The United States has more than 100 billionaires. These individuals and their families live the American dream. They own multiple mansions, many expensive cars, yachts, and eat lavish meals served by cooks, maids and butlers. Millions of others struggle to maintain living quarters for their families and put healthy food on the table. These are families living at the poverty level.

The poor don’t envy the ultra-rich; they cannot conceive of such a lifestyle. Their concern is survival. Even when there are two parents working, their wages are so meager that they remain in poverty.

The GOP continues to resist a raise in the minimum wage. At the same time it bows to the wishes of the extremely wealthy and aids them in ways which increase their wealth. The argument is that the ‘job creators’ would reduce labor if the minimum wage was raised. History proves that this is entirely false.

The United States is no longer a great country; it has many faults. Our nation’s greatest shame is that one person lives in poverty when so much wealth exists.

Cities across the country are demolishing low-income housing and replacing these structures with up-scale apartments and condominiums. The result is the creation of slums unfit for human occupation.

The statistics of those living in poverty are disproportionate related to race. The number of children now living at the poverty level is on the rise. In 2013 data was very revealing; 39 percent of black children were living in poverty; 37 percent of Native Americans needed assistance; and 33 percent of Hispanics were struggling to survive. Only 14 percent of Caucasian children were experiencing poverty.

Democrats are constantly talking about income inequality, while the GOP denies it is an issue. The fact is that it not only exists, it is growing rapidly. No problem has ever been solved by ignoring its existence.

The great American shame can be repaired, and rather easily if it is addressed in an honest and serious manner.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Source

Photo Courtesy of Franco Folini

Author’s Page http://www.amazon.com/By-James-turnage/e/B00LOCJ2Z2