|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,150
Legend
|
OP
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,150 |
This article reminded me of posts I see here and elsewhere insinuating that we should worry about feeding and sheltering our own hungry and poor before spending elsewhere. What I find funny is that the polls take into consideration whether someone owns a vcr. I don't have one, do you? Washington Examiner Feds: ‘Poor’ Consume Like The Rich byPaul Bedard As President Obama crafts a reelection income equality message aimed at punishing the rich and rewarding the poor, his own government finds that the 46 million living below the so-called “poverty line” live and spend pretty much like everyone else. Forget the image of Appalachia or rundown ghettos: A collection of federal household consumption surveys collected by pollster Scott Rasmussen finds that 74 percent of the poor own a car or truck, 70 percent have a VCR, 64 percent have a DVD, 63 percent have cable or satellite, 53 percent have a video game system, 50 percent have a computer, 30 percent have two or more cars and 23 percent use TiVo. “What the government defines as poverty is vastly different from what most Americans envision,” he writes in his newly released book, “The People’s Money.” Consider other details from two recent Department of Agriculture surveys cited in the book: --On an average day, just 1 percent of households have someone who is forced to miss a meal. --On any day, children are hungry in .25 percent of U.S. homes. --96 percent of poor parents say their children were never hungry during the year because they couldn’t afford food. --83 percent of the poor said they have enough to eat. Says Rasmussen, “About 40 million Americans are officially defined as living below the poverty line. Yet most of those have adequate levels of food, shelter, clothing and medical care. Sixty-three percent of American adults believe such a family is not living in poverty,” he writes. “Only 16 percent believe that a family is living in poverty if it has two color televisions, cable or satellite TV, a DVD player, and a VCR, but that’s what the average family living in poverty has as defined by the U.S. government,” he adds. Rasmussen, who condemns Washington for ignoring the public’s will to run out sky-high deficits, doesn’t mean to criticize households with earnings of $22,314, the 2010 poverty level for a family of four, but finds that the nation believes too much is being spent on welfare. According to his polling in the new book, 71 percent believe too many are receiving federal welfare benefits and would like to see official measures of poverty tightened to reduce the number of eligible participants. The president, however, is going the other way and even reviving plans to help homeowners refinance their mortgages, an idea similar to a stimulus-era idea that in part led to the Tea Party movement. Plus, Rasmussen reveals, the administration’s spending on means-tested programs like food stamps, public housing assistance, weatherization spending and others “is slated to continue growing dramatically even after the recession comes to an end.”
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.
- John Muir
#GMSTRONG
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 13,358
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 13,358 |
Quote:
As President Obama crafts a reelection income equality message aimed at punishing the rich and rewarding the poor
Well, this is going to be an objective column without predetermined outcome.
... and 98% of them own a refridgerator.
"That's the problem with those poors... they still have their skin."
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,150
Legend
|
|
OP
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,150 |
What's your definition of poverty?
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.
- John Muir
#GMSTRONG
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,448
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,448 |
Steve ; don't know how old you are , or where you grew up .. I/m an old man and I have seen poor , dirt poor ... They dam sure didn't own cars and Tv's and cell phones ! Folks talk to me about the poor in the States and I just cringe and try the best I can to keep my big mouth shut !
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 13,358
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 13,358 |
It tough to interpret people's interpretations of data. The linked below site says almost 15% of families struggle to put enough food on the table, referencing a 2008 USDA study, and that more than 12% of americans live below the poverty line, which is defined as a family of four's income at or below $21,756. I do't know how people doing that make it. http://www.bread.org/hunger/us/facts.html
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 30,844
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 30,844 |
Quote:
What's your definition of poverty?
Excellent question.
And, to Cleve, in relation to your statement: "Well, this is going to be an objective column without predetermined outcome.".........
Would it also be fair to state that perhaps our gov't.'s "poverty line" is skewed? (Notice I didn't say O's poverty line - I said our GOVERNMENT'S).
