Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian W
Just something to consider... societies are always segregated into haves and have nots. No matter how rich or how much of a shining light any society is there will always be those who have less. The question is not how can a society eliminate the poor but rather how can a society elevate the poor to a standard where they too have the basic necessities and maybe even a luxury or two.
Take myself as an example. I am Canadian and when I was about 30 I came down with Multiple Sclerosis. After about 10 years it developed to the point where I was unable to work. I took a disability pension.
My pension is roughly $800.00 per month which equals $9600 a year. The poverty level in Canada is @ $24,000.00 per year. Thankfully my pension follows me so I live in the Philippines for financial as well as other reasons.
My personal opinion is that Canada is a little slack in looking after the poor. As for how any other country looks after their poor... I have not the right to judge.
Brian
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Sorry to here that you have MS.
I think the poverty level is a similar dollar value here. (don't quote me).
Old age pensioners here receive about $15,600 per year. Not a lot to live on when Australia is one of the most expensive countries to live in. I myself could not afford to live off $15,600. Rates, car, electricity, phone, internet, insurance, that would chew up about $10,000. That leaves $5600 for food clothes and general living. ( I forgot carbon tax)
Not much left over for astronomy.
phil