Understanding Poverty in America (Putting latest Census Number into Context)

Heritage Foundation ^ | Jan. 5, 2004 | Robert E. Rector and Kirk A. Johnson, Ph.D.

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Having lived in Europe (Belgium, Netherlands, Italy) for over 11 years and, after leaving going back for vacation every year or so for some time, I find the poverty question in these United States to be overplayed. Plus the left-wingers are always throwing Europe up in our face for its great living. Below is a short study done by a Swedish Think Tank.

First in a study done by a Swedish think tank (Timbro): The following was found:
If Europe was part of the United States only Luxembourg could rival the best states in the US. The rest of Europe would rank below the U.S. average.
Poverty in the U.S; 25% of the population (1999) were considered to be in the low-income area (annual income of less that $25,000). In Europe between 35% and 50% of the population would be considered low income. The disparity between the poverty level in the U.S. and Europe would be even greater.
Productivity; Because of the interference of government in private enterprise, the productivity in Europe is such that 10% to 16% of the population is unemployed because no new jobs have been created in years.

Health care; WHO (World Health Organization): European Health Care Fails Elderly. Providing care for people with terminal illnesses regardless of age or income has become "a neglected topic in most countries," said Dr. Agis Tsouros of the WHO's Copenhagen-based Europe office.

Taxes; In Europe tax revenues are 40% to 50% of GDP (Study by Timbro); in the U.S. it is less that 30%. The high tax rates are driving Europeans to nongovernmental authorized work or businesses that do not pay taxes.

Living Space: In the U.S. poor Americans live in an average of 1,200 Sq feet of space. In Europe the average for all households (Timbro Study) is 1,000 sq feet. In the U.S. a large number of “poor” people own their own homes (45.9%).

The Timbro study concludes; ”Most Americans have a standard of living which a majority of Europeans will never come anywhere near.”

Enough said.