Working Woman Testifies About Reality Of Poverty In The U.S. | NowThis

‘I have 2 jobs and a bachelor’s degree and I suffer to make ends meat.’ - This woman’s testimony brought the stark reality of American poverty into the halls of Congress.
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In US news and current events today, Amy Jo Hutchinson, Organizer of Our Future West Virginia, explained what it really means to be poor in America. Watch her moving testimony here.
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[@funkogalleries8342]

"Not poor enough to get help, not wealthy enough to get by."

[@jettanyiagumbs6091]

Facts

[@funnybones2677]

So Sad, but true.... this system is set up for us to fail.

[@juliagulia3617]

This was my mothers life. As a single mother with no high school diploma, she had to work multiple jobs to provide for a baby, while trying to earn her GED. I remember my mother hated to leave me, a toddler to go to work in the middle of the night. Missing out on motherhood, missing out on her baby growing up, to provide food on the table. Despite this, she got 75~ bucks of food stamps. What is a any one supposed to do with 70 bucks a months for 3 meals a day? Thank God my Grandparents had a spare room in 2008. We lost our rented 1 bed 1 bath house in the recession. My mother had to work even harder than before to make ends meet. At the age of 23 she lost the house, had to juggle school, motherhood, work, and career hunting. Finally she landed a small job at a state university and started to climb the ladder. Through years of penny pinching, hard work, and determination, we live an ok middle class life. We are fortunate enough to spend 200 bucks on a rug and even more to redo some rooms in our own 2b2b apartment. Not all people have success stories, it is extremely difficult to cross the lines of poverty, especially without help. If my Grandparents weren't there, we wouldn't have had a roof over our head for 3 years. Not everyone is as fortunate.

[@1jenniferlala]

Atom Gasp story of my family all our lives...smh.

[@Tony78454]

@@jettanyiagumbs6091 yea that's my economic life

[@MelissaJetzt]

Their office furniture keeps up with inflation but the minimum wage can’t???

[@racheltucker8054]

Honestly makes my stomach sick

[@icinsights8650]

This part!!! Spot on!

[@hameedullahkhan4441]

I just DIED when I heard that. Like how low are on their priorities that FURNITURE is above us?

[@paradoxical_taco]

The COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment - basically another term for “adjustment for inflation “) for Social Security Disability for 2021 resulted in my monthly benefits going up $14/month. Doesn’t do much.

[@PlaceStillMatters]

And worker productivity has steadily climbed over the last three decades while wages are hotly discussed by one side and totally denied by the other. It’s unconscionable.

[@salemwolf4506]

I know what she means. I grew up in a family of six. They gave us about $500 a month in food stamps. My mom was a teacher in a poor school district and my dad was working as a mechanic in a small town. One day my dad got a raise of $1 an hour, which would have brought home an extra $140 to $160 a month. They took away ALL $500 of our food stamps because of that ONE dollar raise. My dad had to BEG his boss to take the raise away. His boss had to write a statement that the raise was a mistake just so we could eat.

[@mad8805]

Just be thankful you at least have that $500 help, where I live only the druggies have food stamps and the families who work hard and are on the verge of poverty get 0 help from anyone, instead they pay taxes aka they pay for the druggies to get their kids new iPhones and themselves more drugs

[@kristy5698]

@@deepenthebest6543 I’m so sorry that that happened to you guys. What state is this btw? I live in California and we get great benefits here, however I can’t speak for everyone who lives with 5 other families to afford rent. Those who are in unemployment are apparently getting taxed on that. I never got that free money, tho I never stopped working during the pandemic , we got raises at work, and food stamps never took my benefits away. I’m only benefiting me and my only child and we got and are still getting $500 a month

[@pearlsswine]

Did your mom ever consider not having so many kids or did she went that D that badly?

[@leesowden3870]

Thumbs down 👎 because that's disgusting $1

[@princesszeldaprincess447]

@@kristy5698 I have special needs and where I live acorrding to our government I am not allowed to work as in I'm not allowed to get a job because if I do get a job my special needs assistance pay or odsp will stop and I will be in the poor house

[@AD_MVP]

"they're not poor enough to get help, they don't make enough to get by" I don't live in the us but this line hit me

[@coreyanderson7424]

Shouldn't be punished for working.

