When I received my W-2 this year, I checked to see where I stood in the grand scheme of impoverishment. I make almost exactly the amount of money that puts a household of three people at the national poverty line.
Seems like I'm doing alright for myself, eh?
Take into consideration that I live in the city of Chicago, where rent/food/gas/etc... is more expensive than in the Suburbs or country, I can't imagine feeding, sheltering and clothing a household of three people on what I make.
To even think that "poverty" is a national standard and not a regional one is a joke.
Nice article. It's my backyard sort of, just down the road. The suburbs they mention are still thought to be rich by so many.
Glad they picked the area as in every corner except the McMansion gated communities forming in old corn fields is in a serious depression.
I only have two homeless students this year. I learned a while back how they get by from a 14 year old who could not be housed in foster care due to her learned survival skills. She was brilliant but couldn't shut her mouth completely because no dental care was afforded for her misshapen teeth. I still cry over the fact that she wanted to take care of me. Can you believe that?
In my neighborhood more people are below the poverty line and have to stay that way if they are to receive any aid. It's a sticky wicket that. Lots of secrets to learn to make it through.
Well fed people ask why I have a hard time smiling at their lavish dinner parties. It's hard to separate, so often I save my smiles for those banquets where that is all that's on the menu.
2 comments:
When I received my W-2 this year, I checked to see where I stood in the grand scheme of impoverishment. I make almost exactly the amount of money that puts a household of three people at the national poverty line.
Seems like I'm doing alright for myself, eh?
Take into consideration that I live in the city of Chicago, where rent/food/gas/etc... is more expensive than in the Suburbs or country, I can't imagine feeding, sheltering and clothing a household of three people on what I make.
To even think that "poverty" is a national standard and not a regional one is a joke.
Nice article. It's my backyard sort of, just down the road. The suburbs they mention are still thought to be rich by so many.
Glad they picked the area as in every corner except the McMansion gated communities forming in old corn fields is in a serious depression.
I only have two homeless students this year. I learned a while back how they get by from a 14 year old who could not be housed in foster care due to her learned survival skills. She was brilliant but couldn't shut her mouth completely because no dental care was afforded for her misshapen teeth. I still cry over the fact that she wanted to take care of me. Can you believe that?
In my neighborhood more people are below the poverty line and have to stay that way if they are to receive any aid. It's a sticky wicket that. Lots of secrets to learn to make it through.
Well fed people ask why I have a hard time smiling at their lavish dinner parties. It's hard to separate, so often I save my smiles for those banquets where that is all that's on the menu.
Thanks for this post man. I enjoyed it.
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