Rank Part II

        In chapter 4, Part II, Rank discusses the basic fundamentals that need to be rediscovered in American society that need to be addressed in order to combat poverty. rank talks about how poverty is ultimately unwise, unjust and unfair. It is often viewed as outside of the boudaries of the American experience and as a result does not fall under the jurisdiction of American concern.  He goes on to describe a nation in which the stratification between the elite upper class and the lower poor class is greater than any other nation in the world. Furthermore, the richest nation on Earth with a greater poverty rate than every other developed nation. Rank then describes the values in which this country was built. The foundations that built this nation, democracy, freedom, equality and the values passed down by our forefathers through the Anglo American church are all horribly defied by the open acceptance of ignoring and even outcasting Americans who suffer at or below the poverty line. Rank calls upon the American people and essentially challenges them to live up to the ideals on which this nation was founded. He puts a strong emphasis on democracy and how it is the obligation of the American people to restore it to its fullest in order to keep alive the true spirit of this nation. Aside from the importance of justice and American ideology, Rank also discusses how political moves that reinforce poverty are for short term benefits as opposed to long term benefits that can be built overtime (such as strengthening the economy).
       Though Rank makes a strong point in idealism and the values on which this nation was built, I strongly disagree with this being a feasable way to restore justice and decrease the severe magnitude of poverty throughout the nation. A world where good intentions simply is not realistic, and to appeal to the wealthy elite who believe their actions are just in that profit is the root of capitalism would require a lot more benefits than good moral behavior and restoring the spirit of the nation. I believe the real approach to reducing poverty levels would (unfortunately) have to address tangible issues considering (and I do believe this is a safe assumption) many millionaire CEOs simply do not care about the starving, homeless Americans in the streets of the nation. A careful analysis and statistical data regarding the exponentially growing divide between the upper and lower classes and its potential effects on the nation as a whole may force American Elitests into reconsidering their actions regarding profit at all costs. It is difficult for a group of extreme insubordination to reason with an extremely powerful group even if the dominant group is a minority. The wealthy control assets such as education, the media, social assets and obviously, financial assets that prevent them from even being reasoned with to ensure the elimination of any serious opposition. The intention to oppress the lower class to maintain and even further profit margins is blatently obvious. This is yet another reason that good moral behavior just is not enough to combat poverty. The elitests also need to know that aside from potentially destroying the economy which will result in their own destruction, they may be creating a potential enemy. By continuing to destroy survivability rates for more and more Americans in terms of financial stability, the tolerance of such action is quickly decreasing. Though still suppressed, many more social movements against the elite are occuring which may eventually evolve into powerful tools to overcome the oppression. Rank's third point regarding long term benefits in political decisions in regard to poverty are the best way to combat the issue. Politicians and businesses (unfortunately) need to realize that it may be to their advantage to abolish poverty to create a more effective working force capable of furthering their own interests. Though I strongly disagree with the interests of big businesses in the United States, it may, at the time being, be the best short term answer UNTIL greater levels of economic equality and justice can be pursued.

Poverty In the United States