Kaila Phelps
February 13, 2016

Have any passages from the book struck you so far? If so, which ones?

There have been many different stories throughout the book. One passage that struck me was when it stated, "Medicare and Medicaid expanded to healthcare. Yes, an expanded food stamps program cut down hunger...But for all of the investments, poverty remained part of the national landscape" (Abramsky, 2013, p. 77). This passage really stood out because it puts into perspective all of the different things the government is saying they're helping with but in reality nothing is changing.


On page 51, Abramsky wrote "There is, after all, a reason Swedes... tolerate for higher taxes than Americans do." what does Abramsky mean by this?

Abramsky mentioned how "It's not because they have some strange Scandinavian-only pro-tax genes in their DNA" (Abramsky, 2013, p. 51). Meaning that quality education, healthcare, childcare, vacation times, and pensions are not just given to them. When paying a lot for goods or services the end result is having a better quality outcome. Since America fights for trying to have lower taxes we have poorer quality goods and services.   


What does Abramsky mean by the heading "walling off the poor" in Chapter 3?

 When Abramsky titles the header "walling off the poor" Sasha means that we put up a wall, ignore or turn our heads when thinking about people in poverty. Americans assume there is nothing they can do so they disregard the issue. It is upsetting that people ignore the issues that don't affect them. Paying it forward was mentioned in this passage and I would have to say this would be an awesome way in helping some of the people in poverty. Every little thing can help.

References:

Abramsky, S. (2013). The American Way of Poverty. New York, New York: Nation Books.