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Poverty: noun 1. the state of being poor, necessity; want. 2 a lack of something needed or wanted. Ref.(Holt,Rinehart and Winston) Publishers.
We as a society deem others as poor if they lack what the majority possess. Throughout the history of mankind there have always been those who live in poverty, as compared to the social norm of the era.
In the past, industrialized nations had no "safety net" so to speak and if one became ill and could no longer make a living and provide for their family, all was lost in a very short time. Debts were repaid in a workhouse, sometimes referred to as a "debtors prison". All of the family members were made to pay, even the children, age was of no concern.

Many children were left to fend for themselves if their parents died and there were no family members willing to give them shelter.

Those who lived in that era despised the poor and thought of them as dirty, thieving and worthless, a blight in the eyes of society. They were not protected by the law and had very little chance of getting off the streets.

We have social organizations now in place for those who cannot make a living and provide shelter and the necessities of life for themselves or their family. We can say we have come a long way but; we still view the poor in a negative manner.

We do not tolerate the homeless person asking for change, we ignore them as if they were not even human, we mock them or pity them.
Most city officials consider them a eye-sore and are embarrassed, we are concerned they will drive away visitors and tourists.

Poverty is not always as visible as the homeless that we see daily. Poverty has become more prevalant amoung those who do try to make a living.
Food banks are now being used by more working people than ever before. In our society it was always encouraged to do an honest days work for an honest wage. This is no longer a reality, more and more people are working longer and longer hours for little money, and no benefits whatsoever. The cost of living increases but the wages do not rise accordingly, this is a disaster in the making.

In this day and age of unimaginable wealth and power in the hands of very few as compared to the population world wide, there is no excuse for poverty anywhere, any longer.

The government have various excuses for not addressing the issue of poverty, in this country and worldwide. When it comes to money for military endeavours the government always has more than enough. We as a society have become unwittingly compliant.

Learn more about this author, Sandra Lynn.
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