"The Census Bureau reported Tuesday that 36.5 million Americans, or 12.3 percent were living in poverty last year. That's down from 12.6 percent in 2005.
The median household income was $48,200, a slight increase from the previous year. But the number of people without health insurance also increased, to 47 million."
Hot off the press. Big news I suppose, a governmental success. Yeah right. I understand why they put those horrific numbers into percentage points. Its a bit easier on the eyes, it doesn't scream 36.5 million americans still living in poverty.
And while we are at it, why should anybody pat themselves on the back because .3 americans are no longer living in poverty. Do you know why they are no longer living in poverty? Because they gave up their healthcare, choosing to eat and stay warm instead. Hell of a choice if you ask me.
The census reports..............
that............ "47 million people live without healthcare", a rise from last years numbers. We have healthcare. We would be living in a homeless shelter without it. We pay 132.00 weekly for the luxury of health insurance. That's $525 a month, more then I spend on food.
Poverty level is 20,444. Sadly that is probably a combined income of two folks working their tail off. Average income is 48,200, again I bet a combined income.
This family's income is just below average and I can tell you that we struggle. There is not alot left over at the end of every month for luxuries. We do not have credit cards, or drive cars that have a payment. We struggle with big events like christmas, or the start of school. I certainly do not feel average, more times I feel impoverished. So can you imagine trying to live on twenty thousand a year??? Can you imagine living on less, which according to our governmental census, .3 is considered a significant drop in the poverty level. Good friggin God. Like I said...its all about the presentation of the numbers. Let's spin it well Mr. Bush............
I am surprised that the census analysts didn't round the numbers down for an even better effect. Poor is broke, poor is hungry, unhealthy, and should be unnecessary in 2007.
