because together they can have daycare, we can grow some of our food, pay our bills and have a future.
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