Stimulating

 $600/individual.

What a wonderful late Christmas present.

(Sarcasm intended)

Something is better than nothing...but we gotta do better!

-David

8 Million

 "While overall poverty levels are low by historical standards, the increase in poverty this year has been swift. It is the biggest jump in a single year since the government began tracking poverty 60 years ago."

As I've said before, and I'll say again... poverty in the first world is not the same as in the third world...but the psychological aspects of it can cut deep.

-David

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/12/16/poverty-rising/

The Poverty Defense

 From Seattle,via Daily Mail...

"‘In a situation where you took that sandwich because you were hungry and you were trying to meet your basic need of satisfying your hunger; we as the community will know that we should not punish that. That conduct is excused,’ Khandelwal said, according to KOMO .

The proposal, however, excludes misdemeanors related to domestic violence and impaired driving.

Khandelwal also suggested the creation of a public fund for restitution, to compensate theft victims even if the offender cannot pay them."

First time I've heard this seriously discussed... it's definitely a lot to think about...

-SGAF

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9048471/Seattle-City-Council-considers-new-poverty-defense-excuse-misdemeanor-crimes.html

Rich and Poor and A Credit Score

 "Credit-scoring algorithms are not the only ones that affect people’s economic well-being and access to basic services. Algorithms now decide which children enter foster care, which patients receive medical care, which families get access to stable housing. Those of us with means can pass our lives unaware of any of this. But for low-income individuals, the rapid growth and adoption of automated decision-making systems has created a hidden web of interlocking traps."

Though the story to kick off this article may be on the "upper" end of sanity...the point rings true. Credit scores are yet another number which can help the old "rich get richer" adage hold true. It's hard to tell the whole story in words if you've never experienced it yourself.

-David

Source:https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/12/04/1013068/algorithms-create-a-poverty-trap-lawyers-fight-back/

Growing Up Poor

 A full Frontline documentary well worth the watch.

-SGAF

Vaccination: A Harrowed History

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/10/29/covid-vaccine-black-americans-hesitancy-trials/3744257001/

"Clear communication and "collaborative engagement" can help overcome vaccine hesitancy, he said."But these steps need to be taken urgently," White said. "I don't think it's too late, but I think we're running out of time." 

There's a long list of reasons why minorities, especially African Americans, are concerned about vaccination...and medical care in general.

It's hard enough to comprehend the effect COVID has had on minority communities as it is...it's even more difficult to envision what a low vaccination rate will do.

-David

$600 Lies

 "The $600 in weekly benefits has been one sticking point. Republicans argued that the flat increase created warped incentives for workers, as many as two-thirds of whom earned more through unemployment than at work. Studies showed that due to extremely high unemployment, the benefit had few effects on the overall labor market."

Interesting read. Sad state of affairs when without this government intervention, a number of states won't provide enough unemployment for the most basics of needs. Bad enough in a "normal" world... almost unforgivable in the middle of a pandemic with skyrocketing costs of living...

-SGAF

Source Article: https://thehill.com/policy/finance/528007-gao-unemployment-benefits-fell-below-poverty-line-in-13-states

Up and Down: Gains of Poverty

 https://www.bloombergquint.com/global-economics/decades-of-gains-over-u-s-poverty-at-risk-of-being-wiped-out

"Economists have described this as the “K-shaped recovery”, in which wealthy Americans are seeing jobs and investments snap back, while the lower-income ranks lag far behind."

Yet again, we are seeing the "rich get richer" mentality take over. It is amazing to see the inability of those in power on both sides of the aisle to care about those who need it most.

-SouthGA

TBA...

 I'm back in control of the site after a sale, another sale, and finally a dissolution fell through. Look for more content in the near future!

-SouthGA