Poverty
By freymind
@freymind (1351)
Philippines
May 15, 2011 12:56am CST
Poverty is one of the leading problems of most countries and there are lot craps that the government uses to hide its incompetence in battling this cheap issue.
They say that funds are unavailable to support the people yet they live in hotels, grandiose houses, owns luxurious cars and own properties that if you think about it is impossible for a decent government official to avail if they are not living a life without corruption?
I say to these greedy men that if only they do not allow themselves to be devoured by this hunger of money and material things they would have bought basic food to feed the hungry, buy medication to those whom are sick to be productive, invest in business to create jobs for the people and buy books and pay more teachers to provide education to the illiterate and the young.
So that the future men and women of this country are more adept to face the future and become more productive and fruitful for the betterment of this country, don't you agree?
2 people like this
19 responses
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
15 May 11
It has been said," If all the money was evenly distributed, within 7 years all those who had it before, would have it all back again."
You cannot discount those who work hard, who do the jobs that need to be done, and who save and invest their money. On the other hand there are some who through no fault of theirs, end up on the streets without a shirt to call their own. The government cannot give a man a fish and feed him for a day, but must teach a man to fish and thereby,feed him for life.
2 people like this
@yspmyl (3435)
• Malaysia
16 May 11
Have you ever see or know any government officer that do not have a luxury car and a big house? There are non. These people will only think of their own benefits before they will think of the poor and serve for the people. What they spend for those unnecessary are more than enough for the poor to survive for a long period. Government is the place where the corruption starts.
1 person likes this
@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
10 Jul 11
Hi "yspmyl",
You can say that again! In my country the government officials who make the decisions to send young men and women to hostile areas of the world to risk their lives for various reasons most of which have to deal with money ie. oil and other valuable natural resources. It all seems to come back to GREED regardless of what nation is involved.
As far as the conflicts in the middle east are concerned most seem to be about religious differences and the populations of those nations have been at odds with eachother for hundreds of years if you look back through history. It now appears the populations of those countries are finally getting tired of the dictitorial/religious differences which rob them of their individual freedoms and threaten their lives because of some finatical leaders' idea of how the population should live. People are getting tired of not being able to live their lives as they see fit. The really sad part is that some of these "religious" proponents also control the banks and realestate markets. From my point of view there are only two classes of people in the world; "THE HAVES" and "THE HAVE NOTS". What do you think? 
You can say that again! In my country the government officials who make the decisions to send young men and women to hostile areas of the world to risk their lives for various reasons most of which have to deal with money ie. oil and other valuable natural resources. It all seems to come back to GREED regardless of what nation is involved.
As far as the conflicts in the middle east are concerned most seem to be about religious differences and the populations of those nations have been at odds with eachother for hundreds of years if you look back through history. It now appears the populations of those countries are finally getting tired of the dictitorial/religious differences which rob them of their individual freedoms and threaten their lives because of some finatical leaders' idea of how the population should live. People are getting tired of not being able to live their lives as they see fit. The really sad part is that some of these "religious" proponents also control the banks and realestate markets. From my point of view there are only two classes of people in the world; "THE HAVES" and "THE HAVE NOTS". What do you think? @gracie04 (4549)
• Philippines
16 May 11
Hi there, I could not agree more. Poverty is the leading problem of most countries particularly third world countries. Here in our country, many families are suffering from poverty. I blame the corrupt government for this. Government and even non government officials are too greedy. The budget which is supposed to be for the development of the country goes directly to the pockets of our corrupt and dishonest officials. Cost of living is getting more expensive as time goes by. The rich are getting richer, the poor are getting poorer.. Poverty will come to an end when people would stop being insatiable.
@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
9 Jul 11
Hi "gracie..."
What strikes me as funny in a "sad" way is the very things various nations' leaders do like getting "illegal" under the table monies from the various large manufactures and bankers for special favors and the various schemes as recently demonstrated by the stock markets and realestate industries not to mention some of the major world banks. The very acts they committed would send the everyday common business person to jail or at the least cost them huge sums of money and probably ruin their businesses. Yet these people seem to walk away with only a "slap on the wrist" and in some cases large severence checks to leave the company or they get huge retirement checks to leave government service whereas the ordinary lower level executive or employee gets nothing and could even be criminally charged for the same offense.
