We have government assistance calculated from a formula that uses multiple hundreds of percent above a government deemed poverty level. It is possible, for example, in the U S to make 100,000 dollars a year and still get assistance depending on a number of factors. If, on the other hand, you make 100,000 dollars but don’t meet those factors you are taxed at a rate more than the lowest ‘poverty level’ earner in order to be ‘fair’ and assist the 100,000 a year earner who does meet certain criteria. With current tax law and IRS provisions such taxes and transfers are made all along the income and poverty spectrum. Then there is the quality of life. It is an ever moving target as new products that we just can’t live without, such as televisions, cell phones, and energy drinks, are invented then reinvented. On top of this, inflation ratchets up the cost of everything. So the size of what is considered poverty is constantly expanding and ever increasing. This how we win the war on poverty!?
Posted on: Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:10:02 +0000