[@rjbarton2010]

It has been like this in the USA for over 3 decades.

[@Iamrightandyouarewrong51]

She spoke beautifully, but it will fall on deaf ears. You can’t embarrass Congress. They have no conscience.

[@tomstdenis]

If you turned the camera around I bet half of the seats of the committee were vacant.

[@gladysgladorlino6729]

They will if a shooter comes after them

[@FinalB055]

@@gladysgladorlino6729 Unfortunately they only go after innocent people in malls and concerts. Not the real threat to all of our lively hoods

[@jackkraken3888]

@@FinalB055 sadly true. Not that's I'm ok with them killing politicians.

[@reductio1000]

even worse, most likely in private they were laughing at her afterwards.

[@Nadia-yo8lt]

The lady behind her was scrolling her phone all the time she spoke. That says it all. Washington couldn’t care less

[@obsolete_5807]

That’s disheartening

[@eadruna]

No silly. Shes holding her phone. Her thumb moving like we all do when we scroll our phones??? NO!

[@jcsrst]

They are evil for not caring.

[@obsolete_5807]

Tacqueso Timestamp| 0:32 watch closely for the next couple of seconds.

[@that.ll_do_pig]

@@eadruna you really don't see her thumb going non-stop!??

[@mmmfun77]

The psychopaths she is talking to went home and laughed

[@matthewsmith3956]

Yes whilst in their gated communities

[@sebastiank5934]

@@spltorky There is only one time the government cares about the working class poor and that is during their election season.

[@fanaticleaf2772]

U know being poor doesnt stop u from trying ur best to rise up to the top right bc they was a farmer in china that was too poor to afford a lawyer so he spent 16 to teach himself law and won the case against companies throwing toxic chemicals in the rivers that he uses for water so its not about the govertment all the time bc most poor people that dont try to become succesful are the ones that complain

[@mastergreenfox6004]

@@fanaticleaf2772 You can't compare one guy to everyone else like they sit in the same situation when they don't. This isn't a problem of laws being broken. This is a problem with the laws and system failing the people. This something far more complicated than a legal case. This is fighting an entire group of people who have created a broken system, who see no problem with it, because they are not the ones affected by it, but are also the ones who hold the power over it, and also don't fully understand how their system truly affects people. And quite frankly, they probably wont care unless it starts affecting their bottom line significantly. They are also likely too stupid to realize that by then, it would probably be too late to fix.

[@sebastianalmanza6834]

How does a comment like this one help anyone?

[@Prince_.A]

"You aren't paid by how hard you work, but how hard you are to replace."

[@josemiguelhernandez7569]

Who said that?

[@MeMe-oj5ce]

If someone is hard to replace, sustainability of a business is at risk. Workers are disposable, that is the ugly truth. I am a worker myself and that is a bitter pill I must take. How I anticipate it? I manage my lifestyle so I can have more savings.

[@Prince_.A]

@@josemiguelhernandez7569 Sorry. Rockefeller.

[@Prince_.A]

@champagne davy I hope this isn't actually you're logic. Corporate America loves people that think like you.

[@josemiguelhernandez7569]

@@Prince_.A Thanks!

[@Vyndora]

Unfortunately the people she is telling this to literally don’t care.

[@ghostsheet777]

Then why should we allow those people to be in charge. We shouldn't.

[@ariremel7571]

@@ghostsheet777 How could we stop them?

[@Peppermon22]

Ari Remel this is where we need to riot. We are rioting in all the wrong places

[@matthewrussell9256]

@@ariremel7571 Literally vote them out. People who complain of corrupt politicians are the usually same ones who do not attempt to vote, claiming that their vote means nothing, and continuing this exact issue.

[@vaughnpeterson3162]

@@matthewrussell9256 I agree to a point, we can vote, and trust the next person will clean up the mess. Truth be told it's the whole flawed system that needs change, and that won't happen in on sitting term or two.