In my country I have seen this very situation happen more than once in my 66 years on this planet. Now I ask you is that any "FAIR" way to run a business or government? As I see the world today it reminds me of the "French Revolution" which cost "Marie Antoinette" her head.
What strikes me as funny in a "sad" way is the very things various nations' leaders do like getting "illegal" under the table monies from the various large manufactures and bankers for special favors and the various schemes as recently demonstrated by the stock markets and realestate industries not to mention some of the major world banks. The very acts they committed would send the everyday common business person to jail or at the least cost them huge sums of money and probably ruin their businesses. Yet these people seem to walk away with only a "slap on the wrist" and in some cases large severence checks to leave the company or they get huge retirement checks to leave government service whereas the ordinary lower level executive or employee gets nothing and could even be criminally charged for the same offense.
In my country I have seen this very situation happen more than once in my 66 years on this planet. Now I ask you is that any "FAIR" way to run a business or government? As I see the world today it reminds me of the "French Revolution" which cost "Marie Antoinette" her head. 
@ptower76 (1616)
• United States
15 May 11
Poverty is a side affect of industrialization. In a country where freedom of enterprise is practiced, the distribution of resources will always be unequal. The rich get richer and the poor stay poor. In a world obsessed with materialism, politicians are not exempt from getting their piece of the pie. Unfortunately, one has to climb out of poverty by one's desire and determination. It is sad but it is a fact of life.
1 person likes this
@Netsbridge (3253)
• United States
16 May 11
I agree with all you've stated, except for your allegation that "where freedom of enterprise is practiced, the distribution of resources will always be unequal." Are you advocating government-controlled enterprises and/or implying there are better than free enterprise? We have had government-controlled everything and they too lead to bondage and impoverishment.
On the other hand, I believe poverty is a mindset. I have had to, due to circumstances, live on almost nothing and yet looked like a millionaire. While money makes a difference in living, total impoverishment is the result of hopelessness and lack of imagination.
1 person likes this
@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
20 May 11
Hi guys.
I agree with both of you to a point. However, I feel that when the wealthy and politically powerful become motivated by "GREED" and "POWER" more than they care about the general population their businesses or financial dealings start to fail as in the recent bank, realestate and stock markets. I am completely in favor of free enterprise when it doesn't take advantage of less the fortunate.
Look what happened in the realestate and banking industry with all of the speculation and under the table dealings.
I particularly agree with you "ptower..." when you address how people in the various economic levels think about and use money. To me it seems "EDUCATION" plays a major part in the prosperty formula. The more education one has the more likely they will use their financial resources wisely. What upsets me is when "GREED" enters the picture as in the case of the banks, stock markets and the realestate industry.
Finally, I really get upset when the government "BAILS" out these high rolling industries after they have used bad judgment which I think has led up to the current world financial problems, especially as it is related to the U.S.
Further damage is done when these same corporations ship all of the good paying jobs for Americans outside the country to keep from paying the higher wages and then they turn around and give the executives big bonuses and huge retirement packages even when the exec. has been terminatedor retires.
Yes, hard work and wise use of $$$$'s is absolutely the formula for financial health when one is given the opportunity but in this the financial climate of today for Americans that is becoming more difficult even with hard work when one can find a job". What do you think?
I agree with both of you to a point. However, I feel that when the wealthy and politically powerful become motivated by "GREED" and "POWER" more than they care about the general population their businesses or financial dealings start to fail as in the recent bank, realestate and stock markets. I am completely in favor of free enterprise when it doesn't take advantage of less the fortunate.
Look what happened in the realestate and banking industry with all of the speculation and under the table dealings.
I particularly agree with you "ptower..." when you address how people in the various economic levels think about and use money. To me it seems "EDUCATION" plays a major part in the prosperty formula. The more education one has the more likely they will use their financial resources wisely. What upsets me is when "GREED" enters the picture as in the case of the banks, stock markets and the realestate industry.
Finally, I really get upset when the government "BAILS" out these high rolling industries after they have used bad judgment which I think has led up to the current world financial problems, especially as it is related to the U.S.
