[Boogieman]

With the way rents are in NYC, that income really might be considered poor.

[Graewoulf]

Duh, what if Poverty = $ 7.50 X 8 hours X 5 days X 52 weeks = $15,600 for a family of four? That is $ 42.74 per day, tax free.

[mylife]

What Obama and the Class divisionist’s don’t understand is you can make us all poor and there will still be envy.

All, Obama will accomplish is stifling ambition.

[Jane Long]

Between EBT, WIC and Section 8 housing, the *poor* in America have much more than the poor in other countries, and much more than most working class families in America have. It’s absurd what folks are given — so that they don’t have to *suffer*.

[rlmorel]

"...The new definition, released last week, stretches that gap between common-sense and government perspectives even further..."

[PGR88]

Remarkably, for the first time these new poverty thresholds are linked to an “escalator” that will boost them faster than inflation year after year. The income thresholds will rise automatically in direct proportion to any rise in the actual living standards of the average American.

Thus insuring the Gov't has increasing amounts of dependents and justifies its programs - FOREVER

[Frank_2001]

In NYC, I’m sure there are places where dinner for 10 could come pretty close to $37, 900;)

[HomeAtLast]

The typical "poor" American experiences no material hardships, receives medical care whenever needed,

Baloney. I'm too young for Medicare, and Medicaid was denied because I get Social Security income. It's less than $8k a year and I have no other income whatsoever. Nor any health insurance.

[Pining_4_TX]

Poverty statistics are phony. They only count income when they decide who is living in poverty. Non-cash benefits from the government - food stamps, medical care, housing, utilities, meals at school for the kiddies, the “free” education in government schools, and even a free Obamaphone are not counted as income. If you had all these things provided for you and had some income, would you call that living in poverty?

[driftless2]

Oh no, I don’t believe Rector. He’s citing facts and detailed information. But movies, tv, and the media have told me there are countless millions of homeless and starving Americans. They’re all over the place. I haven’t seen any personally (I have seen a lot of very well-fed Americans), but the people on the tube have reliably informed me about all the starving, homeless people. Who should I believe: facts from people like Rector or the lib media and entertainment industry? (snicker)