Poverty in Germany

[Narkos]

The Freepers are gloating over this, wondered if anyone in here has any better context. Looks like eastern germany has the highest rates, which isn't surprising, but there are other areas of the country that are a little surprising. Of course, the righties are going to use this as a cudgel against any government spending or social safety net programs. Need to debunk this before I go to Uncle Blowhard's annual Thanksgiving dinner. Thanks


http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20090525/wl_time/08599190064900

[nichomachus]

1. Welcome to DU

enjoy your stay

[Narkos]

4. Why so paranoid?

[MannyGoldstein]

2. Apples And Oranges

Poverty is measured differently between here and Germany.

The yearly income threshold for poverty level is much lower in the US. The article states that in Germany, it's about $13,000 a year for a single person, or $27,000 for a family of three. In the US, it's about $11,000 for a single person or $18,000 for a family of three.

Also, in Germany, the health care is provided by the government, which makes poverty in the US far worse.

NB: trying to get freepers to understand this may be difficult. Start with something easier, like teaching an earthworm to juggle.

[Narkos]

5. Very good point about health care

and other safety nets. Thanks for the info. Agree about freepers, but I know my rightie relative will throw this shit in my face. Can't let 'em get away with it.

[madrchsod]

3. out of work german workers receive 2/3 their wages for one year

companies can receive government assistance if they retain workers during this recession. many companies do not want their workers to go to another company during this recession or after. unlike the united states the germans value skilled labor

german workers have healthcare whether they are employed or not.

germany is in a worse recession than the united states is.

eastern germany will take years to recover from the years of soviet rule

freepers are dumb fucks

[Narkos]

6. LOL! Nice, succinct points.

Again, the poor in Germany are obviously a lot better off than our poor.