Further damage is done when these same corporations ship all of the good paying jobs for Americans outside the country to keep from paying the higher wages and then they turn around and give the executives big bonuses and huge retirement packages even when the exec. has been terminatedor retires.
Yes, hard work and wise use of $$$$'s is absolutely the formula for financial health when one is given the opportunity but in this the financial climate of today for Americans that is becoming more difficult even with hard work when one can find a job". What do you think?@ptower76 (1616)
• United States
17 May 11
No I am not advocating government control. Only stating a fact that when there is freedom of enterprise there is unequal distribution of wealth. On the other hand, I agree with you that poverty is a mindset that needs to change within the individual if the individual is going to become upwardly mobil. I believe that being poor is a result of how the individual perceives the use of money. Poor people perceive money as something to spend and as a result, spends all they have. Middle class individuals perceive money as something to manage and as a result, us their money in ways that will maintain their socioeconomic status. Rich people perceive money as a tool for investment and as a result invest and become richer.
1 person likes this
@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
15 Jun 11
Hi "icelgo".
You can say that again! If you are a history follower, and it sounds like you are, I completely agree with you and unfortunately my country (the U.S.A.), is at the top of the list as far as I am concerned. Infact that's why I moved out of the country. I am a two tour Viet Nam combat vet and when I returned to the states it wasn't the same as when the soldiers returned from WW2 and Korea. Getting a job was difficult and to most people I was like a second class citizen. Finding a job was difficult as I said, and when I did get a job it was with the government and in a position that I HAD to help displaced Viet Nam people get jobs, issue them social security cards and other benefits etc.; in other words get help for them that I myself could not even apply for after risking my life for two tours and two combat injuries.
I now live in Southeast Asia and even with the economy being what it is world wide I still live and eat better than I could if I still lived in the U.S. You see I'm retired and my retirement would have me on welfare if I lived in America. To me that's is a disgrace. The people are much nicer here and more respectful than I ever encountered in the U.S. For me it is a very sad world situation we all face and I am very thankful I am able to live here. @PhoenixLancer (18)
• Indonesia
16 May 11
I'm absolutely agree with you. For the example, I live in Indonesia, and I know how many people are starving at street. Although the governments say that they're already try their best to decrease the poverty, I just can't easily believe it. Recently, our governments go to another country, saying that they're doing some research for our country, yet the truth is far from what they tell. I just think that they just want a holiday.
What concern me is that the problems of their contacts. When they are asked about their official email, they just say the Yahoo Email. Such a nonsense that they can go to other countries, but they can't have an official email. The budget of IT Maintenance itself is almost 9 billion rupiahs, or I can say is about 8 - 9 million dollars. They spend a lot, but unfortunately, they don't even have a simple official email for themselves.
@Netsbridge (3253)
• United States
16 May 11
I believe poverty is a mindset. I have had to, due to circumstances, live on almost nothing and yet looked like a millionaire. While money makes a difference in living, total impoverishment is the result of hopelessness and lack of imagination -
People: The grass is not always greener across the street! If people would stop dreaming of greener pastures elsewhere rather make good use of that which is readily available to them in their homelands, then their misery often shown would become a matter of comparison.
@bingskee (5234)
• Philippines
15 May 11
it is a sad fact but true that the word equality does not exist among the poor. the rich and the greedy will remain voracious, the poor, wanting till the end of time.
i have to agree with one of the mylotter that responded that one has to climb his way out of poverty by perseverance.
1 person likes this
@aerous (13434)
• Philippines
1 Jun 11
That's true, friend. Most of the politicians did not mind about the main problem of the country. This is poverty...
If they are looking for the betterment of everyone. They should create economic laws and abolished the rules of the those companies of age limit.
@andy77e (5156)
• United States
16 May 11
Politics and money will always be connected. There's no point in even complaining about it, because that will never change.
No one is going to be in government, and live in a cheap apartment with one bedroom. Not going to happen.
As for all the other stuff, it sounds nice, but it doesn't work. Every time the government buys food, medication, education, and so on... you always run out of money, and end up with more poverty. Look at Venezuela, Cuba, former soviet states, North Korea.
