Well put. The poorest people in America now are living better than the
poorest people of 100 years ago. This is in a material sense and as relates
to healthcare, nutrition, etc.
I think that there's a different level of poverty that is growing in our
society. Spiritual or mental poverty appears to be on the rise. The worst
cases I have heard of are in the CHA's high rise slums in Chicago. These
places tend to collect the most impoverished people the world has ever
seen. They have heat, electricity, plumbing, TVs, phones, mail service,
public education, elevators (when they work), cars, public transportation,
free medical clinics, and welfare payments.
These 'new poor' do not have hope, or respect, in many cases no self
respect. They tend to become criminals and addicts at high rates.
I don't believe this rise in 'poverty' has anything to do with wealth and
its' distribution. I think it has everything to do with the way our
government has handled traditional poverty. The 'war on some drugs' is a
prime candidate for blame here, as is the welfare system.
Chuck Kuecker