If 12% of Americans live at or below poverty.?

Honestly I thought there would a higher percentage on both ends.

Obviously too many but until the people, the politicians and the government are prepared to provide adequate welfare and health programmes nothing will change. It shouldn't be an insurmountable problem if the political will is there. While every programme has its costs these can be minimised by looking at the savings and benefits made by there introduction. Where there's a will there's a way.

If the American population is 299,802,462, 14% would be 41,972,344 (w/o or limited health care) and 12% would be 35,976,295 (below poverty). Remeber most of thos people are counted in both catergories, so a realistic number is probably closer to 38,000,000 for people who are low income/poverty & no/little health insurance.