In all those countries, the government tried to provide those things, and the result is no food, no medication, no education, and poverty everywhere. Socialism doesn't work. Government providing stuff, doesn't work.
The solution is for people to work hard, and earn their own money to buy things. That's what happened in America.
1 person likes this
@Angelgirl16 (2171)
• United States
15 May 11
Yes, I absolutely agree that poverty is a major worldwide problem. However, the greed of men/women will continue to be the dominant force when it come to whether the hierarchy will assist in bring poverty to a halt. I really don't think in our life time the we will see this happen. Looking back throughout history there has been poverty and still to date, is about the haves getting more and more power and the have-nots are getting poorer and poorer. This is a sad reality.
@masang (295)
• Philippines
15 May 11
I do agree with you. Because of rampant corruption in the government, many people will suffer poverty. But if you try to survey the lives of these corrupt politicians, they are really materially rich but their happiness is just very shallow. It's because they don't feel secure by the number of bodyguards that they have, they have very problematic children and have terminal illnesses etc. These would be the consequences of those who steal people's money. I knew one student who is on the job training in a certain department of government. He promised to himself that after graduation he will never work there because he witnessed how corrupt the employees are in that certain department. He will not work there in order to save his dignity and he doesn't want to experience the bad consequences of being corrupt. According to him, even if how strong you are in your principle to be upright and honest, you will end up as loser it's because many will be angry at you and will throw you a lot of accusations, if you will not go with the trend. I don't know if the present government can solve these deep rooted problem of poverty because of corruption.
1 person likes this
@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
13 Jun 11
Hi "masang",
I know what you mean. Sometime it takes more effort to keep wealth than it did to acquire it. It seems to me that's where the problem lies. THERE ARE TOO MANY GREEDY AND SELFISH PEOPLE IN THE WORLD" especially after they reach high government positions or extreme positions of wealth. I guess the temtation and greed are just too much to pass up for them. Unfortunately these same people seem to control the finances of the rest of the planet's population. It is a sad testimonial to mankind's existence on this litte blue rock floating in space.
I know what you mean. Sometime it takes more effort to keep wealth than it did to acquire it. It seems to me that's where the problem lies. THERE ARE TOO MANY GREEDY AND SELFISH PEOPLE IN THE WORLD" especially after they reach high government positions or extreme positions of wealth. I guess the temtation and greed are just too much to pass up for them. Unfortunately these same people seem to control the finances of the rest of the planet's population. It is a sad testimonial to mankind's existence on this litte blue rock floating in space. @yellowocean (22)
• Slovak Republic
15 May 11
I agree, but the greed will always win. In my country we have a saying: Replete doesn't believe the hungry one.
Some facts on poverty:
- More than 1.2 billion people on Earth survive on less than $1 a day
- 2.7 billion struggle to survive on less than two dollars per day
- The top 1% of the world's richest people earn as much as the poorest 57%
- About 25,000 people die every day of hunger or hunger-related cause
Sad...
1 person likes this
@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
17 May 11
Hi you two,
I couldn't agree with you both more. Throughout history there has always been a struggle between the wealthy and powerful against the average and less fortunate of just about every so called civilized culture on the planet. The "BIG" question in my mind is why can't we all get along?
It seems to me the two "MAIN" causes of all this turmoil is "GREED" and "RELIGION". Unfortunately normal everyday people who just want to have a decent job and earn enough wages to support themselves and their families are the happless victims of those who are either GREEDY FOR POWER WHICH EQUALS $$$$$$$$'s OR FANATICAL about their religious beliefs.
As far as the religious aspects of all of this conflict is concerned there just simply is no logical reason in my mind for all of the bloodshed. If one person wants to believe in one form of religion "IT'S BETWEEN THEM AND THEIR GOD".
What really blows my mind is that in both the Islamic Koran and the Christian Bible the profits names are the same and they try to teach peace and harmony yet both religions have been killing eachother for centuries. WHY? IT MAKES NO SENSE!
In my humble opinion, having been born in the middle of a war; (D-day plus five hours), the Korean conflict, and Viet Nam in which I was actively involved and now what seems to be not just a religious battle but an economic one as well I see little hope for mankind without some SERIOUS POSITIVE CHANGES taking place. What do you think?
