Poverty and the 2012 Presidential Election

With the upcoming presidential election, a variety of social and economic issues have been put in the spotlight. Recently, Christian leaders of "The Circle of Protection" asked the two candidates for presidency, Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, about their plans to reduced poverty in the U.S.. Poverty is such a serious issue that it is influencing the future outcome of the 2012 presidential election. In the following article, Jim Wallis, a Christian leader, writes about this ever-present moral issue that is playing a part in America's future.

We Asked, They Answered: Obama, Romney on Poverty

First of all, I think that it is great that Obama and Romney are addressing the problem and discussing their ideas to end poverty. After reading the article, I found it interesting how Christian leaders from different groups and associations are brought together by their common concern about poverty. They all responded to the recent statistics from the United States Census Bureau that 15% of people in the U.S. are currently living at or under the poverty line. To put this in monetary terms, the typical income for a family of four living at the poverty line is $23,021, while the annual income of an average American household is $50,054. Can you imagine living on less than half the average income? Can you imagine having to choose between those shoes you've been planning to buy and a week's worth of food for your family? Can you imagine relentlessly searching for work while keeping up with the two other jobs you have so you can take care of your family's needs?

Can you imagine the courage and humility it takes to ask a stranger for food?

That is the cruel reality of 46 million people in our country.