Jasmine James Post- February 14, 2016

1. What is the central idea or premise of the book thus far? From reading the first 100 pages of this book, I feel that the central idea or premise of the book is to bring out the awareness of poverty in America. The author main focus is to show the readers how the other half of America is surviving and what are they surviving off of. So far this book had gave the readers numerous of examples of poverty in America. The author has pointed out some interesting facts that lets us know that there are many companies and individuals suffering from poverty and he also gave a few pointer on how people make ends meet.

2. What evidence does Abramsky use to support his ideas? So far in this book Abramsky has talked about and spoken with people that are living in impoverished conditions. For instance in the first chapter it talks about the neighborhood food pantry and how the demands are high but there is little to no-donations from the people or the government. A women that makes $592 in social security checks explained to the author about how she have to make ends meet every month. She depends on food pantries and whatever assistance she can get to survive.  

3. When did the attitudes towards welfare recipients shift in the U.S.? The attitudes towards welfare shifted in the 1980s. It all started when Ronald Reagan referred to “Welfare queens”, as “Cadillac-driving moochers impudently turning up at the government offices claiming their checks”. He wanted to make it harder for people to get welfare. In other words they assume the worst of applicants that they would cheat the system more than they need it to survive.