>Not only are the poor not getting better off, the middle class isn't, either, when you take inflation and the cost of health insurance into account. During a time when the rich have enjoyed unprecedented economic gains, the middle class is actually worse off in adjusted dollars than it was 20 years ago. And that doesn't even consider the loss of short term peace of mind (job security) and long term peace of mind (the virtual disappearance of retirement pensions). In the latter case, risk has been shifted from corporations to individuals and the government. This has been a massive redistribution of wealth to the most well off from all the rest of us. Robin Hood in reverse, you might call it.

We aren't perfect, but I think the poor are better off today than in the past. Homeless guys with cellphones? The homeless fall into four categories as I see it:
1. Mentally Ill
2. Drug dependant
3. Temporarily homeless
4. People who won't work and are playing the system.

The first two should be taken off the streets and put into programs. The third should be helped get back on their feet and the fourth should be caned.<g>