We already won the War on Poverty

[Peeps]

Yes, that’s what I got out of it–that we have good government programs.

 

[Leo2014]

Poverty; the state of being extremely poor.

Using the “2018 Poverty Guidelines”; an individual making $12,140 is defined as in “Poverty”. But you know this is for statistical purposes only. We cannot define poverty as simply those individuals walking around barefooted, Kwashiorkor (belly sticking out from malnutrition) and without shelter. You are stating that if you do not fall under these criteria’s, than you are not in poverty?

Can you see the insult with that premise?

There are many people that struggle that have incomes greater than what is defined within the Poverty Guidelines. But using your logic, the next post I see regarding someone’s inability to pay their medical prescriptions; I should reply - get out there and exercise & eat right! Or go get a better paying job!

However, using your vernacular; medication would fall under the "wants" category of financial management?

 

[niceatheist]

So poverty has not been eliminated.

 

[Theo520]

What’s this fascination you have with that word?

 

[niceatheist]

Because it suggests the war isn’t won at all.

 

[Theo520]

Because it suggests the war isn’t won at all.

Ahh, you are trying to be manipulative, by using terms and descriptions not in the article (or in my posts).

Again, read the article and comment on what it says

 

[RCIAGraduate]

In respect to anti-poverty policy, isn’t one of the “problems” the fact that the welfare system seems to focus on alleviating basic needs but there isn’t so much emphasis on investing resources to building a bridge to advancement even if it’s not completely getting out of poverty or entering the middle class (like achieving a more stable situation)?

Wouldn’t the solution then be to support efforts that help build a ladder out of poverty such as the Family Independence Initiative where families meet together to discuss and work on goals like getting out of poverty and Circles USA which in additionally to weekly groups bring in mentors from middle and upper-class backgrounds to provide social support to help them get out of poverty?

Additionally, isn’t there also a need for better access to resources like quality job training, work supports and child care in order to help pave a pathway to work? For example, why not scale up programs like Chrysalis to help individually tailor plans for work, drastically expand programs like early education and after-school/summer programs to not only help parents work but improve educational outcomes which can help reduce long-term poverty and build up worker retraining systems like bringing in tons of apprenticeships or revamping adult schools and community colleges to support such goals?

 

[Elf01]

In respect to anti-poverty policy, isn’t one of the “problems” the fact that the welfare system seems to focus on alleviating basic needs but there isn’t so much emphasis on investing resources to building a bridge to advancement even if it’s not completely getting out of poverty or entering the middle class (like achieving a more stable situation)?

Both are needed.

 

[Canvas]

In respect to anti-poverty policy, isn’t one of the “problems” the fact that the welfare system seems to focus on alleviating basic needs but there isn’t so much emphasis on investing resources to building a bridge to advancement even if it’s not completely getting out of poverty or entering the middle class (like achieving a more stable situation)?

I would say that you need both in a healthy society. A safety net to protect people who are sick, infirm, have children but dad decided to pack up and move to Florida, lost a job…etc. There will always be people in need of a safety net.

We also need to invest in a long term solution to problems like generational poverty, regional poverty and economic inequality. We need to address the fact that the middle class is being shredded.

 

[Theo520]

In respect to anti-poverty policy, isn’t one of the “problems” the fact that the welfare system seems to focus on alleviating basic needs but there isn’t so much emphasis on investing resources to building a bridge to advancement even if it’s not completely getting out of poverty or entering the middle class (like achieving a more stable situation)?

Why is it a problem if someone is getting by but must be frugal? We can’t make everyone middle class or better, some people will always have below middle class incomes. However we do provide opportunities to improve. Employers promote and reward people who are contributors and individuals have many opportunities to seek better employment in times like now, when jobs are plentiful. Policies that support low unemployment are IMHO the best way for the Govt to provide real opportunities.

Wouldn’t the solution then be to support efforts that help build a ladder out of poverty such as the [Family Independence Initiative] where families meet together to discuss and work on goals like getting out of poverty and [Circles USA] which in additionally to weekly groups bring in mentors from middle and upper-class backgrounds to provide social support to help them get out of poverty?

Sounds like a great community or non-profit effort. I don’t think the Govt should be on the hook to provide it though. Both programs target people who are motivated to move out of poverty, so this is a win win, but probably like shooting fish in a barrel when you show how successful their programs are. The challenge is helping people who aren’t motivated.

Additionally, isn’t there also a need for better access to resources like quality job training, work supports and child care in order to help pave a pathway to work? For example, why not scale up programs like [Chrysalis] to help individually tailor plans for work, drastically expand programs like early education and after-school/summer programs to not only help parents work but improve educational outcomes which can help reduce long-term poverty and build up worker retraining systems like bringing in tons of apprenticeships or revamping adult schools and community colleges to support such goals?

There are plenty of resources available to the motivated. The challenge is how to enable the un-motivated and people with addictions.

Salvation Army, GoodWill Industries are far better at this than a govt job training program, they are much more accountable to their donors.

There are also plenty of early education and after school programs in most communities. These are best implemented at the local level, not a Federal responsibility.