The US Has Failed to Lift Millions Out of Poverty, Unlike China - By Choice
In an era where globalization has lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty worldwide, the United States stands as a stark exception. Despite being one of the most prosperous countries on earth, America has failed to make significant inroads into poverty, with over 4 million Americans struggling to get by on less than $3 a day - more than three times the number from just 35 years ago.
A closer examination of the US's economic performance reveals that productivity has indeed surged ahead of its European peers, and artificial intelligence is set to further cement its position. However, this remarkable growth has come at a cost. The country's system of government and political compromises have prioritized the interests of the wealthy over those of the poor.
One glaring example of this imbalance is the distribution of income. In 1980, the middle class enjoyed nearly half of the nation's income; by 2023, that figure had dwindled to just 42.5%. Meanwhile, the richest Americans have seen their incomes soar at a rate more than twice as fast as those in the bottom 10th percentile. The poor's share of the US economic pie has shrunk to levels comparable to developing countries like Bolivia and Bangladesh.
The culprit behind this lopsided distribution is not market forces alone, but rather a deliberate policy choice. Globalization and technological advancements have reduced labor costs, while also exacerbating income inequality among workers. The Trump administration's latest initiatives - including tariffs that will raise healthcare costs for millions and slash nutrition assistance programs - demonstrate a systemic disregard for the needs of the poor.
This is not a bug in American capitalism; it is a feature. For decades, US administrations have prioritized market efficiency over calls to address growing inequalities. Even during times of crisis, like the COVID-19 pandemic, subsidies have been used to benefit the wealthy rather than the poor.
The contrast between China and the US could not be more stark. Despite its authoritarian government and human rights abuses, China has managed to lift millions out of poverty through targeted economic policies. The question is: why can't the US do the same? By ignoring this critical issue and instead celebrating market-driven success, policymakers are effectively choosing a path that leaves the poor behind.
The consequences of this choice will be felt for generations to come. As the US continues down a path that prioritizes the interests of the wealthy, it risks becoming increasingly disconnected from its most vulnerable citizens. The question remains: when will the US choose a different course?
In an era where globalization has lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty worldwide, the United States stands as a stark exception. Despite being one of the most prosperous countries on earth, America has failed to make significant inroads into poverty, with over 4 million Americans struggling to get by on less than $3 a day - more than three times the number from just 35 years ago.
A closer examination of the US's economic performance reveals that productivity has indeed surged ahead of its European peers, and artificial intelligence is set to further cement its position. However, this remarkable growth has come at a cost. The country's system of government and political compromises have prioritized the interests of the wealthy over those of the poor.
One glaring example of this imbalance is the distribution of income. In 1980, the middle class enjoyed nearly half of the nation's income; by 2023, that figure had dwindled to just 42.5%. Meanwhile, the richest Americans have seen their incomes soar at a rate more than twice as fast as those in the bottom 10th percentile. The poor's share of the US economic pie has shrunk to levels comparable to developing countries like Bolivia and Bangladesh.
The culprit behind this lopsided distribution is not market forces alone, but rather a deliberate policy choice. Globalization and technological advancements have reduced labor costs, while also exacerbating income inequality among workers. The Trump administration's latest initiatives - including tariffs that will raise healthcare costs for millions and slash nutrition assistance programs - demonstrate a systemic disregard for the needs of the poor.
This is not a bug in American capitalism; it is a feature. For decades, US administrations have prioritized market efficiency over calls to address growing inequalities. Even during times of crisis, like the COVID-19 pandemic, subsidies have been used to benefit the wealthy rather than the poor.
The contrast between China and the US could not be more stark. Despite its authoritarian government and human rights abuses, China has managed to lift millions out of poverty through targeted economic policies. The question is: why can't the US do the same? By ignoring this critical issue and instead celebrating market-driven success, policymakers are effectively choosing a path that leaves the poor behind.
The consequences of this choice will be felt for generations to come. As the US continues down a path that prioritizes the interests of the wealthy, it risks becoming increasingly disconnected from its most vulnerable citizens. The question remains: when will the US choose a different course?
4 million ppl struggling to get by on less than $3 a day is insane! and it's not just that, like our own school's food bank has to deal with students who can't afford lunch 
. the fact that income inequality in the US is so out of control is mind-blowing. I mean, China might have an authoritarian gov't but they're at least making a conscious effort to help their poor citizens 
. we need to rethink our priorities and figure out how to make sure everyone's on the same page 
. it's not just about capitalism vs communism, it's about humans being treated fairly 
.
. and what really gets me is how our system of government just prioritizes the rich folks' interests 
. it's like we're choosing to be a country that's more concerned with making billionaires richer than with helping out the people who need it most 
. it's time for some serious policy changes, imo 
.
. They might not be perfect, but at least they're trying to help their people. And it's not like the US is completely without its own solutions - we just seem to keep ignoring them or making things worse instead 
.
. I just hope someone comes along soon and says, "Hey, let's do something about this poverty thing" 
.
I mean, think about it... 4 million Americans struggling to get by on less than $3 a day is insane! 
I mean, isn't that just a fancy way of saying "we don't want to fix it"? It feels like politicians are more worried about keeping the wealthy happy than actually helping people who need it. 
I mean, when will we start putting the needs of everyone else above just making money for a select few? 
