Why is our society (American) set up so that some people are rich and others are poor?

Question

The gap between the rich and the poor is growing rapidly. Why is this happening.

Please no ignorant comments, intelligent well thought out answers only.

Answer 1

Because that is what Democracy and Capitalism represent. That is the foundation of the country and it can not work any other way...sorry. Adapt to it and learn it and you will be ok

Answer 2

We are blessed to live in a country that allows capitalism. It is not perfect, but it does give opportunity to all to succeed. Poor people do have the chance through hard work and dedication to make a good income.

Don't tell me that it isn't fair, because that is another issue in itself, and that is not the question posted.

Rich people are better equipped to deal with their finances and invest well. They have access to better education, thus better jobs that provide health insurance and retirement plans, which in turn aids the ability to not live paycheck to paycheck.

Those that have little money often have little or no health care, which then causes expenses that gobble up the paycheck. Further, in the materialistic society that has been created, many people feel the need to surround themselves with things, objects that they ought not purchase. This now brings the problem with credit cards into play. Eventually it becomes a downward spiral; they end up with no savings, no credit and end up renting their homes. With no equity, no cash and expenses exceeding income, they struggle to put food in their mouths, clothing on their backs and a roof over their head.

The society we have created is not unique to America. It is becoming a world-wide phenomenon ... more is better ... luxury goods are not considered a luxury anymore, rather a necessity, a right that ought to be had by all. The counterfeit items that we see world wide are a testament to this fact ... people WANT what they cannot/should not have because they simply cannot afford it, but the desire to have it all is so strong, saturates the media; it has brainwashed us all. This expectation to possess has become the norm, not the exception,

Last, with depressed cities and neighborhoods comes a collaborative mentality that there is little that can be done among the citizens. This further pushes people into the financial abyss. Truancy rates and drop-out rates in schools increase, drug use increases, jobs become more scarce. This all leads to higher crime. If a member of a family becomes incarcerated, it places another financial burden on an already struggling family.

Answer 3

First. Name a country where there is NOT a split between rich and poor. There is none nor has there ever been.
Name a country where people have been freer to try and make it big than the US?
There is none.

Free markets allow the greatest 'redistribution' of wealth (and its the only moral way to do it)

Do you want people like George BUSH to be in charge of distributing wealth? ( Never had a straight answer from a socialist/communist on THAT one)

Answer 4

It is called unbridled capitalism and conservatism. Unbridled capitalism means that a person can profit alot at the severe expense of someone else. Money isn't distributed fairly. The rich are calling for tax breaks and in this country, you get a tax break for buying a Hummer( a giant, gas guzzling tank-like SUV). The reason the rich call for tax breaks is because they don't want to pay for resources that they could pay for themselves out of pocket for someone else, basically selfishness. This is part of why socialism is look down on by the rich because the rich feel like they shouldn't have to pay for someone else who needs the resource.

Answer 5

I beleive it has to do with Credit Cards, and the access of the lower and middle class people being able to obtain them when they don't even have the means to pay them to begin with. Which then makes rich people richer by making money through investing in credit cards, and through the economy looking good, so they can increase their prices.
So, it looks like our economy is doing good because of all the spending. Which raises prices even more. Which requires more money or credit. Then back into the circle again. A Vicious Cycle.

Answer 6

Its the way our society is structured. It seems to be ordered around what is considered to be the Elite Theory. This says that society is governed by a select elite who are prosperous at all times and they occasionally allow a couple of "from rags to riches" stories. The stories are for the purpose of making the argument that everybody has a chance to make it. But in actuality, its all controlled.

Answer 7

There is hereditary wealth, which speaks for it's self, then there are the 'ambitious', who try their hand at building a business, through hard work & determination.
There's the 'worker', who is contented to earn a wage by selling their labour/skills, but mainly, there's the 'majority' who think the world owes them a living, & who are quite happy to collect a welfare cheque each week..
Guess which group is the most prevalent?..
(This is world-wide. Not just in the USA & the UK.)
:)

Answer 8

Most people are poor and only some are rich. 80% of money goes to 20% of population. Satan likes this arrangement because he has 20% of poulation in his grasp at all times. Life is much more then money and things. Live for God and be thankful for what we have and we are certain to be happy. Some of the most unhappy people on earth are rich in money only!

Answer 9

to prevent liberal revolutions!
make the poor busy all the time seeking for money!
and make the rich spend their time enjoying themselves and having entertainment!this is what the American government wants!
and both the poor and rich mostly don't think out of their personal affairs!
the people who are between them mostly change the world they change politics and lead the nations towards justice and humanity!and that will not please the (the American congress)!

Answer 10

In America, you have the option to choose to be rich or remain poor. i dont want to hear excuses from people saying the rich man is stopping them. its simple to start a business, all it takes is determination to see it succeed