[@dantederi5062]

This woman might be poor, but she ain't lazy or stupid.

[@tristunalekzander5608]

Well statistically she is stupid.

[@CONQUISTADOR79]

Lol that’s funny

[@jnetworthm7394]

I don't really know how u got a master's in something but still poor . Edit: I Now understand how it possible , with stuff like student debt and other things.

[@xekron61]

johnmark muthemba well here in Colorado if you get a masters in any Engineering, the avg salary you can expect is around $80k after 10yrs of work for big corporations like Lockheed, $100k if you’re lucky to get into higher sr management. The salary you’d need for a comfortable standard of living( meaning you don’t need to sacrifice anything to make ends meet) is around $87k in Colorado. Let that sink in. A masters degree in one of the higher paying programs you could go to University for only gets you to or barely above the standard of living. Now a masters in anything less than the most lucrative jobs will have you sacrificing to get by and ever closer to poverty. For reference the threshold for middle class in CO is above $70k

[@serdnae]

She may be poor, but she’s had plenty to eat. And probably not smart. Intelligence is the highest predictor of economic success.

[@misscypher9857]

The sad thing is, she’ll just end up forgotten. Not a single person in that room cares

[@jacksondavis2204]

Yes you are right How are you doing??

[@susanlbk]

She spoke with such emotion that I'm crying over here. Awesome speech, hats off to this woman!

[@lakhanrathod8383]

Hello how are you doing?

[@callanpepper9920]

The government will just ignore this, like they ignore every other systemic issue in America.

[@Clara_Elena]

Applies for the entire continent.

[@Ss-hn5rf]

@@Clara_Elena maybe the whole world. Edit: I'm happy that I was wrong. Kudos world.

[@Ss-hn5rf]

@ISAAC ONG ZI EN example?

[@gracieb.3054]

@@Ss-hn5rf Canada, France, UK, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Finland, New Zealand and Australia all have Universal government healthcare, and many have Universal Higher Ed too. There are also quite a few countries I left out b/c I can't remember all of them off the top of my head. Other countries make sure they have a strong safety net so that they don't live like we do. No one goes bankrupt from getting medical care or going to college. In Denmark, McDonald's workers make $22 an hour, have paid sick leave and great benefits. All of this data shows it is possible, but neither the Democrats or Republicans want the gravy train to slow down even a little, so even the Dem's are almost universally against Universal Healthcare, Higher Ed and the Green New Deal. However, the Republicans, by and large, are trying to turn America into a fascist oligarchy, and that is worse. Trump is acting like a dictator. Getting rid of anyone 'disloyal' and attacking those that uphold justice. Ignoring data from the WHO warning of Coronavirus and wishing it would go away instead of providing real leadership. Lives could have been and could still be saved. This is why we need to vote democratic in this election. Correcting the ills of our country starts with voting for those who will at least uphold the rule of law and start to rebuild this country after all this destruction. Btw, to everyone who is reading this, I want you to know that I have been through extremely rough times and I understand it is hard not to give up hope. As the Brit's used to say in WW2, we must "keep calm and carry on." We must also fight for democracy once again. Don't forget, we deserve better than this.

[@jeanclaude6856]

Because we are asleep, brainwashed, devided and conquered by social media and the media, we are asleep in the matrix being used as batteries, nothing will change unless we change and revolt.

[@Tejah]

"I'm not asking you to apologoze for your privilege , I'm just asking you to see past it" Well said.

[@samariemartinezserrano7478]

King Amen-Tut-Ankh there are a lot of types of oppression. Blacks are oppressed for their skin, women are oppressed by perverts, men are oppressed to act a certain way in order to be “manly”, the poor are oppressed by the rich, and the list goes on and on.

[@Anne_Alphaz]

@King Amen-Tut-Ankh this is plain stupid. Hope your daughters or sons won't get this from you.

[@5373NSMAG]

OMG everyone wants to be a victim. Sad AF.

