Know your Class War: 1 in 2 People are Poor or Low-Income

The recent census reveals that one out of two Americans are living in poverty or have a low income.  From the link:

"Safety net programs such as food stamps and tax credits kept poverty from rising even higher in 2010, but for many low-income families with work-related and medical expenses, they are considered too 'rich' to qualify," said Sheldon Danziger, a University of Michigan public policy professor who specializes in poverty.
"The reality is that prospects for the poor and the near poor are dismal," he said. "If Congress and the states make further cuts, we can expect the number of poor and low-income families to rise for the next several years."

Congressional Republicans and Democrats are sparring over legislation that would renew a Social Security payroll tax reduction, part of a year-end political showdown over economic priorities that could also trim unemployment benefits, freeze federal pay and reduce entitlement spending.

The picture above is from this article regarding children in poverty. Our elected officials have a choice in how they respond to people suffering in this country--and they should be deeply concerned about children who are living in poverty: these kids are our future--how are they being prepared for it?  Are they getting the security they need, the education, nutrition, support, to be the workers and leaders of tomorrow? Or are we letting them and ourselves down?

As long as budgets that would account for some of their needs are being cut, their futures and dreams are on indefinite suspension. Sorry, kids. You may have to grow up without us--we're still busy getting our shit together. Keep your expectations appropriately low (NO! Don't! Occupy the future!)