Poverty Rate In U.S. Saw Record Increase In 2009: 1 In 7 Americans Are Poor

[laughingliberal]

WASHINGTON — The number of people in the U.S. who are in poverty is on track for a record increase on President Barack Obama's watch, with the ranks of working-age poor approaching 1960s levels that led to the national war on poverty.

Census figures for 2009 – the recession-ravaged first year of the Democrat's presidency – are to be released in the coming week, and demographers expect grim findings.

It's unfortunate timing for Obama and his party just seven weeks before important elections when control of Congress is at stake. The anticipated poverty rate increase – from 13.2 percent to about 15 percent – would be another blow to Democrats struggling to persuade voters to keep them in power.

"The most important anti-poverty effort is growing the economy and making sure there are enough jobs out there," Obama said Friday at a White House news conference. He stressed his commitment to helping the poor achieve middle-class status and said, "If we can grow the economy faster and create more jobs, then everybody is swept up into that virtuous cycle."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/11/poverty-rate-in-us-saw-re_n_713387.html

It's way past time to stop the 'war on Terra,' and start the war on poverty.

[area51]

1. I think Lyndon Johnson declared a war on poverty,

but I guess he had other concerns to keep him occupied. If we have unlimited money to wage two wars of choice, we have enough money to help homeless people and money to take care of sick people.

[laughingliberal]

3. "If we have unlimited money to wage two wars of choice,

we have enough money to help homeless people and money to take care of sick people."

Right on!

[w8liftinglady]

4. that is an excellent statement.And I have seen way too much poverty here

In texas,there is a huge trend to move the wealthy into certain counties,isolating the impoverished.It looks deceptive on paper,as many DO share households,garages,motel rooms.

[maryf]

5. I'd wager

1 tenth of the money spent on the military would solve housing and health care issues...

[bluedoggie]

2. Good job Republicans

n/t