[@samariemartinezserrano7478]

JP777 sadly you are a victim of stupidity

[@sheilahall9060]

The rich are the ones with privlage no matter what race you are if you don't have lots of money the justice system is against you we are punished not for a crime but rather the crime of being poor. I am not saying that African Americans are not targeted unjustly rather I am saying that all poor should unite against this injustice because we all see and feel the insustice even though it may not be in the same amount any amount of this injustice needs to be changed. We can change it by uniting for justice for all humans.

[@irl228]

This speech should go in the books - it was amazing from beginning to end

[@firebow2810]

I pulled myself up by the bootstraps so many times, i ripped them off.. that one is powerful

[@houchi69]

Totally applauding her for this. The sad truth is not enough people understand this, and our representatives aren't held accountable to work for us, the people.

[@sulizu0186]

what do you expect when half the population worships poeple like trump

[@MatchlessAbove]

I applaud her for what she done. This really is something that need to be spoken about more even now.

[@Victorkapz]

@Josh Edmonds that's true.. it doesn't matter who the president is because nothing's really changed

[@jessicamiller757]

Sorry they are not the Trump supporters. I'm in this group having to survive like that. I didn't vote for Trump and I can't stand the man.

[@Gezus562]

Truth is they don’t care.

[@sumeaaden4276]

”It’s called the american dream because u have to be asleep to believe it”

[@konstantinosavramidis5771]

Quote by the GREAT MIND of GEORGE CARLIN of course.....sad but true.

[@boatymcboatface4120]

I wish he would be still alive.

[@philhardackermann4366]

Rename it to 'The American Nightmare'.

[@chrismacks3640]

One of the best responses I've heard

[@andrew_owens7680]

@@konstantinosavramidis5771 George Carlin was an optimist.

[@angelinewickliffe9661]

I'm not from America, but that woman spoke well & I hope she managed to get her point of view across to those who can make a change. Good Luck.

[@marycarey6602]

Every word she said is completely true. I fell into that category as well. I raised my 4 kids in poverty..9.25 an hour...full time. No good stamps...the dad dodged child support by putting his business in his girlfriends name...I left him to flee him beating me etc for 10 years. I began waitressing after a few years of being a single mom struggling so bad and the tips helped out so much I was able to do extra for my kids. I worked very very very hard...2 jobs and a single mom. Whew...they're all grown now with lids of their own...and its a struggle for them. And my daughter is a MANAGER at Safeway...making 16 bucks an hour...paying 1000 a month in rent alone...plus all utilities etc with 3 kids...I'm her live in babysitter to help. It definitely takes a village nowadays to make things work. Shame shame shame shame on the furniture for the govt....wow...I'm sick...this is just wrong all the way around!!!!

[@darknesss863]

Wow! Great job... I can't even speak... my respect to you and much love!

[@marycarey6602]

@@darknesss863 thank you. Hard work..and lots of love...always pays off.

[@JohnPaton3]

"Anyone who has ever struggled with poverty knows how extremely expensive it is to be poor." -James Baldwin

[@katinjegat]

@Oh my Josh writing fairy tales for a living

[@elpi2804]

The comments here also show how the opposite is true. How the heck are you supposed to get by when the government actively makes your life harder the poorer you are?

[@serenitynpeace104]

James Baldwin got that right.

[@serenitynpeace104]

@KZbin Isbroken stop doing what? Being poor?

[@serenitynpeace104]

@polskakingredwhitepill zak too bad you don't really know the truth. When i was well I worked, all my saving went, even disabled I paid the majority of my college loans back. But when I had a couple thousand left, couldn't pay tried to get disability to pay, which I could do. But after a few years of fighting, being ignored, they took the money out of my social security disability check. Which was all of it. Plus on top of that I guess it wasn't enough because they did it again. Won't get into explaining here, but your clueless. I'm sorry. Don't have to explain anything to you or anyone else. Just want you to open your mind. Its not as cut & dry as you think it is.

