China has brought millions out of poverty. The US has not – by choice

The US Falls Short on Reducing Poverty Amidst Global Success.

Despite boasting some of the most advanced technology and a highly productive workforce, the United States has struggled to eradicate extreme poverty, with over 4 million Americans living below the $3 a day threshold in 2021 dollars. This disparity stands out starkly against China's remarkable success in eradicating poverty, where nearly all its citizens lived below this same threshold as recently as 2019.

Critics argue that America's self-proclaimed status as a beacon of democracy and economic freedom is being undermined by its inability to fairly distribute wealth among its citizens. While the US excels in productivity compared to European peers and has seen significant advancements thanks to AI, the data suggests that this success has not been equitably shared.

The stark contrast between America's rich and poor households highlights a disturbing trend: the widening of economic inequality. The share of national income earned by middle-class Americans has plummeted from 52.5% in 1980 to 42.5% by 2023, with the wealthiest 10% reaping nearly all the remaining gains.

Furthermore, America's policy choices seem designed to further exacerbate this issue. President Trump's latest initiatives have sparked widespread criticism for their impact on low-income households. Cuts to Medicaid and reduced health insurance subsidies will disproportionately affect millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet. Additionally, tariffs are set to increase staple prices, reduce business spending, and lead to job losses.

The author suggests that America's reluctance to address poverty is not a result of market forces or inherent flaws in its capitalist system, but rather a deliberate choice by policymakers to prioritize the interests of the wealthy over those of the poor. This criticism of American capitalism raises questions about whether democracy truly serves all its citizens, particularly those struggling at the lower rungs of society.

The comparison between the US and China highlights the stark contrast between undemocratic authoritarian governments and democratic societies that fail to deliver equal economic opportunities to all their citizens.

I'm not sure I buy into the whole 'America's a beacon of democracy and freedom' thing when it comes to poverty reduction. The numbers are pretty clear: 4 million people struggling to get by on $3 a day is unacceptable, regardless of how advanced our tech or productive we are. It's like, yeah, AI is great for productivity, but what about actual human progress? We need to acknowledge that our economic system isn't working for everyone, especially the most vulnerable. Those policy choices just seem like a bunch of rich people looking out for themselves.

I mean, it's crazy to think that in one of the richest countries in the world, over 4 million people are still living on like $3 a day . It's not just about numbers, though - it's about the fact that this is happening right under our noses, and no one seems to be talking about it enough . I'm not buying into the whole "it's just market forces" thing; if the US was really that strong on its own, wouldn't it have figured out a way to distribute wealth more evenly by now? And yeah, I get what they're saying about China's authoritarian government, but at least they're getting stuff done over there . It's time for us to take a hard look at our own system and figure out why we're not doing better by everyone, not just the 1%

I'm telling ya, this is like something outta a conspiracy theory . I mean, think about it, America's all like "we're the land of the free" and "home of the brave", but what about the ones who are struggling to survive? It's like they're invisible . And it's not just poverty, it's the whole economic inequality thing too . Like, who benefits from this system? The 1% , that's who. And our politicians, they're in bed with the corporations, that's a no-brainer . It's like, what's really going on here? Is America just playing the role of the villain in some global economic game? I don't know about you guys, but this whole thing is giving me some serious vibes...

I'm really confused about this poverty thing in America . Like, how can a country with so many smart people and advanced tech still have so many people living below $3 a day? It's not like they're asking for much - just enough to get by and live decent lives. But nope, it seems like the rich folks are getting richer and richer while the rest of us struggle to make ends meet .

I know we've talked about this in class before, but it's crazy to think that nearly 10% of people in America now earn more than half the country's total income . That just doesn't seem right to me - I mean, what's the point of having democracy if everyone's not equal?

And don't even get me started on President Trump's policies . It's like, what's going through his head when he decides to cut Medicaid and raise tariffs? Does he really think that's a good idea for the average American?

The American Dream is more like a nightmare for millions of people living in poverty It's wild how a country with so much tech, innovation & productivity can still have so many struggling to get by In the UK, we're lucky to have the NHS & Universal Credit; why can't America get its act together? The middle-class share of income has plummeted – it's like they're getting squeezed out on purpose! And with Trump's policies, it's like he's intentionally pushing more people into poverty. We need to reevaluate what democracy really means in America & ask if the wealthy are being left behind or simply ahead

I mean, it's crazy to see how the US is struggling to help its own people with poverty when other countries like China are killing it . I think this shows us that just 'being the best' in tech or productivity isn't enough - we need to actually be good at helping everyone, not just the wealthy ones . And I'm like, what's up with all these policy changes? Trump's initiatives seem super regressive and hurt a lot of people . Can't we find a way to balance growth with equality? I know it's easy to say, but at the end of the day, poverty is just really, really hard to deal with .

The poverty gap in the US is like a big puzzle . You got your super smart & techy people , but they're not sharing their wealth with those who need it most . Meanwhile, China's doing some cool stuff and eradicating poverty left & right.

I think America's issue is more than just market forces or capitalism . It's like the policymakers are playing a game where the wealthy get to level up while the poor are stuck in neutral ️. The stats on income inequality are crazy , and it's not like anyone's talking about fixing it.

I'm not saying China is perfect , but at least they're trying to make their citizens' lives better . America could learn a thing or two from that approach . Maybe we need to rethink what democracy means & make sure everyone's got access to the same opportunities

Here's a simple diagram to illustrate it:
```
+---------------+
| Wealth |
+---------------+
|
|
v
+---------------------------+
| Inequality | |
| Gap |
+---------------------------+
|
|
v
+-----------------------+
| Poor | |
| Struggle |
+-----------------------+
```
Can we find a better way to make America's wealth gap shrink?

