The New Nation - Internet Edition

AS reported by the media, more than 37 million Americans live in poverty and nearly 46 million have no health insurance. According to the US Census Bureau's annual report on income, poverty and health insurance coverage as quoted by the AFP news agency, some 37.3 million people lived in poverty in the United States in 2007, an increase from the 36.5 million people in 2006. The poverty threshold for 2007 was set at 21,000 dollars for a family of four, regardless of whether they lived in a small town or large city like Los Angeles where the cost of living was significantly higher. The number of people without health insurance coverage decreased to 45.7 million in 2007 from 47 million in 2006.

Generally, what the report shows is that there has been some change but it's pretty minor and this is not progress. The changes are insignificant. According to a report published earlier this year by the Annie E Casey Foundation, which advocates for public policies and reforms to alleviate poverty, both the Democratic and Republican parties have made the 'fight against poverty a priority in their campaigns.' A survey released, in this regard, two months ago showed that an overwhelming majority of Americans-82 per cent- think the US healthcare system is in need of a complete overhaul.

Nine out of 10 Americans want the 2008 presidential candidates to address healthcare reform. In fact, both the candidates-Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain-in their debates gave much more stress on the issue to be addressed with priority. People who were already 'living on the margin' when the 2007 report was compiled could well have fallen over into poverty this year.