Poverty should not be defined in a "well, they have wants and needs" manner. Rather, it should be defined in a "do they have shelter, food, and clothing" manner. Let me put it this way - luxuries, or the lack of luxuries - should not determine "poverty".
Let's face it - the "poor" in this country are wealthy compared to the poor in most other countries. That's not saying let's ignore the poor - but if they have food, shelter, clothes, a car, t.v., computer, etc - are they really in "poverty"?
I would guess most of them have cell phones as well. Contrary to popular belief, a cell phone is NOT a necessity. Land lines are much cheaper
So - what is "poverty"?
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,643
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,643 |
Not just cell phones...smart phones with internet and 50+ dollar a month bills.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 13,358
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 13,358 |
Certainly, the standard of living of america's poor is not as bad as it could be. Is it as good as it should be? Is it better than it should be? That's where I start to get fuzzy.
Does returning tax rates to where they were a dozen years ago really constitute "punishing" the rich? That's what is at the crux of this article as far as I can tell. Saying "our poor are too wealthy" just doesn't sit right with me.
*edit* it would be nice if the article published actual data about how Obama is rewarding the poor and punishing the rich, instead of just saying "America's poor has too much to be poor."
Last edited by CleveSteve; 01/30/12 05:21 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,150
Legend
|
|
OP
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,150 |
My beef (no pun intended) is when I go to the meat market and people are paying with their food card for better cuts of meat than I buy, and driving away in a nicer vehicle than I have, and talking on a better cell phone than I have. This happens almost every time I go there. My tax money is funding someone else to eat, drive and communicate better than I do. I'm not jealous, I just don't think I should be paying for it.
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.
- John Muir
#GMSTRONG
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 13,358
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 13,358 |
That would irritate me too. Usually when I see people paying with WIC/EBT they're buying low-end stuff, so I haven't had the same experiences as you.
Last edited by CleveSteve; 01/30/12 05:27 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 28,217
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 28,217 |
That is precisely the way it should be defined. I think people's minds are heavily skewed by how high our quality of living is here.
We are immensely fortunate to live the way we do in this country. Seriously. Simply the fact that people living on Gov't assistance have luxuries like televisions, cell phones, game consoles, etc... is testament to that. Forget whether it's right or wrong, it's fact and shows how highly skewed our perceptions are.
The poverty line as a dollar value is a tough one, too... I'd have to see how/why they came up with that number before I could agree with it.
In essence, you could probably cite the bottom tier in Maslow's Hierarchy as somewhere around where poverty begins. If you have trouble meeting those needs, or can't get much more than that, then that is absolutely poverty. For those that aren't familiar with it, it is a theory in psychology frequently taught in basic leadership courses. Those basic needs are the physiological needs - breathing, food, water, sex, sleep, etc.. you can also throw shelter and clothing in there.
Browns is the Browns
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 13,358
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 13,358 |
does anybody know of an official resource that will tell you how much people can get in food stamps/EBT/SNAP?
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,544
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,544 |
Quote:
Not just cell phones...smart phones with internet and 50+ dollar a month bills.
Oh no ... you can get a free government sponsored cell phone ....... and you can pay the difference for more minutes and/or data plans. 
I truly could not believe it when I saw that advertised.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,456
Dawg Talker
|
|
Dawg Talker
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,456 |
you forgot beer  because if im so broke i cant eat, live in a house, or have clothes, Im going to need a beer.
Last edited by NickBrownsFan; 01/30/12 06:44 PM.
If you need 3 years to be a winner you got here 2 years to early. Get it done Browns.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,544
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,544 |
Gotta have smokes too.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 17,850
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 17,850 |
Quote:
you forgot beer because if im so broke i cant eat, live in a house, or have clothes, Im going to need a beer.
I can live in a dumpster and eat the food I find there using the trash bags as clothes.
But people don't throw out beer.