[@krystalmills1622]

She LITERALLY said EVERYTHING I have been feeling for the last 10 years so greatful she had the guts to say what most Americans are feeling today

[@gracieb.3054]

@Wang chi an Lam Really. When is the last time you set foot in West Virginia? If not, you have no idea what it is like. Perhaps you don't recall that Hillary Clinton went there on the campaign trail and said one of the dumbest things I've ever heard a politician say. She came to coal country and told them that she was going to close the mines! Like the miner's would be happy about that when it is one of the main employers there. She also didn't say what new jobs would be there to replace the ones she shut down that they were desperate to hold on to. As my grandfather and great grandfather were miner's, I understand how it is. It is amazing to me how many people judge what they don't really know.

[@abdulghaniawnallah7921]

Brought tears to my eyes

[@tonygarwood63]

That's the problem right there..You said she said everything I've been feeling for the last 10years..Not enough people are saying his they feel..This is nothing to be ashamed of as there are too many people in the same position..You have to stand together

[@luciolynx5443]

It’s grateful not greatful, not a knock just saying.

[@cynthiap1927]

I fall into every gap. It’s been a lifelong struggle. 3 jobs working 15 days straight. No vacations. No help. I hear you!

[@nevadataylor]

Yup, how true. Yet people still merely believe, and remain completely brainwashed, by this delusional, barbaric, unfounded, archaic, anti-scientific, destructive, bias, belief-based economic religion of capitalism! Go figure.

[@crossbowmarksman]

Capitalism is great, Communism is death!

[@shok5045]

Capitalism and Socialism both have their downsides, but I think capitalism is the most realistic, while communism doesn't even exist

[@nevadataylor]

@@shok5045 ... and what about Science as an economic system then?

[@shok5045]

@@nevadataylor Interesting idea but how would that work?

[@erinclarocca]

Thank you!!! This is the reality of my life as a full-time working, single mom with a Bachelors degree. I don’t get government benefits & don’t want them but I live paycheck to paycheck. Cost of living goes up as my income stays the same. If I made more $ my child would not qualify for the scholarships she gets for school. It’s crazy.

[@jessicabarsse3701]

Get them if you need them cuz that's what it's for! No shame in that!

[@stevegoodman7789]

Sad thing is, if you turn the camera, I’m sure she’s pouring her heart out to about 3 politicians who are likely just checking emails and watching the clock.

[@lydiabell6218]

Yes, but there is a distinct difference between WHICH representatives CARE and WHICH DON'T. It is the Dems who have created the safety net and fought desperately to keep it in spite of all the Republican efforts to repeal it.

[@Fafnd]

@@lydiabell6218 Not accurate it's conservative democrats and republicans that want to repeal the safety net while progressives and socialists want to expand it.

[@Angela-lb9zi]

@@Fafnd What you said.

[@Angela-lb9zi]

@@lydiabell6218 The Democrats and Republicans are in bed with each other robbing the American people blind.

[@jalemairliha]

Fafnd - learn the history of the democratic party. they’ve been fighting for safety nets for the last 70+ years. I dare you to name more than 3 dems-conservative or otherwise-that are fighting to repeal any of it, today.

[@greyline1012]

These people this lady addressed are so out of touch with reality that they probably yawned behind her back. Personally I think she did absolutely amazing.

[@sunrae7680]

I feel blessed for what I have. But, I cry because of families that live like this.

[@NUBIANS2009]

You say, these people are so out of touch with reality, did you vote them into office?

[@greyline1012]

Saunya Harris NO

[@highwinds71]

I applause her speech, cause I know exactly what she's talking about.

[@MaluluKeleGuiSila]

At 3:49; This hit home to me; “They’re not poor enough to get help, they don’t make enough to get by..”

[@wbrito8617]

Government officials only got out of this: " Boy, I'm lucky not to be her"

[@inaj27]

Definitely made me see my blessingy more ! I’m glad I’m not in her shoes and I also see how it’s all a set up . I hope she’s finds a way to get through this , eat healthier , learn new skill sets to get a better job . It’s sad but I know escorts and strippers that make a lot of money and can take vacations . She’s trying her best to make a good living and yet here we are .... tsk tsk

[@hubertsumlin9697]

you got that right. maybe even closer to "if she had done like i did she wouldn't be in this position." in my experience wealthy people often feel there's something exceptional about them as people and something wrong with poor people and ignore all the circumstances that lead to both. like my doctor used to say, "they're born on third base and go through life thinking they hit a triple."

