Kipp,

31% of the US population lives on less than 200% of the federal poverty level. See http://pubdb3.census.gov/macro/032006/pov/new01_

The federal poverty level is set so low, that 200% is a more accurate representation of people who live in true poverty, and is the threshhold for eligibility for many, many means tested programs.

12.5 % of our population live below the actual poverty level.

We are a wealthy nation. When these percentages are this high, it can not be rationally argued that societal conditions are not prime contributors, nor can it be argued that societal interventions are inappropriate or unneccessary.

The characteristics of the people in homeless shelters are not representative of the characteristics of most of the population included in either the 100% or 200% of the federal poverty level, and it is a mistake to generalize your observations about the people in homeless shelters to the entire population living in poverty. I'm the majority of people who habitually rely on homeless shelters are severe addicts, mentally ill, or both.

I have never argued, and neither has anyone else on this thread, that individuals are not responsible for the choices they make. I will strongly argue, however, that bad choices is not the primary reason that 31% of our population is poor.

Among developed nations, we are at the bottom in % of income we pay in taxes. we are also at the bottom in social spending.

Rapists, murderers, theives and internet trolls may also act superficially courteous. Good manners and good intent are not the same thing.

Janie