#gmstrong
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,456
Dawg Talker
|
|
Dawg Talker
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,456 |
 so true,
If you need 3 years to be a winner you got here 2 years to early. Get it done Browns.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,331
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,331 |
Quote:
My beef (no pun intended) is when I go to the meat market and people are paying with their food card for better cuts of meat than I buy, and driving away in a nicer vehicle than I have, and talking on a better cell phone than I have. This happens almost every time I go there. My tax money is funding someone else to eat, drive and communicate better than I do. I'm not jealous, I just don't think I should be paying for it.
This is my issue too. It seems like our country's poor has their priorities all screwed up.
When I was a kid going to school, I never got very expensive shoes. My mother wouldn't buy them. She'd spend about 40 dollars on a pair of shoes for me. Yet I saw kids on the free lunch program wearing 80 dollar shoes, and owning multiple pairs.
My parents used to buy me Wrangler and Lee Jeans. They were not very expensive. Yet, kids on the free lunch program seemed to wear Tommy Hilfiger jeans and other expensive clothes.
I drive to my girlfriend's house, and I have to pass through a housing project to get there. Yet I drive through there and see plenty of BMW's and Mercedes Benz's. I can't afford that kind of car (I guess I can buy it, but it wouldn't make any sense; I don't make enough money to spend on a luxury like that).
And many children who are hungry are hungry because their parents are drug addicts. Their parents don't think about putting food in the refrigerator. Their parents don't care. I'd like to know how often that is the case.
There's people with food stamps who go, buy the cheapest soda cans they can, and then return them for the change. How many poor people smoke and drink? What kind of luxury is that?
My buddy works for Section 8, the fraud that goes on there from their clients is brutal. It drives him nuts. Yes, there are people who deserve it, but there's also a ton of people who come in with their hand out expecting hand outs. Tons of people who lie to their Section 8 evaluators to make them poorer than they are.
It's a major problem
UCONN HUSKIES 2014 Champions of Basketball
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,150
Legend
|
|
OP
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,150 |
Quote:
When I was a kid going to school, I never got very expensive shoes. My mother wouldn't buy them. She'd spend about 40 dollars on a pair of shoes for me. Yet I saw kids on the free lunch program wearing 80 dollar shoes, and owning multiple pairs.
Lol. Boy am I old. My parents used to take us to Picway Shoe Mart for the "Man Alive, 2 for 5 sale. We were jealous of the kids that got the Converse for 10.99.
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.
- John Muir
#GMSTRONG
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,877
Dawg Talker
|
|
Dawg Talker
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,877 |
Seriously, now we're gonna rip the poor for not being poor enough? You guys need a hobby.......
"People who drink light 'beer' don't like the taste of beer; they just like to pee a lot."
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,728
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,728 |
Quote:
Quote:
When I was a kid going to school, I never got very expensive shoes. My mother wouldn't buy them. She'd spend about 40 dollars on a pair of shoes for me. Yet I saw kids on the free lunch program wearing 80 dollar shoes, and owning multiple pairs.
Lol. Boy am I old. My parents used to take us to Picway Shoe Mart for the "Man Alive, 2 for 5 sale. We were jealous of the kids that got the Converse for 10.99.
You think you're old. My parents used to point me to the forest way up the hill for shoes. It was a blizzard out and I'd have to walk barefoot, uphill to try and find a decent piece of wood to carve.
Then I'd have to walk home uphill to get back.
But I could widdle me a mean pair clogs.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,331
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,331 |
Quote:
Seriously, now we're gonna rip the poor for not being poor enough?
You guys need a hobby.......
Nope, just questioning where our tax dollars are going, that's all.
UCONN HUSKIES 2014 Champions of Basketball
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,150
Legend
|
|
OP
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,150 |
Quote:
Seriously, now we're gonna rip the poor for not being poor enough?
Yeah, that's it. You have a remarkable ability to get to the meat of the matter. 
I think the real debate is whether taxpayer funds should pay for the food and shelter for people that have luxury cars, cell phones, game consoles, nicer clothes than I do, etc.
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.
