Poverty is an act of war

I think those are referred to as white collar crimes. And I think that is wishful thinking on your part. How often have you been asked to pay a bribe in Canada? If you were stopped by a cop for a traffic offence, would you try offering a bribe? I don't think so. Could you bribe a teacher for a better grade? Nope.

Try visiting an African country, like Cameroon. You can't cross the street without someone asking you for a bribe.

 

Of course poverty is not an act of war or terrorism.But I do find it ironic that the Bush administration used the so called 'war' in Iraq as a distraction,and then did SO many things to make the rich richer and destroy the middle class and poor. And they were so successful at it.By the way does anyone still believe trickle down economics works.Because if you do I've got a bridge to sell you.

 

Get real dude...


Here’s a look at poverty in America by the numbers:


A poverty epidemic

37 million: Number of Americans who live below the official poverty line—12.6 percent of the total population. Millions more struggle to get by.

36.5 million: Population of California, America’s most populous state, according to 2006 U.S. Census Bureau numbers

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2007/04/poverty_numbers.html



ZW

 

Poverty is the original human condition. Paleolithic peoples had very few posessions and lived on the brink of starvation.

Human society became more complex with greater material wealth. Neolithic societies brought the first stratification into hierachies.
The Pharohs of Egypt enjoyed a huge gap in wealth above commoners.

The 20th century saw even greater material wealth and social complexities Wealth disparities have flattened in the West since aincent and feudal times.

True poverty today will be measured by a lack of potable water, sanitation, shoes or cooking oil. The poor of Western nations do not approach this level of disenfranchisment.

In The West even poor people have cell phones, take-out food and nail extensions.

If Poverty is war, The West lacks the intelectual courage to identify those who are waging it on the truly poor.

 

Cherea:

there is a relation no doubt, but the data shows that eliminating corruption brings wealth to the country. this is pretty self evident really.
look at China's corruption index, it keeps falling as the country gets richer.
if you go to any 3rd world country (i have been to quite a few) you will find it almost impossible to start a business without constantly bribing someone and even if you start a business you cannot just buy and sell but you need to constantly bribe people. this sort of environment makes it impossible for people to develop beyond simple barter. listen to any African economist and the first thing they say - fight corruption .

zombiewolf:

America is not the beacon of intelligent policy making. Why don't you look at poverty in Japan or Sweden or Singapore. The reason there is poverty in America is due to the stupidity of the government and not due to Imperialism, acts of war or other such fantasies.


Aristartle:

If you read the website they have a very detailed description on how they reach their conclusions. But the best way will be for you to visit some African countries. Try to start a business in Cameroon or Cambodia and compare it to trying to open a business in Denmark or Hong Kong . Go to some factories in Senegal and Russia ,ask them about their business environment and compare that to businesses in Ireland or Japan.

 

Trade embargoes

 

Free trade does help.

 

Show me a single Third Wolrd country that has become wealthy.

The examples we have of a sudden economic shift in modern history all trace back to The Marshal Plan.

It's self-evident that nullifying a certain kind of corruption brings more wealth to a country. But ending our analysis there, conveniently allows us to ignore the corruption of parasitic imperialist powers (who are rich precisely because of their brand of corruption).

Bribes and kickbacks are insufficient to explain 800 million malnurished individuals around the world.

 

You get real dude.

My family and I have been below that standard most of my life. Granted I made twice that for a while working for others, but when I went into business for myself it dropped back down. I own an automobile, a fully furnished home, several computers, and $10,000.00+ in woodworking tools, mostly bartered. Those count as part of my income over the years. But lets say for the sake of argument it's a valid standard. Compared to The Phillipines, Honduras, Bangladesh or a dozen other countries, 12.6% of the population in poverty means exactly shit. And $20,000.00 is more than most of the people of those countries will see in a lifetime.

How many inner city families "living below the poverty line" do you know? I know many. Here in Baltimore, in DC, Annapolis, Orlando, NYC and Rochester. I remodeled their homes on your dollars through the Department of Housing and Urban Development so that their homes wouldn't be condemned and they wouldn't be on the street. These folks are doing just fine. Of course they complain some. But few have missed a meal. Ever. Many are seriously obese. They get their pay or disability check or whatever their primary income is and then they go to the local church pantry or community center once a week and pick up a box that feeds their family for the week. They have the same opportunities for education loans as everyone else.

