The Prof
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Most of those below the poverty line in this country would be considered very well off in many others. Most below the poverty line here have a house full of electronic gadgets including cable tv, cell phones, and internet service.
yesterday: dept of energy survey based on census data
What is poverty? Americans might well be surprised to learn from other government data that the overwhelming majority of those defined as “poor” by the Census Bureau were well-housed and adequately fed even in the recession year 2009. About 4 percent of them did temporarily become homeless.
Data from the Department of Energy and other agencies show that the average poor family, as defined by Census officials:
Lives in a home that is in good repair, not crowded, and equipped with air conditioning, clothes washer and dryer, and cable or satellite TV service.
Prepares meals in a kitchen with a refrigerator, coffee maker and microwave as well as oven and stove.
Enjoys two color TVs, a DVD player, VCR and — if children are there — an Xbox, PlayStation, or other video game system.
Had enough money in the past year to meet essential needs, including adequate food and medical care.
Modern Poverty Includes A.C. and an Xbox - By Ken McIntyre - The Corner - National Review Online
some notes:
98% of americans below the poverty line have a tv, 81% have a microwave, 78% air conditioning, 71% a vcr, 65% a second tv, 65% a dvd, 64% cable, 62% washer, 60% cordless phone, 55% cellphone, 53% ceiling fan...
less than 50%---personal computer 38%, third tv 32%, internet 29%, video game system 29%, printer 28%, 2nd vcr 28%, dishwasher 25%, big screen tv 18%
fyi