For those who say the economy is good...
The NYT has printed a harrowing article about the "near poor" in the US, the many thousands who are one or two paychecks away from abject poverty.
Due to higher housing and energy costs, and a dearth of low-wage jobs, more people than ever find themselves slipping — at least temporarily — below the poverty line.
Note this stat: For example, during the 1980's, around 13 percent of Americans in their 40's spent at least one year below the poverty line; in the 1990's, 36 percent of people in their 40's did, according to the analysis.
We must remember we live in very precarious times. The real estate boom has earned wonderful profits for some, but has been devastating for those who can no longer afford to live in most houses or apartments.
On top of that, the minimum wage has not been raised since the Clinton administration.
As a nation, I don't think we're doing enough to help our poor succeed.
The link: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/08/us/08poverty.html?ex=1147752000&en=43f132a0119bdb84&ei=5065&partner=MYWAY
Due to higher housing and energy costs, and a dearth of low-wage jobs, more people than ever find themselves slipping — at least temporarily — below the poverty line.
Note this stat: For example, during the 1980's, around 13 percent of Americans in their 40's spent at least one year below the poverty line; in the 1990's, 36 percent of people in their 40's did, according to the analysis.
We must remember we live in very precarious times. The real estate boom has earned wonderful profits for some, but has been devastating for those who can no longer afford to live in most houses or apartments.
On top of that, the minimum wage has not been raised since the Clinton administration.
As a nation, I don't think we're doing enough to help our poor succeed.
The link: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/08/us/08poverty.html?ex=1147752000&en=43f132a0119bdb84&ei=5065&partner=MYWAY
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