Three myths about poverty

[Chris]

If you base policy on Three myths about poverty, as Biden seems to do, then you will not solve problems with poverty. The three myths are "that it is a generational curse, it is primarily caused by racism, and the poor are helpless victims of large, impersonal forces. None of these myths is true."

[Standing Wolf]

If you base policy on Three myths about poverty, as Biden seems to do, then you will not solve problems with poverty. The three myths are "that it is a generational curse, it is primarily caused by racism, and the poor are helpless victims of large, impersonal forces. None of these myths is true."

We have all probably known people who were doing very well financially, but whose siblings were not. It should be obvious that personal choices have a lot to do with one's financial situation later in life. The role of personality likewise can't be ignored. An individual who takes little to no responsibility for their own welfare and needs and depends entirely on others to provide for them will likely never develop the ability to provide for themselves to any extent.

To summarize the results, the center-left Brookings Institution concluded that three choices were critical in avoiding poverty. First, graduate from high school regardless of the quality of the school. Second, upon graduation, work full-time, even if it is initially at a minimum wage job. Third, don’t get pregnant until married, and don’t get married until 21 years of age.

Absolutely! I would just add that putting money into savings throughout one's life is something that ought to be drilled into people's heads from an early age. When you're in your twenties it's almost impossible to imagine what your life is going to be like and what your needs will be in forty or fifty years, but saving consistently over the years may very well be the difference between retiring comfortably and never retiring at all.

[donttread]

If you base policy on Three myths about poverty, as Biden seems to do, then you will not solve problems with poverty. The three myths are "that it is a generational curse, it is primarily caused by racism, and the poor are helpless victims of large, impersonal forces. None of these myths is true."

But if your goal is like LBJ's was to NOT decrease poverty then you would follow the myths.

[carolina73]

The $14,000 poverty level is = the minimum wage. I can't understand what person cannot make $10 an hour in any part of the country. Minimum wage is reserved for those that are just starting out or have proven themselves to be unreliable.

[jet57]

The $14,000 poverty level is = the minimum wage. I can't understand what person cannot make $10 an hour in any part of the country. Minimum wage is reserved for those that are just starting out or have proven themselves to be unreliable.

That's really open ended: are you saying that any body should be able to make $10 an hour in any part of the country?

[Mechanic]

If you base policy on Three myths about poverty, as Biden seems to do, then you will not solve problems with poverty. The three myths are "that it is a generational curse, it is primarily caused by racism, and the poor are helpless victims of large, impersonal forces. None of these myths is true."

They are not myths.

[RMNIXON]

If you base policy on Three myths about poverty, as Biden seems to do, then you will not solve problems with poverty. The three myths are "that it is a generational curse, it is primarily caused by racism, and the poor are helpless victims of large, impersonal forces. None of these myths is true."

The first is blown away by the great number who manage to get out of poverty. And not just second or third generational but often within the working lifetime of the individual. Many start out poor and do quite well by retirement age.

The second is easily dismissed by the large number of white Americans who have been poor since the founding. Note many invited from foreign countries as "legal" immigrants.

And third while some outside circumstances do happen the best way to resolve them is not a pity party. Handouts is the sure way to be trapped in generational poverty.

[Chris]

They are not myths.

What you think they hold true?

[Captdon]

That's really open ended: are you saying that any body should be able to make $10 an hour in any part of the country?

I'll say it. There is no excuse for less than $10 except disability or laziness.