- John Muir
#GMSTRONG
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,433
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,433 |
Who are we kidding? Those in power want the impoverished to be able to have all these material goods. It keeps those who many deem "undesirable" satisfied with owning fancy consumer electronics, nice cars, and be able to have an expensive meal.
The system currently keeps those in place and prevents a shakeup of the status quo. This is how hegemony works in America, folks.
Any real reform would provide an avenue for the impoverished to obtain meaningful jobs. These jobs would then open the way for these individuals to have some sort of leadership role based on their performance. But as I said, this isn't happening.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 39,817
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 39,817 |
Quote:
Seriously, now we're gonna rip the poor for not being poor enough?
You guys need a hobby.......
No Otto, that isn't it at all.
It's all about being called rich when we aren't rich enough.
150K a year isn't rich by any means, but it is to anyone making less.
The point is if you want to talk about the poor not being poor enough, you need to start thinking the other way as well way my friend.
I'll admit, it does irk me to see a person use their American Flag "Credit Card" to get $180 of free food while I pay cash for mine then see them drive out in a vehicle that might be better than mine.
Seriously, I don't mind giving a helping hand. I really don't. We give above and beyond taxes, and I am not talking a few hundred, or even a few thousand extra. We give a few thousand here, and a few thousand there.
I just don't like Carrying people. If I have to do that, at least come over and cut my grass for me.
I'll also admit when the person in front of me in the grocery line uses their freebie card, I say "Your Welcome" as they are about to walk away.
I've gotten a few dirty looks.
Tough.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong ![[Linked Image]](http://www.dawgtalkers.net/uploads/small-gator-chomp.gif)
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,448
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,448 |
Just about the time I think I have heard it all ! The Rocket speaks .. 
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,150
Legend
|
|
OP
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,150 |
Quote:
Who are we kidding? Those in power want the impoverished to be able to have all these material goods. It keeps those who many deem "undesirable" satisfied with owning fancy consumer electronics, nice cars, and be able to have an expensive meal.
The system currently keeps those in place and prevents a shakeup of the status quo. This is how hegemony works in America, folks.
Any real reform would provide an avenue for the impoverished to obtain meaningful jobs. These jobs would then open the way for these individuals to have some sort of leadership role based on their performance. But as I said, this isn't happening.
I agree with all of that.
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.
- John Muir
#GMSTRONG
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,654
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,654 |
I believe it's in Australia where they have a good welfare system. Basically, if you're on welfare, getting money and receiving support from the public, you become a public servant.
I don't mind supporting people who are in need, but I can't stand it when they have no incentive to change their lives or to become ambitious. If people don't want to get jobs and keep living off the system, then they should have to work for the system.
Clean up the city, power wash some buildings, sweep some streets. Earn the public support.
Blue ostriches on crack float on milkshakes between the sidewalk titans of gurglefitz. --YTown
#gmstrong
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,456
Dawg Talker
|
|
Dawg Talker
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,456 |
Quote:
I believe it's in Australia where they have a good welfare system. Basically, if you're on welfare, getting money and receiving support from the public, you become a public servant.
I don't mind supporting people who are in need, but I can't stand it when they have no incentive to change their lives or to become ambitious. If people don't want to get jobs and keep living off the system, then they should have to work for the system.
Clean up the city, power wash some buildings, sweep some streets. Earn the public support.
I agree if you dont want to work for a living and live free off the system then you should work for the system. Soon or later they would get the fact that if they had that job paying them more it would be better to take that job.
If you need 3 years to be a winner you got here 2 years to early. Get it done Browns.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 39,817
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 39,817 |
I agree.
I think benefits should be reduced in a step down method.
After 9 months you go from one amount to a lower amount. Another 6 months the total drops further. You do this until the total benefits is lower than one would make working a minimum wage job.
You step them down so they are forced to make some cuts and see the reality of the situation.
This is about providing help and support. Not providing a livelihood.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 13,901
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 13,901 |
"All" benefits should be "means tested".
FOOTBALL IS NOT BASEBALL
Home of the Free, Because of the Brave...
