The "poor" today live like the middle class of the 1950's. I can testify to that and I like testifying to that. I grew up with my parents and siblings in a 990 sq. ft. house which I was fortunate enough to interest a single occupant in buying a few years ago. We never complained or imagined that we were cramped. All our friends lived the same way.
I remember the day that the first black and white TV was delivered and set up. We thought we were rich!
This economy is great. I'm proud to be an American. (And I still think I'm rich.)
Growing up in the fifties-sixties, there were nine of us children plus my parents in a four bedroom, two bath house. No Central AC. A black-and-white TV was pretty cool. Yet somehow we all went to Catholic elementary school, and some to private high school too, and all to college. Looking back I guess we were 'poor', but my kids now have no idea how good they have it!
Your childhood sounds a lot like mine,first black and white tv etc. I had six siblings in a house that today I would consider a bit small for just my wife and me.
I had 2 parents and I don't even remember any of my friends who didn't have 2 parents. My dad worked and mom took care of the kids, they loved us and not one of us were ever abused although at the time I thought my dad was a little liberal with the punishment, we were cared for and well fed. It was the norm where I lived and grew up in the 50s.
What's wrong with America today? Too many damned liberals for too long have shoved their social agenda down everybodies throat. The result is crime, welfare and abortions by the millions.
A good life can still be had though. I raised 4 kids, worked hard and saved all my life and am now retired and enjoying my grand kids and one great grand son, (and that handsome lad can be seen by clicking my screen name)