Poverty is a criminal offense in America.

[pineapplebunnybounce]

Certainly other people have it worse, but that's not something that's relevant to the discussion is it? Is there a point in bringing that up except to suggest that nothing needs to be done to bridge the inequality until things get as worse as it is in third world countries? I grew up in a developing nation and my parent grew up not having enough to eat and worked throughout their childhood.

We're not talking about which country it's happening in, all countries that have an obligation to their citizens. And the reason the poor are more likely to be fat is because they spend more time working (no time exercising) and they spend their money on fast food because it's more calories per dollar compared to fresh foods. Plus they don't have time to cook. Time is precious when you're poor, most work more than one job and have children. And then they get sick more often too, poverty is directly correlated with health. Getting sick in america is pretty expensive, no?

First off, just to reiterate, I'd be very surprised if anyone on these boards made less money in a year than me. I'm waaaay below the poverty line. I live off of around 3000 dollars a year and have so for the last half a decade. So when you guys try to lecture me on what the poor are like, you sound like asses. Also I've noticed that there are a number of inconsistencies in the claims made about 'the poor' They are hungry because they are poor, they are overweight because they are poor, so and so can't afford his car insurance because he's poor, (really throws me for a loop that someone can own a car and be poor.) An overweight guy with a car isn't poor. By what standard is the definition even set. I think maybe before you guys launch into tirades about what the poor are, you need to get a handle on the definition.

Also if it's unfair to compare to the average person in the world, by what standard do you judge who is poor and who isn't? Also are you guys aware that it is perfectly compatible to be both poor and happy. In fact some studies have shown that indeed, money is a detriment to happiness.

I lived in a developing nation for the majority of my life. I've seen families who have to sell their children so they can keep the rest alive. My mum was almost sold when she was a child, my aunt was almost sold when she was a newborn. All the girls in that family starved for most of their childhood and worked throughout their childhood. My uncle's sister was sold as a baby. I fucking know what poor is. Try to raise a family in poverty, then tell me money is a detriment to your happiness.