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 43,082
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 43,082 |
I define poor as:
1. You don't have a roof over your head
2. Lack of food and clothing
3. Low income (when I say low income, by todays cost of living, 10-12 bucks an hour or thereabouts just isn't going to cut it)
4. No (decent) Medical coverage
5. Bad Credit
When I see someone at the Grocery store using a card such as you describe, it doesn't even faze me. (I wonder how many times some have seen this, myself, only once and I didn't notice the car they drove away in)
Disclaimer: I do most all of my grocery shopping at Heinens where the prices are a bit on the high side. Not a place where you would see folks on government assistence which may account for me not seeing them.
I don't worry or care about what other people drive or how they bought it. (I have three cars, I can afford to dump them all and buy brand new ones, but I choose the more frugal path... it's my choice)
But the thing that gets me and the thing I worry about most of all, KIDS..
I look at the adults and I can say that they, for the most part, made choices (theres that word again, choices) that brought them to this point. (not all, but some)
But kids are just there for the ride at this point. I feel for the kids.
Not everyone is where they are because they want to be. Not everyone is there because they are bad people or worthless slugs..
There are good people struggling to make ends meet. Maybe they are responsible for the situation they find themselves in, maybe not.
We are americans.. all of us, and I myself don't mind giving a helping hand UP...
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,544
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,544 |
If you are in Aurora, it's not the prices at the grocery store keeping the poor people away ...... it's the fact that there are very few poor people in Aurora. I would suspect that there are not too many people on food stamps living on the golf course. (I remember Aurora well, I opened the Domino's Pizza location there a billion or so years ago)
Believe me, there are many people on food stamps who don't give a damn about the prices they pay. His a convenience store the first part of the month and see hos people pay for orders with 6 subs .... chips ...... pop ...... doughnuts ..... etc. I see $50-$60 orders of crap when the little cards recharge damn near every time I stop into the corner store down the road from my mom's house around the first of any given month.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 30,844
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 30,844 |
Quote:
Lol. Boy am I old. My parents used to take us to Picway Shoe Mart for the "Man Alive, 2 for 5 sale. We were jealous of the kids that got the Converse for 10.99.
I don't know if I'm young or old or in between - but I buy my tennis shoes at a store called Pamida (think miniature wal-mart)............$30 to $40 a pair - except when it's "Buy 1 pair, get the second pair at half price" 2 pairs for at most $60.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 30,844
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 30,844 |
Quote:
I agree.
I think benefits should be reduced in a step down method.
After 9 months you go from one amount to a lower amount. Another 6 months the total drops further. You do this until the total benefits is lower than one would make working a minimum wage job.
You step them down so they are forced to make some cuts and see the reality of the situation.
This is about providing help and support. Not providing a livelihood.
Agreed.
Short story emphasizing your point: A friend - not a close friend - but a friend and I were talking about is daughter. She is totally on the "system". She has 3 kids - had her second one just after h.s. graduation, then had the 3rd kid a year and a half later.
3 kids, no job. Now, I don't remember the names of the programs she was on - but he told me how much money she gets a month for not working...........and he said "if she goes and gets a job, she loses most of that money, then she has to pay a baby sitter.......she'd lose money by working. She'd have less money working than being on the public dole. So why should she work?"
I tried to explain that if she worked, it might be tougher now, but in the future she'd come out better off.....that didn't go over real well.
So, anyway - say you're getting $15,000 a year in all the support programs. Instead of losing it all (or most) if you work, why not step it down. You work and make 15 grand - you'll only lose, say, $7000 in support for the first year. And gradually decrease the amount over time. (just an example - I don't know what the right amount would be, etc)
Show them that working has its benefits, and you won't instantly lose everything.......give the people a reason to find work.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 43,082
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 43,082 |
I think you have the wrong impression of Aurora Ytown.
Yes, there is a high percapita income here. We have homes ranging in teh 2.5 million + range all the way down to 35,000 for some really junk type hole in the wall places.