How many families in Appalachia "living below the poverty line" you know? I know many. I'm moving to the heart of Appalachia this year. True, a lot of people there hunt and grow their own food. Make their own drink, grow their own smoke. Yup, it's a stereotype for a reason. And yes, many of THEM are obese. You don't get too fat to go into town being too poor to eat. They have the same opportunities for education loans as everyone else. I won't shed a tear because they don't have cable TV and internet access, sorry. If they wanted it they'd have it. They certainly seem to have enough guns and ammo.

If you're starving in this country there's a reason and your income or lack thereof ain't it. This entire statistical thumbnail is a total crock of shit. It's not about starving children, it's about MONEY. It's about redistribution of wealth. You go to your congressperson and tell them to stop giving money to the US military and give it to the starving children in Amerika and all you are doing is further raising the standard of living and furthering the cause of classism in this country. Some of us don't want your money or anyone else's. I haven't had a job in 7 months, barely have a penny to my name and and I haven't missed a meal OR taken a handout.

I'm poor, I'm happy, my children were raised in my house, they're well-adjusted. The standard is bullshit. If it were HALF that amount I'd buy it. Poverty in the US is not forced.

So now lets debate exactly what poverty is. I'm game.

 

China,
India (on its way)
Hong Kong
Taiwan

that is true

there is also stupidity
look at Zimbabwe- they nationalized White farms and virtually killed the economy that way

Another very important factor is war , I mean real war. I think you will find war in many poor countries.

 

poverty is the result of individuals and/or countries living in richness.

Economical balance.

 

true

everyone can't be rich

 

India as a wealthy country...haha. You're so cute. China is at least half-centralized, so it doesn't really fit your perfect capitalist scenario. Additionally, it could not be considered a wealthy population, either.

Think Sweden. :cheers2:

 

I didn't say India is a wealthy country. I said its getting wealthier since it abandoned some of it's more centralised policies. India's economy was very much centralised before the Bharatiya Janata Party party took charge. They cut a lot of red tape , invited foreign investors and relaxed regulations.
The exact same is going on in China, the more they abandon centralism in favour of smart economy the richer they get.
I've been living in Asia for the past 15 years and have witnessed it myself

Thanks,
Sweden is a good example of very sensible free market economy coupled with very good welfare , smart taxation system (tax the middle class) and democracy.

 

Well, masturbation is ok, but, uh, I don't get it. Are you saying that I and most of my associates are living this way not out of choice, but because someone is forcing us to??? And who might that be?

Of course not everyone chooses to live "in poverty". But poverty is also many times a matter of opinion and taste. AND choice.

True poverty (generalized) exists because of greed and apathy. However that decides to play itself out.

OR, can't a body DECIDE to live in "poverty" if they want to?

 

I think most of us live in WV...

We suffer from All of the above... The local economy is set up to keep folks poor absolutely. And then some of us just don't play the slavery game very well. But in this instance, "poor" is only a mindset.

We gonna be Neighbors? Cool. Where? As in neighboring state, or in-state, or like down the road a piece? Anything is possible.

 

Yeah, sounds like the "Heart of Appalachia" is exactly where you belong.

I don't debate with southern redneck republicans. It's pointless.

ZW

 

Woo-hoo! Whats with the insults? The heart of Appalachia is one of the most beautiful places to be. People (natives) still have pride in their heritage here, and real strong family values. I'd rather have a southern redneck watching my back than a ------(fill in blank.) Hey, there might be a fair amount of ignorance here (repubs?), but it's because Appalachian folk tend to be strong willed and stick to their guns so to speak. The mountain folks are only isolated PARTLY because of the lay of the land. The OTHER reason is because they CHOOSE to be. WV is one of the "poorest" states, and I live in one of the "poorest" counties, but the beauty of it is, if ya don't like it, ya can always get the heck out. While the rest of the world is falling apart, I think this is one of the safest and most secure places to be. Regardless of the repuglicans... We can handle them.

 

p.s.

Poverty in the US is due to lack of understanding.

 

Earthmother: Arnoldsburg.

zombiewolf: I am neither southern, redneck nor republican. And considering the reputation of Montana, you really shouldn't be throwing stones.