Speaking of poverty

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100911/ap_on_bi_ge/us_poverty_in_america

The article talks about how estimates are that the new figures to be released will show that the US has the highest poverty level since 1993, of 15%.

Which isn't unexpected when a "standard family unit" of 4 needs $21,756 and a single person with no health issues under 65 needs $11,161. Which, if we break that down is:

family single
$1,813 a month $930
$418 a week $215
$10.46 an hour $5.37

just to be at poverty. When averaged out that means you need to make $7.91 an hour to be at poverty. Therefore, our minimum wage should be $7.91, if we can all live at poverty with 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, jobs.

However, take an average home for a month in Kansas.

family single
$900 rent $350
$400 utilities$300
$250 transport$150
$300 food $200
--------------------
$1850 total $1000
--------------------
$37 short $70

That's considering you have your transportation paid for, and you are fairly frugal at the grocery store.

Is it really any wonder that we live in abject poverty?