We have apartments ranging in rental prices from 1700 per month down to 350 a month.
Not 100% sure of the averages. But those are the ranges.
So we do have our share of lower income folks.
For a town our size, we have a pretty high level of foreclosures also. Some you would just not believe.. homes that sold for 1 mill or more are and have been being foreclosed on in recent years.
In other words, we are a fairly typical bedroom community.
Just up the street from me are these very old, ranch style homes that to be honest, I wouldn't hit a dog in the butt with. run down shacks.
And those aren't the worst of it. we have a section of town known as Geauga Lake. Geauga Lake is perhaps the oldest area in aurora (I think) and it started life as mostly summer fishing cabins. Most of which have been remolded many times.. Plumbing added, heat, air etc etc.
There are some very nice places back there, but most are run down.
So, while the appearence might be that Aurora is all up there, it's really just your average little Ohio town with millionaires and the financially challenged.
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 40,399
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 40,399 |
Quote:
This is my issue too. It seems like our country's poor has their priorities all screwed up.
So do the rich, but that's a post for a different thread.. 
The poor have figured out the system.. in fact they have been figuring it out for years.. They know that the government, the people, and the non-profits are not going to let people starve to death.. if you want help, all you have to do is ask and there is either a government program or some people in this country that will help you.. So if you actually make a few hundred bucks are you going to spend it on food? No, you're not. You are going to buy a new DVD player or some other toy... why? Because the people won't buy you a DVD player because you are poor, but they WILL buy you food... they don't have to know that you spent what little money you had on an XBox or a cell phone.. in fact there is really no way for them to know what you spent it on.
yebat' Putin
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 13,358
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 13,358 |
Quote:
1. You don't have a roof over your head
2. Lack of food and clothing
3. Low income (when I say low income, by todays cost of living, 10-12 bucks an hour or thereabouts just isn't going to cut it)
4. No (decent) Medical coverage
5. Bad Credit
as far as #3, $11 / hour for 40 hours a week 50 weeks out of the year is $22k per year. A lot of peopel in hourly jobs struggle to even get those 40 hours per week scheduled. That's below the poverty line for a family of four as set out above. So, have both parents work, right? The additional child care and transportation costs associated with having both adults working would obliterate the second income pretty quickly. Forget decent health care.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,544
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 50,544 |
I remember Geauga Lake quite well. I attended many a party up in there waaayyy back in the day.  lol I remember that Heinen's quite well though. It was too pricey for me. I had to go shop in Streetsboro .... where I could afford groceries. I was just borderline middle class ..... not a rich hoity-toity type. Man ..... that's been probably 25years ago. 
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 40,399
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 40,399 |
Quote:
as far as #3, $11 / hour for 40 hours a week 50 weeks out of the year is $22k per year. A lot of peopel in hourly jobs struggle to even get those 40 hours per week scheduled. That's below the poverty line for a family of four as set out above. So, have both parents work, right? The additional child care and transportation costs associated with having both adults working would obliterate the second income pretty quickly.
If you are making $11/hour and have never made much more than $11/hour.. then don't have 2 kids. I always cringe at those reports.. "I have no real skills and I only make $18K a year and that's just not enough to support my 5 kids." Well no sh*t.
If you are young and your earning power is limited then delay having kids.. you can get married and your wife can work because you have no kids.. A single person making $22K a year should be able to live ok and still have some money for junior college or a trade school.. a married couple making in the mid to high $30s should have no problem allowing at least one of them to get the skills required to improve their income.
I do have sympathy for a person that was used to making $40K and was living accordingly and is now making $22K because of the economy.. but I have very little sympathy for somebody who made $20K, has never made MORE than $20K and decided the best thing to do was have kids... 
yebat' Putin
|
|
|
DawgTalkers.net
Forums DawgTalk Everything Else... Just who are the poor in this
country?
|
|
![[Linked Image]](http://www.dawgtalkers.net/uploads/Heldawg/rgiii2.jpg)
