The Poor Middle Class

Paper Summary:

In this paper, the writer outlines the discussion in Erik Eckholm's article, "America's 'Near Poor' are Increasingly at Economic Risk, Experts Say", on the growing number of people in America who are considered "near poor". The writer relates that he strongly agrees with Eckholm's premise that many Americans are struggling with the high cost of living, low wages and poor benefits. The writer is angry that there seems to be no end to poverty in sight and argues that the U.S. government can support other countries but is unable to spend money to better education or assist the working class in its own country. The writer emphasizes how it is not just the lower class who can not make ends meet, but the middle class and upper classes who are also feeling the effects of the economic downfall.

From the Paper:

"An article published on May 8, 2006 in the New York Times titled, "America's 'Near Poor' Are Increasingly at Economic Risk, Experts Say" written by Erik Eckholm addresses the growing number of people in America who are considered "near poor." The Abbott family used to have an income of $40,000 a year prior to 2001. Mr. Abbott lost his job in 2001 because of "a collapse in demand for the aviation-related electronic parts." This led to his loss of unemployment and health benefits and an eviction from their apartment. Mrs. Abbott lost all her teeth due to diabetes and with no insurance to fix it believes finding a job with no smile would be difficult. In addition, they have a teenage son who is also bearing the brunt of joblessness."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Eckholm, Erik. "America's 'Near Poor' Are Increasingly at Economic Risk, Experts Say." New York Times May 8, 2006: 1. 14 June 2006. <http://topics.nytimes.com/top/ reference/timetopics/subjects/1/labor/index.html>.

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