Would you rather your country have low unemployment, or low poverty?

Question

The United States has low unemployment but high poverty, because people are forced to take low-wage McJobs that can't lift them out of poverty. Western European countries have higher unemployment but much lower poverty rates, because of their generous welfare states.

Answer 1

Low poverty. This is because with low poverty, it gives more people a chance to seek better education which results in a general further advancement for the country overall than with a lesser educated country. Students (at least through highschool) should not have to work, anyways. If you think that low unemployment is more important, just go out to East St. Louis, where there are schools that are so poverty stricken, that they occasionally get flooded with waste due to poor indoor plumbing. being born into poverty, you're probably not going to get a good education. not a good education means not a good life for you. the question should really be answered with one assuming that they would not know what kind of family he or she would be born into.

Answer 2

Low unemployment. SOMEONE'S got to work to fund this welfare state. Those in poverty in this country choose to be there. They lack the drive and desire to better themselves. There are plenty of socialistic programs already in place to give them both a hand up....and a hand out. Guess which they most often choose.

Answer 3

Low poverty.

Answer 4

is the NRA a charity? no wonder conservatives say they give more to charity... LOOK AT WHAT THEY CALL CHARITY! HAHAHA...

that's golden...really...

but to answer your question... I think we can have both... there are countries like Sweeden that have almost zero poverty and a fairly low unemployment rate... like 6 or so percent, only 1.5 percent higher than ours...

there's clearly MORE THAN ENOUGH money out there to make it happen and it wouldn't really hurt the economy if done correctly...

Answer 5

Low poverty. Being poor sucks.

Answer 6

Good question. Low poverty. It's a worthy goal but not attainable here. What do you do with the middle class when you take more of our taxes? I think the goal should be work hard to get security for your family and then share with others....not work hard, have your family struggle and share with others that don't work hard.

Answer 7

Low poverty !!


But unfortunatly my country has high unemployment and high poverty !

Answer 8

aren't you the judge! Have you lived there in those
other countries personally? I think a good education
can get you a good job,& if you really want to help
yourself,in most cases you'll get good results.
If you don't want to work,you might go hungry?
I understand why people who are sick & people who
are injured or have a disability of some kind cannot
work,but whats really sad is to see people who mooch
off their parents & families & friends & lie about not
being able to find work,ect....
People who really need the help should have it,but the
problem is,with so much lying going on here,how does
anyone these days know who to help or to support?
President Bush has made getting an education alot
easier & better for people who want it.
It would be a great thing if more people would work &
get educated rather than to pass blame which only causes
more hatred & terrorism against other people.

Answer 9

low poverty of course.

Answer 10

I'll take the high poverty, please! We need people to work McJobs because sometimes I want a $0.99 double cheesburger!

"Generous welfare state" means "generous" with MY money. No thanks! If i feel like being generous, I will just donate to my favorite charity, like the National Rifle Association for example. No need to get the inefficient, wasteful government middleman involved!