How big of a problem is poverty in the U.S.?

Question

I recently wrote an editorial to the newspaper about capitalism and it's role in American poverty and someone responded saying that poverty wasn't really a problem in the U.S. He said he was fine with 20% of America holding 80% of its wealth. He says that anyone in America can fulfill their needs if they really wanted to. Of course, he also used the argument of the poor in other countries being worse off than the poor of this country...but can Americans really satisfy their needs on minimum wage? Does everyone really have the opportunity to live comfortably? Any thoughts (with explanations)?

Answer 1

The majority of people on this planet are significantly worse off than even the poorest homeless person in the U.S.

There are many countries where thousands of children are literally starving to death.

People who are doctors in their own country can come to the U.S. to drive taxis and provide significantly better lives for their families.

If you flip burgers at McDonald's, drive to work in a beat up 10 year old Honda Civic and live in a 400 square foot studio apartment with a family of 4, believe it or not you are living better than about 90% of the rest of the planet.