Poverty is still a major problem
In his 1964 State of the Union address, Lyndon B. Johnson said that poverty is a national problem, which in 1960 forced 35 million people (or 20%) to live on “the outskirts of hope”, and declared an “unconditional war on poverty in America.” LBJ launched community action programs (CAPs) to promote participation of the poor in the workforce. Black and poor community uprisings occurred with accelerating speed, but The Department of Labor reported that a “pathological” battle was responsible for black poverty. However, the resources dedicated to CAPs were quickly redirected to a growing conflict overseas in Vietnam.
2014 marks 50 years since LBJ’s State of the Union address. Much like the 1960s, United States citizens continue to live in poverty. According to the Supplemental Poverty Measure taken in 2011, 49.7 million people (or 16%) are considered to be living in poverty. Not unlike the Vietnam War, foreign wars continue to redirect federal spending. Not unlike the Civil Rights movement, our own cultural and social differences continue to affect political and ideological trends within the federal government.
What is different today are the faces of poverty. In 2014, more African-American, Latino, and high school graduate households are officially poor. Compared to 19.9% in 1960, now 72.9% of people living in poverty are high school graduates, according to the 2013 book “Legacies of the War on Poverty”.
This raises some serious concerns and questions. The United States continues to debate the costs and effectiveness of social programs as 1.3 million people have had unemployment benefits cut, and 47 million people have had their food stamp benefits cut. These programs that are meant to alleviate poverty and provide a social floor have been reduced drastically, which places more burden on privatized non-profit organizations to help people in hard times.
LBJ warned, “If we fumble away our opportunity in needless, senseless quarrels between Democrats and Republicans, or between the House and the Senate, or between the Congress and the administration, then history will rightfully judge us harshly.” We should correct the causes of poverty, and not just its affects. It is ineffective to blame the poor for the almost inescapable circumstance of poverty. It is irresponsible and sensational to even refer to this as war, like so many other cultural “wars” America wages. However, if one should fight, it should be against the political powerlessness of those in poverty. Why don’t we try to better understand the institutions and cultural norms that keep people in America impoverished?
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
More Collegian News Articles
- Americans recognizing futility of prohibition, dude
- Bigot and Homophobe? Do the words inflame or calm the debate over homosexuality?
- Budget meetings open to public
- Don't take my guns, Mr. President
Recent Collegian News Articles
Discuss This Article
MOST POPULAR COLLEGIAN
Family fun awaits at Dow Diamond By Nicole Black and Lindsi Hebert
Water park hopes to flood with more visitors By Jeffrey Alcorta
Delta opens learning center in Uganda By Kaitlyn Skrzypczak
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST COLLEGIAN NEWS
- Family fun awaits at Dow Diamond
- Minor League, major fun!
- Too little too late
- Delta commencement ceremony honors hundreds of students
- Monsters, zombies and blood help students learn in English class
- Delta opens Veterans’ Lounge
- Delta pushes to give students information on graduates’ career success and e...
RECENT COLLEGIAN CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- Moving Resources For Military Families
- Historic Agreement Signed By Red Cross and Armed Forces
- Salonpas® Brand Stands the Test of Time
- Tips to “Yard Your Way” This Spring
- Upgraded Upstate Power Grid Will Deliver a Smarter,...
- A Story To Sing About
- The Gap in Gum Care: Why Caring For Your Teeth’s F...
- Top Tips for Signature Scents and Better-Smelling Laundry
- A Dog Trainer’s Top Tips to Support Pets Through Life S...
- Clear the Air of Indoor Pollutants This Spring
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- Youth Apprenticeship Week Spotlights Opportunities
- New Expo Showcases AI Innovation
- Self-Care and Mental Health Tips for Caregivers
- Adventure Awaits: Discover the Playset that Brings...
- Need Auto Glass Repair? Don’t Despair
- Pioneering Fast and Affordable Broadband for the Underserved
- 7 Reasons Renting an RV Should Be On Every Family’s S...
- Don’t Let Diabetes Shortchange Your Golden Years
- No Child is Forgotten By Marine Toys for Tots
- Sweeten Your Springtime Salads With Healthy Chilean Grapes
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- Guidenar Launches New Career Test for Gen Z
- GotIt! Education Offers MathGPT Free to All State & Community Colleges
- Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show
- Semiconductor Research Corp unveils 2024 Research Call, $13.8M Funding
- Charles River Associates Opens Second Scholarship Cycle, Expands to the UK