 |
| U.S. Child Poverty Rates. Source: MSN Money |
Do you know where you'll be going to sleep tonight? Some Americans don't. Recent statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau show that slightly more than 15 percent of Americans live below the poverty level.
These people struggle on a daily basis with unemployment, lack of health care and low wages.
Some of their stories were told on MSN Money. For some, it's a lack of education or lack jobs in their area. For others it's illness or being born into poverty. No matter the reason, they all have a story.
How can we call ourselves the world's only superpower when so many of our citizens live in poverty? What are we going to do to fix this problem.?
It depends on which side of the political aisle you belong. As MSN points out, there are two points of view.
One point of view says, "people should take full responsibility for their actions under all circumstances and that "neediness" is a character flaw overcome through hard work and determination."
The other point of view says, "government's main purpose is to care for the well-being of its people -- not just the 'cans' but also the 'cannots,' the 'have-nots' and sometimes even the 'do-nots.' They believe compassion is integral to civil society, that government's role is to make sure Americans are safe and healthy ... "
Who do you believe should be responsible for ending poverty? Individuals or the government or a combination of both?
Source: America's own Third World
No comments:
New comments are not allowed.