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Poverty in America: Over 35 million living
below the poverty line
by: Ofer Shoshani
The problem of poverty in America comes as a surprise. How
can a wealthy nation experience poverty? Though the rate of
poverty is lower in a developed nation like America than in
Africa, the problem of poverty is real. Inner-cities and rural
communities in America are all affected by poverty.
In 2004 the American government defined poverty as a family
of four living with an income below $18,810. However, consider
the costs in America of housing, utilities, transportation,
food, health care, and child care. Even this income seems
too small.
The effects of poverty in America are many. Poor nutrition
leads to poor health. Poor health makes study and work difficult.
Poor education and an inability to work effects income. These
problems must be considered alongside other issues: the problem
of racism, discrimination against communities, and unequal
access to education.
With over thirty-five million living below the poverty line
in America, poverty looms as one of the nation's biggeset
problems. It requires huge effort and imagination to begin
solving the problem. At its heart, solving the problem of
poverty is about the creative cultivation of the talents and
dreams of all Americans.
Access to education must be equal for all. Those prospering
must bear the burdens of those in need. Everyone must be helped
to avoid despair and to hope for change. Everyone must recognize
the offensiveness of poverty in a nation like America.
Some organizations have already begun work against poverty
in America. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development seeks
to transform America into a more caring nation where poverty
is an offense against all. The Clemente Course is an education
programme for the underpriveleged in America -- it offers
a humanities education to those unable to attend University
on their own.
These organizations can help you begin to explore the problem
of poverty in America and to contribute to a solution.
More Articles on Poverty, globalization and Justice Articles
can be found here: http://betotal.com/artman/publish/cat
index 58.s.php
Copyright 2005 Ofer Shoshani
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About The Author
Ofer Shoshani has been working for the last 5 years
as a professional journalist, writing from Spain, Colombia,
Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, USA, Israel, India & Thailand.
More of his work can be found at http://www.betotal.com
(international child sponsorship programs), http://www.nzpassport.com
(Immigration, Relocation and Investment in New Zealand)
and http://www.bespanish.com
(Immigration, Relocation and Investment in Spain).
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