[@Sailor-Dave]

No, they're thinking, "I'm so much better than her."

[@XHitsugaX]

got mine dont care!

[@I.love.chease]

But it’s not just her it MILLIONS of people and they are going to have to do something about it

[@danielzunigagutierrez6300]

She just unvailed the reality of the "geatest country in the world."

[@toniawills1465]

I don’t know about great, how much more greatest. Oh I see!... you mean the most hypocrite country🤔. Your so smart!.

[@Covid--ts5cw]

Yeah, she's definitely going hungry. 🤣😂 They could've at least used a pock of colour.

[@crispri3919]

@@Covid--ts5cw unfortunately if it was coming from a poc they might take it less seriously. Them hearing it from a white woman is the best shot because it might make them relate to her. And also poor people are sometimes fat even when starving because they live in poor neighborhoods with food desserts where healthy meats and produce are hard to find or expensive. And what little they do eat is so nutritionally terrible their bodys hold onto fat for some kind of nutrition

[@tomross350]

This is what you get when Jews rule you !

[@MrSamialbeik]

@@tomross350 nope . racist lies. This is what you get with a political two party system were corruption is legalized as political contributions.

[@jjhfcf_metal6259]

I went to graduate school. I have been working for 26 years. Yet, I still live in a one-bedroom apartment, had to buy a used car, can't afford health insurance, can't afford child care, can't afford traveling, can't afford to retire, etc. I have had the same furniture for the last 21 years. I still owe student loans. I still owe credit card debt. And working as a professional, I am considered to be middle class, but I don't feel as if I am. I do not qualify for any assistance. And I still pay child support, even though I have 50/50 custody of my son. The government and the elites want us to fail and to struggle!!

[@thewitcher9839]

Male life is hard especially after female previledge. Keep your head up king

[@incanusgris8134]

Keep fighting, man. Boss made a dollar I made a dime That was a poem From a simpler time Now Boss makes a thousand And gives us a cent While most of his workers Can't even pay rent So when boss makes a million And the workers make jack Then that's when we RIOT And takes our lives back. October 15th.

[@sandalphoncpu]

America: I’m the richest country in the world Also America: *increasing in poverty*

[@thewizard7396]

Still better than other countries

[@chrissmith3587]

@@thewizard7396 is it tho

[@John.T.]

@@chrissmith3587 Oh you better believe it. Poor people in the US live like kings compared to the poor in other parts of the world.

[@chrissmith3587]

@@John.T. comparing non industrialised countries to the US is dumb Compare Western Europe or Canada/Australia/New Zealand for a far better comparison Similar GDP and comparable cultures, but far better to live in as an average person I'm British. While the US has a massive job market, there's a general agreement that we don't want anything to do with your politics and many policies when talking to friends about whether or not we'd work abroad. America has a backward reputation in the developed world

[@thewizard7396]

@@chrissmith3587 yes

[@Crippycooke]

She came with receipts. This is really good. Come prepared with statistics and be strong in your message. This woman killed it.

[@StampNStitch]

She did! Too bad government is deaf!

[@DarkZerol]

And yet some politicians are still worried that they would have trouble sourcing their $50 a pint ice cream.

[@ttystikkrocks1042]

As long as politicians get more money from the rich than from average Americans, no amount of receipts will make any difference.

[@IADWTS]

Yes she did. It's giving me life!

[@bbleticia8030]

StampNStitch government is not deaf, to equate the state of deafness with the willingness to ignore is not right. the government is ignoring us, they hear our cries & they just don’t care.

[@pythonxz]

The issue is that she's speaking to a bunch of sociopaths.

[@TheJakecakes]

Exactly

[@drwisis6996]

or ignoramuses.

[@pyrotech7986]

Got that right

[@she4136]

Truth.

