World Poverty

[JimmyHoffa 1,188]

I will add link in a little bit

Edited April 27, 2018 by JimmyHoffa

[Parliament 14,130]

People are cynical by nature.  But the truth is poverty, hunger, war are all becoming less common, all whilst freedom blooms.  And that isn't a coincidence.

[Incredulity 11,559]

As a corollary, the "starving america/we are all fat as fuck" paradox is frustrating.

[Parliament 14,130]

Obesity is a terrible problem, and we have a lot of work to do.  But I think it's falling as well?

[David Dennison 18,652]

40 minutes ago, Parliament said:

People are cynical by nature.  But the truth is poverty, hunger, war are all becoming less common, all whilst freedom blooms.  And that isn't a coincidence.

The world is becoming less free.

https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2018

[Spankytoes 1,736]

“Poverty” is too abjective a word to use for this. Poverty in the U.S. and poverty in India are not even in the same ballpark. There’s no homeless shelters or Operation Kindness in the shantyvilles.

[David Dennison 18,652]

Also, global inequality is getting worse.

http://wir2018.wid.world

[Don Johnson 4,745]

1 minute ago, David Dennison said:

Also, global inequality is getting worse.

http://wir2018.wid.world

Why is inequality an issue?  If I was able to wave a magic wand and give every person in poverty a 2,000 sqft home and lifetime supply of food, is that minimized if that same wave of the wand gives those at the top private jets and vacation homes?

[David Dennison 18,652]

5 minutes ago, Don Johnson said:

Why is inequality an issue?  If I was able to wave a magic wand and give every person in poverty a 2,000 sqft home and lifetime supply of food, is that minimized if that same wave of the wand gives those at the top private jets and vacation homes?

It's an issue because wealth concentration leads to social unrest and war.

[TwiceHorn 31,265]

15 minutes ago, Spankytoes said:

“Poverty” is too abjective a word to use for this. Poverty in the U.S. and poverty in India are not even in the same ballpark. There’s no homeless shelters or Operation Kindness in the shantyvilles.

Well, another reason for this is that poverty statistics are usually figured as a percentage of median income and only cash income is included.  If the median income in a country is shitty, poverty will be shittier.

And, the US has always been hostile to cash benefits, preferring more "in-kind" and the value of the in-kind benefits are rarely added to income.  And, because those nearer poverty percentages receive more of these benefits, at least ostensibly, it skews poverty level incomes lower.

Edited April 27, 2018 by TwiceHorn

[Parliament 14,130]

1 hour ago, David Dennison said:

The world is becoming less free.

https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2018

Well crap.  Nvm

[Nice Guy Eddie 13,410]

3 hours ago, David Dennison said:

It's an issue because wealth concentration leads to social unrest and war.

When 99% of the people own 1% of the wealth, they will eventually take 99% of the wealth in one way or another.   The uber-wealthy should be pushing for reform that will help with distribution of wealth.   It's in their best interest to get in front of the problem but I understand why they don't want to do so now.

[SmokeyBear1861 107]

3 hours ago, Don Johnson said:

Why is inequality an issue?  If I was able to wave a magic wand and give every person in poverty a 2,000 sqft home and lifetime supply of food, is that minimized if that same wave of the wand gives those at the top private jets and vacation homes?

Because, everyone is exactly the same and we should all have equal outcomes. Never mind the natural processes in the universe.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_J._de_Solla_Price

 

 

[David Dennison 18,652]

3 minutes ago, SmokeyBear1861 said:

Because, everyone is exactly the same and we should all have equal outcomes. Never mind the natural processes in the universe.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_J._de_Solla_Price

 

 

That's a straw man. People are not arguing that all outcomes should be equal. 

[JimmyHoffa 1,188]

Probably too positive for a lot who post here and yes the world still has major issues but is it so wrong to be positive about some shit? It's good for your health...

 

http://awealthofcommonsense.com/2018/04/50-ways-the-world-is-getting-better/

[DaysOff 7,851]

Shit yes these are the good ole days. Technology, porn to your phone, Shaggy, Surly, and an Astros World Series. The notion that the 1950s was some idyllic time where everyone could have every modern appliance just isn't true. Every American has had a more comfortable life today than the entirety of the British royal family sans the current generation. 

[Spankytoes 1,736]

3 hours ago, Nice Guy Eddie said:

When 99% of the people own 1% of the wealth, they will eventually take 99% of the wealth in one way or another.   The uber-wealthy should be pushing for reform that will help with distribution of wealth.   It's in their best interest to get in front of the problem but I understand why they don't want to do so now.

Why would they? Being wealthy doesn’t automatically make you altruistic nor should it. Do you redistribute your accumulated wealth to assist others or do you provide for your family and give what you can when you can? The whole 1% argument is a fallacy anyway. The average American won’t make in a lifetime what the 1% pays for 1 year of taxes. In that sense, they are already the #1 donors to society. Without their taxes, it would get passed on to the 99% to makeup the deficit. 

Edited April 27, 2018 by Spankytoes