Thread: 50% of us are poor and low income; what are we doing about this?

Reference; http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d28...d60b504b92959c

Census shows 1 in 2 people are poor or low-income

"Squeezed by rising living costs, a record number of Americans — nearly 1 in 2 — have fallen into poverty or are scraping by on earnings that classify them as low income.

The latest census data depict a middle class that's shrinking as unemployment stays high and the government's safety net frays. The new numbers follow years of stagnating wages for the middle class that have hurt millions of workers and families."

What might be the reasons why 1 in 2 people are considered poor or low-income?

Is it the recession?

Is it inflation?

Is it unemployment?

Is it low wages because of lower job skills?

Is it a lack of education and job skills?

Is it a geographic issue?

Is it an aging issue?

Is it a population issue?

Other ideas??

"There's no doubt the recession has thrown a lot of people out of work and incomes have fallen," Rector said. "As we come out of recession, it will be important that these programs promote self-sufficiency rather than dependence and encourage people to look for work."

Depending on the reasons listed above, can all of them be overcome by our citizenry in order to promote self-sufficiency rather than dependence on others and government? IMO I don't believe most of us can do this...

Comments??

You can't fix demographics. Japan's unemployment is 4% and that place is miserable. At least the older generation over there saved money.

First, find the root cause:

Originally Posted by DonGlock26

First, find the root cause:

too much economic freedom? interesting choice.

Originally Posted by The Mello Guy

too much economic freedom? interesting choice.

We are free to trade directly with the Asian markets?

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Originally Posted by DonGlock26

We are free to trade directly with the Asian markets?

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did anyone say we were?

What are WE doing about this? Well WE are trying to make sure that Presidebt Obonehead is a one term president.

Originally Posted by The Mello Guy

did anyone say we were?

Then, we are not blessed with "too much economic freedom".

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Originally Posted by DonGlock26

First, find the root cause:

Why does everyone's solution always fall towards protectionism?

I thought the general prevailing wisdom is:

Protectionism = Bad

Originally Posted by MisLed

What are WE doing about this? Well WE are trying to make sure that Presidebt Obonehead is a one term president.