It's like, what does it even mean to be a great economy, right? Does it just mean we're producing more stuff and innovating at a crazy pace? Because the US is doing all those things, but at what cost? We've got this massive divide between the haves and have-nots, and it's not just about numbers – it's about people's lives. I mean, think about it: 4 million Americans living on less than $3 a day... that's not just poverty, that's human suffering. And what are we doing to fix it? Not much, from what the data says.

I'm not saying we should just take away everyone's freedom and do things "authoritarian-style" like some other countries do, but at the same time... I don't know, maybe we need to rethink our priorities as a society. Are we really valuing human well-being over profit margins? Or is it just that we're not thinking about it enough? It's a tough question, but I think it's one we need to keep asking ourselves.

OMG, tbh , America's handling of poverty is super sus . Like, yes, we have tech and a strong workforce, but where's the $$$ for those struggling? China's killing it with poverty eradication, while we're over here having like 4 mil ppl living on < $3 a day . It's wild how our so-called "beacon of democracy" is actually kinda failing us in terms of wealth distribution . And don't even get me started on the widening economic inequality ... like, middle-class Americans used to make up 52.5% of national income, but now it's down to 42.5%! Meanwhile, the top 10% are reaping all the benefits . I'm low-key worried that our policymakers are more concerned with catering to the wealthy than the poor ... and it raises some legit questions about whether democracy really serves everyone . China may have a harsher gov system, but at least they're tackling poverty head-on .

its crazy how a country with so much wealth & tech can still have millions living below poverty line the fact that china was able to eradicate poverty is like a slap in the face to america's self-proclaimed status as a beacon of democracy & free market economy what's even crazier is how america's policy choices are just perpetuating this issue, instead of trying to fix it those cuts to medicaid & health insurance subsidies are going to hurt people so hard, especially low-income families who can barely make ends meet

I'm literally shook by this news . I mean, we're living in a country where our "beacon of democracy" is struggling to address poverty. It's wild how the richest 10% are reaping most of the gains, leaving middle-class Americans with crumbs . And now, with President Trump's policies, it's like they're intentionally pitting low-income households against each other. Medicaid cuts and reduced health insurance subsidies? That's just cruel . And don't even get me started on tariffs – who benefits from that?

"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." This is what's happening in America right now. The system is rigged against those who are already struggling. It's not just about the policy choices, it's about the priorities of those in power. Do they truly care about the people or do they just want to keep their own privilege?

I'm really concerned about this, it's like they're ignoring a huge problem . $3 a day is basically nothing, and you've got 4 million Americans struggling with that. I mean, China did it, they actually managed to eradicate poverty. What's the US doing wrong? The statistics are just crazy - middle class share has dropped by 10% in 40 years! That's not market forces at play, that's like deliberate choice, you know what I mean? And now they're cutting Medicaid and health insurance subsidies? That's just cruel. It's all about who benefits from the system, right?

The rich get richer in the US while the poor struggle to survive . It's not just about being a capitalist system, it's about making choices that hurt the many for the few . America's tech powers can't compensate for its economic inequality . I think the US needs to rethink its policies and prioritize equality over profit . The middle class is disappearing and it's unacceptable . We need to do better, especially when we have such a strong workforce . China may be doing better on poverty rates, but at least they're not hiding behind democratic ideals . It's time for the US to take responsibility for its economic disparities and make real change .

its so sad to see america fallin short on reducin poverty especially when we know china has done it and theyre a whole diff kinda country altogether. i think americas capitalist system is flawed from the start its supposed to give everyone a shot but in reality its only for those with the right connections. america needs to rethink its priorities and make some real changes to ensure every1 has access to basic necessities like healthcare and food

I mean... it's crazy to think about how the US is falling short on reducing poverty despite being one of the richest countries in the world . I'm not saying our system doesn't have its flaws, but it's hard not to feel like some people are just being left behind . The fact that 4 million Americans are living below $3 a day is just staggering . And it's not just about the numbers - it's about the impact on people's lives, you know? I've seen friends and family members who are struggling to make ends meet, and it's just heartbreaking .

I think we need to have some real conversations about how we're distributing wealth in this country . It's not just about market forces or capitalism - there are policies and choices being made that affect people's lives directly . And the fact that China is doing so much better than us in terms of poverty eradication is just a reminder that we need to do better . We need to make sure that democracy truly serves everyone, not just the wealthy elite .

I'm so worried about the state of poverty in America . It's crazy to think that with all the advancements in tech and productivity, we're still struggling to keep our own people afloat. I mean, 4 million Americans living on less than $3 a day is just heartbreaking . And it's not like China didn't do everything right - they literally eradicated poverty! What are we doing wrong? It feels like the system is rigged against us, and that's a tough pill to swallow .

I think it's time for our policymakers to rethink their priorities. We can't keep relying on trickle-down economics that only benefits the wealthy . We need real solutions that address the root causes of poverty and give everyone a fair shot at the American dream. It's not too much to ask for, right?

4M ppl livin below $3 a day in US is CRAZY ! Meanwhile, China was able to eradicate poverty & now has near universal access to this same threshold... China's got a population of over 1.44B people & 94% of them are above poverty line... US has a pop of around 331M but only 26M (8%) live below $3 a day The global poverty rate has actually decreased since 1990, from 35% to 9%, so where's the US goin' wrong?

I'm kinda worried about this poverty thing in the States . Like, you got these super smart folks who are working hard with AI and stuff, but they ain't reaping most of the benefits. Meanwhile, the rich get richer and it's like, what's up with that? It's not all bad, tho - I mean China's making strides in eradicating poverty and we can learn from that. But America's gotta figure out a way to balance its economic growth with fairness for everyone, you know?