I couldn't agree with you both more. Throughout history there has always been a struggle between the wealthy and powerful against the average and less fortunate of just about every so called civilized culture on the planet. The "BIG" question in my mind is why can't we all get along?
It seems to me the two "MAIN" causes of all this turmoil is "GREED" and "RELIGION". Unfortunately normal everyday people who just want to have a decent job and earn enough wages to support themselves and their families are the happless victims of those who are either GREEDY FOR POWER WHICH EQUALS $$$$$$$$'s OR FANATICAL about their religious beliefs.
As far as the religious aspects of all of this conflict is concerned there just simply is no logical reason in my mind for all of the bloodshed. If one person wants to believe in one form of religion "IT'S BETWEEN THEM AND THEIR GOD".
What really blows my mind is that in both the Islamic Koran and the Christian Bible the profits names are the same and they try to teach peace and harmony yet both religions have been killing eachother for centuries. WHY? IT MAKES NO SENSE!
In my humble opinion, having been born in the middle of a war; (D-day plus five hours), the Korean conflict, and Viet Nam in which I was actively involved and now what seems to be not just a religious battle but an economic one as well I see little hope for mankind without some SERIOUS POSITIVE CHANGES taking place. What do you think? @spicnick (24)
•
15 May 11
Yes poverty is the worst situation in every place ............People are rather becomin selfish and the richer is gettin richer .......
There is no proper help to uplift this poverty even by the richest communities,most of them seem greedy and r mostly bothered about self development..i think the government should be a good one to help in reduce this poverty line......all we have to hope is do what you can atleast or raise our voice through mass media.....
1 person likes this
but I have to ask you who do you think controls the world's mass media? @bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
16 May 11
Finally, someone who sees alot of the world's problems as I do. The world financial problems in my opinion are a result of "GREED" by those that have the money and therefore the power to manipulate almost every aspect of human life by being able to use their resources to their own selfish advantages.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not againist governments in general however when the leaders and supposedly senior and trusted leaders of whatever country start taking advantage of its citizen's to the point where it inflicts undue hardship and induces poverty by making bad decisions for the economy and cause more debt to the nation as a whole by way of costly wars the people will rise up and express their disatisfaction as we are witnessing now.
I completely agree that if governments would spend more time and resources on new positive sciences like growing more and healthier foods, providing education for all peoples instead of investing in ways to destroy humanity and the planet on which we reside we would have a better world.
I wonder if anyone has taken the time to calculate how much money is spent on war and war machinery as opposed to how much is spent on health care and education regardless of the nation.
You are correct when you name "CORRUPTION" as the culprit. It seems the old saying "POWER CORRUPTS COMPLETLY..." is correct and it appears everyday people of the world are getting tired of it and want better lives for themselves and their families. 
@Sanitary (3968)
• Singapore
17 May 11
There are two sides to a story. When a government doesn't have enough funds to support its citizens, it does not mean government officials are poor too. Being a government official, they are employed. BEing employed, they are entitled to salaries. SO how they want to spend their money, it's up to them, unless they are spending government funds meant for people? HOw sure are we in order to say that?
Poverty is a problem in many countries due to the poor governing by government. It's a fact we can see from the riots in egypt, ivory coast, jordan and many other countries. Their government should some soul searching.
@mallu30 (461)
• India
21 May 11
The system is the reason for developing poverty despite the governments are incurring crores of rupees for eradicating property. Governments must take steps to provide all the people with free education and provide work for all. Then only poverty will come down.
@sjvg1976 (41131)
• Delhi, India
7 Jun 11
Its true that POVERTY is the leading problem in the country. I do LIVE IN INDIA and found many people living under poverty line.
I have seen people just doing hard to gather food for two times in a day to feed their family & sometimes that too becomes impossible some times.
In INDIA particularly i link poverty with the population because population has taken up every thing from us there are limited job,limited schools everything is less than the requirement.
Government on the other hand take less interest in this.They just talk regarding these issues during elections for getting votes. Yes its true where the people below the poverty line are sleeping on footpaths & average person sleeps in hot as electricity is also a major concern in our country these politicians donot let any thing left in their luxaries.