Will John Edwards campaign increase awareness of poverty in America? Is this an issue the non-poor care about?

Answer 1

It has to increase awareness to some extent, but that will depend on many factors such as how long he stays in the race, how competitive his campaign is seen to be, etc.

Raising that awareness is a net good, in that poverty of some threatens the stability and economic well-being of all. When one is poor, one is a non-participant in the economy, and economies grow as more and more people participate.

Crime, an increasingly viable career option as one grows more desperate, undermines economic growth by eliminating the sense of confident well-being in the public-at-large, and replacing it with fear. This well-being is key to people taking the risks of entrepreneurship, of investment, and even of consumption.

Answer 2

Why on earth should it be the responsiblity or the arena of government to alleviate poverty? Government is terrible at doing it, and it is not the rightful role of government to start with. To do so requires that the government coerce productive citizens into surrendering wealth to unproductive ones. This is bad for the productive or wealthy ones (it is not charity if one is coerced), and it is bad for the beneficiaries (if it is an entitlement, there is no accountability or responsibility). This ought to be something that is voluntary. Where the problem is addressed by private charity there is much more effective response, and much more efficient use of resources.

The problem is not one of awareness--everybody is aware of poverty. Edwards' so-called vision is a joke. And lastly, the poor in America are much better off now than they were 100 years ago, and will be much better off than now in another 100 years--provided government doesn't screw it up. It is individual liberty and free enterprise that have been the source of progress, not government.

Answer 3

Gee, thank god John Edwards came upon the scene and told us the poor exist. Whew. Now that I am aware of the poor I suggest to Mr. Edwards that if he is so concerned with poverty in America he could start a business and give people jobs instead of the crap he is giving all of us now. Thanks John. Without you I would not be aware of anything in my life ever.

Answer 4

I think Americans are quite a deal more aware of poverty than the media gives us credit for. Or, conversely, maybe they've finally conditioned us to be human goldfish, so we only think about hwat they want us to think about.

Let's see if Edwards has a plan with substance, or if it is just allegorical broth for the masses.

Answer 5

A person would have to be blind and deaf not to already be aware of poverty in the US. Its called politics and a photo opp in poor ole' Louisiana... Those who give to charitable organizations which help support the poor will continue to do so and those who chose other charities will support them..

Answer 6

In America? highly doubt it.

It will likely increase awareness of the issue in the US though.

Answer 7

that is a fine looking get at the same time of what the community-human beings used to say: White guy talk with Forked Tongue or Edwards is speaking out of both area of his mouth. I actually like your truth!!

Answer 8

he will try to,but how can he when he`s building a 3 million dollar house?they campaign on issues that the poor can identify with but in the end do the rich politicians really care about the rest of us?

Answer 9

yeah he's going to do something. he so concerned with poverty in America that he is building a sprawling complex to live in. the man is out of touch with reality and the poverty thing is a political hoax for him to run his campaign on. he was a joke with Kerry and he will be a bigger joke on his own. i hope he gets the nod from the dems that would ensure a victory for the repubs.

Answer 10

NO!! People in America are already aware of poverty
in this country and we are already doing something about it. Y E S to your last question!!!