People are really hurting. Some how we miss the mark, being the worlds riches nation. We need to take a hard look at this situation and do our very best. Please share you views on this matter.
Poverty in America revised to 1 of 6
Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:44:01 GMT
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One of six American live in poverty, a new report finds, leading to the implication that the US poverty level is even worse than first believed.
The National Academy of Science (NAS) formula calculates the poverty rate to be at 15.8 percent, or nearly 1 in 6 Americans, according to new estimates released this week. That's higher than the 13.2 percent, or 39.8 million, figure made available recently under the original US government formula, the Associated Press reports.
That government formula was created in 1955 and does not factor in the rising costs of medical care, transportation, child care or the geographical variations of living. Nor does it consider the non-cash governmental aid when calculating income.
According to the revised NAS formula, nearly 18.7 percent of Americans, 65 and older, or nearly 7.1 million, live in poverty, compared to the 9.7 percent, or 3.7 million figure, under the traditional formula. Approximately 14.3 percent of people 18 to 64, or 27 million, live in poverty in the US, compared to 11.7 percent under the traditional calculations. Many of the new poor are the low-income, working people with transportation and child-care costs.
Food stamp assistance is currently at an all-time high of about 36 million.
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8 comments:
America isn't actually the richest nation in the world. :) I don't understand why the president keeps on saying that...
You may wish to research what nation has the largest economy before you make that claim.
The real poverty, I believe, is a poverty of the spirit. It's because of that poverty that there is privation and desolation in the world.
The poor will be with us always, correct? Knowing that, we need to be more cognizant of the needs of others and put actions into our beliefs and rhetoric. Donating time or funds to a charity, an ailing friend, or a neighbor who has fallen on hard times can only enrich us all. To do otherwise would be the continuum of "poverty of the spirit," as Nothing Profound addressed.
*Sigh* yes I care about poverty and it's very sad.
And even if you got a fact wrong, thank you snooty commenters, it was still an informative read.
Right, the poverty by our own doorstep has priority. We may at least see a big smile and be sure the person may not forget us in a hurry. We need that too. If we are wealthy, we may branch out to do across border charity. My mind...
By the way, it is not easy to have personal contact while donating something. I could even lead to adelicate situation. Giving is an art.
I think more can be done for the poor, especially the poor in the underdeveloped nations.
I am going to speak from what I know and witness. There is a problem with poverty and lower income individuals. I was a social worker for 6 years and worked with people of that nature. There is programs for the poor to help them with food, clothing, shelter, and utilitiy bills. So there are programs out there that helps them. The problem is that some of the poor do not want to do anything to improve their situation, they are fine getting assistance and doing nothing else. For those people it is a generation thing that has been passed down and are not teaching their children on how to rise above. On the other hand, I have see individuals take the assistance for a short period and worked themselves out of the situation they were in.
Like I said I am speaking from my experience. I believe people have to contribute to getting themselves out of there situation and pray to God that He helps them to do that.
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