Why do people say there are poor people in America when it is obvious that there aren't?

Uh, it's not true poverty exists everywhere else in the world. There are countries where NO ONE goes hungry, NO ONE is homeless -- which is obviously not the case in America. It's true that we have no cases of extreme poverty -- where the person has absolutely no money at all. The free money you list is NOT enough for people to live on without suffering. Food stamps don't last a month, so for at least a week, often two, families go hungry, with very little to eat. Having to go to food banks and be in line in all weathers in order to get food is a hardship. Not everyone CAN get the health care they need when they need it. And they usually can't get dental care or eye glasses. It's not true that everyone can get a free education after high school. There aren't enough grants, and they don't completely cover costs. Living in cold places with no heat, and sub-standard living conditions -- or living in the streets, as millions do -- are all hardships due to poverty. People DO die on the streets of America EVERY DAY -- from malnurishment and exposure. Furthermore, many children's development is stunted due to poverty. You really don't know what you're talking about. There are a lot of people in the US who are MUCH worse off than the very poorest people in many countries.

Poverty is relative. The poverty trap is real. Go to a homeless drop in centre, live a little. . .

"Poor" is subjective. Other countries, where cost of living is lower, "poor" is just that. In the U.S., quality of life and cost of living is much higher. $20,000 a year is considered below the poverty line, yet that same amount in some parts of Asia are considered enough to live off for decades. You can buy lunch in India for less than a penny. Literally.

So why don't you try living like one of those people and see if you don't feel poor? Who's paying your bills, anyway? Mommy and Daddy?

There are peopel who are sent ot concentration camps in america. jks.

you do make valid points. the ppl living in the u.s at the poverty line are not starving in the street like some 3rd world countries. but you leave out the working poor that can stretch a dime further than you obviously have ever had to. they shop at aldis, second hand shops etc...most work and make just a few dollars above being eligible for assistance but they carry on and pray the car don't break down. i have worked all over this country and have seen pll fall through the cracks at no fault of their own. your STATS. don't cover it all. a little empathy and life experience wouldn't hurt you at all son.

Patrick, I think I understand your question? I'm 51 years old, when I was growing up, doctor's in hospitals were smoking cigarettes, billboards on the great affects cigarettes have on your health, commercials on cigarettes, teachers smoking, priests smoking, everyone was smoking. So, when I had kids, they saw me smoking, so they started the habit. It was acceptable, but, today it's not. Just like when I was growing up, tattoos were forbidden, piercings were not accepted, etc You understand what I'm trying to say. Then you have people getting SSDI, etc.... These people cannot afford to get medical insurance or medications, plus theirs no mandatory rehabilitation for these people, so they can get better. And food stamps. Did you know if someone was getting SSDI, living on their own, do you know they only get $10.00 per month in food stamps, I know this is hard to believe, but it's true, trust me The bottom line is "Free health Care", plus Free mandatory rehabilitation, with Free education. Someone has to pay for this, but if it was properly laid out, like other countries, then it would be possible. If you were poor, living in housing, then you would understand their environment they live in. Environment plays a part in your success in life. Alcoholic's, they have kids, they pass this down to there kids, and they become alcoholics. Are priorities in this county is twisted. We need to invest in education, children, etc... One more thing. If a person makes $1200.00 per month on SSDI, then there only eligible in Illinois for $10.00 per month in food stamps, that's for one adult. What can you buy for $10.00? There rent is $350.00 per month, the water bill is $30.00 per month, electricity is $70.00 per month, there phone is $30.00 per month, There food is $200.00 per month, there medical insurance, lets say is about $150.00 per month, the dentist per month is about $20.00, any medicine is about $50.00 - $200.00 per month, right there your talking about $1100.00. what about transportation, about clothes needed, about a tv costs per month? what about eye glasses if needed? what about any entertainment, like go to the movies, etc.? What about doctors co-pays? did you know in illinois, if you see a doctor the co-payment is $5.00, a specialist (Therapy) is $30.00 per visit. Then what happens if your insurance won't pay for that doctor you needed because you had an emergency, had to go to the hospital? Not everyone gets free transportation, or free housing, the waiting list in illinois is about 3-6 years, if you get lucky, but you still pay there too. They can only spend $6.00 a day on food Bread is almost $3.00, milk is $3-$4.00, etc.. I really do not think you know enough about this topic? Otherwise you would of not asked this question. Try to live on $6.00 a day for your food. Try living in "Housing". It's easy to look and judge, but you must first understand. And to understand is to experience all this. I hope that I answered your question properly?

Stop asking this form of questions - money is one of the least material aspects of life

Wow, what a blatant distortion of available facts. I would bet this month's mortgage that your town has a homeless camp, where people are cooking rats and squirrels for dinner as we speak. And if someone tried to show this to you, you would keep your eyes shut and keep screaming "It's not true!" over and over.