[GeorgefromGeorgia]

"The poverty level differs by family size and makeup. For example, the poverty level for a family of four was $19,971 last year. For a family of two, it was $12,755."

The poverty rate is an artificial number that fails to consider benefits like Medicaid, Welfare, free school lunches, free commodities, food stamps, government housing and other benefits. Also, many people like my Mom is on Social Security benefits of about $14000 per year, but she has her house paid for and enough savings to tap into if she needs to.
Consider how many households in America have TVs, VCRs/DVD players, stereos, automobiles, computers, etc. Also, nearly 70% of Americans own their own homes. Many people below the poverty line live better in the USA than the average EU citizen.

[Paisan]

and to continue, this country became a Great country BEFORE there were such things as health insurance, welfare checks or food stamps. Is my history incorrect here?

[SF Republican]

Many people below the poverty line live better in the USA than the average EU citizen I recall a couple of years ago this guy in India said he would love to be in America, any country where the poor people are fat sounded pretty good.