[@TheAutobot]

Exactly. I’m almost moved to tears hearing this lady speak and I’m betting the majority of the committee listening were thinking about what they were going to eat for lunch that day or what new furniture they should get the year on the Furniture Allowance

[@duineeireannach6588]

“America: it costs 5K to fix a broken arm”

[@pearlsswine]

Everywhere else: you'll pay 50% tax to pay for some unemployed, morbidly obeses' woman's broken arm.

[@davidmcmillan9226]

@@pearlsswine but in those countries you could just go to the hospital or doctor if you have a slight concern about your health. I would rather pay 50% tax and not have to worry about healthcare then pay less tax but practically go bankrupt if I trip and fall awkwardly.

[@PawSmalls]

@@pearlsswine and our minimum wage is still higher than America. Also only students generally get minumum wage and they don't pay taxes

[@shanehughes8528]

@@pearlsswine also... america is number 2 in obesity. Sssooo nice stawman there.

[@shanehughes8528]

@@pearlsswine last time I checked someone's life and health should not be valued by how much they make or don't make. Rather it should be valued cause well life is the most valuable thing there is. So you sound rather hateful.

[@libera7161]

That's exactly the reason why I am glad that I don't live in America. I am certain that I would be poor and I am very thankful for all the help I get in Europe. People here really don't know how good they have it.

[@Claire-zg2di]

I agree! My parents used to get children's allowance each month for all 5 of us. That alone did wonders for us 🇮🇪

[@moniqueyoung9656]

The things she is saying is very true, but they already know this. They dont care.

[@sampokemppainen3041]

Maybe someone who does, hears. Rich are affraid only of revolution.

[@louisriel6052]

Make yourself valuable to society.

[@davidbrown8303]

Republicans never cared if people lived or died.

[@pengchen9902]

@@sampokemppainen3041 They would eliminate people who dare to stand up b4 they can make any revolution

[@tombarclay7108]

But... but... we're free! Can't have those socialist programs in our free devolving "shithole republic" (Trump's words, not mine).

[@ariyathammavong5377]

“They’re not poor enough to get help. They don’t make enough to get by” That’s how the system traps you, so you can keep on feeding into the low level labor force. Sad to see people blaming the poor for being poor.

[@trudycolborne2371]

Now the poor are being mocked by being called essential and heroes when three months ago you told them to get a better job.

[@jrlovepll1215]

Yes it is, people hate the poor b/c they are poor.

[@lsour8546]

If I didn't get a big break thanks to my relative letting me stay at his house for only 100 dollars a month for a whole year and ended up with a partner who drives me to my job every day I would have still been in the position you're describing at this very moment. It's a trap that destroy people's potential and their health and undermines their intelligence. Without a big break or miracle you won't be able to get out of this trap. And when people are trapped, they start to get desperate. Crime increases. People go to jail, they come out. Good luck finding a decent job after that.

[@jenise21]

"I've pulled myself up by the boot straps so many times, I've pulled them off." Yep. The bootstraps are non existent at this point with how many times we've had to pull them.

[@nevadataylor]

Yet people still merely believe, and remain completely brainwashed, by this delusional, barbaric, unfounded, archaic, anti-scientific, destructive, bias, belief-based economic religion of capitalism! Go figure.

[@pearlsswine]

@@nevadataylor Just because it didn't work for you at Burger King doesn't mean it doesn't work for people who know how to work smart. I went from working at Walmart to being a software engineer. I make $175K/year lolol. But the poor will cry and call it debunked because working really hard stocking shelves didn't automatically promote them to CEO status lol.

[@mrchrislikestolaugh]

I recently applied for a job as office furniture so this is good news for me.

[@mayradelgado888]

Lmao 😭

[@tokemob9346]

Hey I build office cabinets for a living the pay ain't too shabby

[@lilrenstar1]

“I’m not asking you to apologize for your privilege, but to see past it”!!!!! FACTS!

[@maythesciencebewithyou]

Not going to happen. They can't grasp it at all, nor do they want to. The irony is that most rich people see themselves as poor.

[@thedbcooperforum]

Sounds like "defund" is in order...I'm sure AOC would love to give up her extra income..

[@seju9959]

May the Science be with You my family is rich and that’s true, my dad worked because he liked his job and not for the salary then when my older brother was born he started thinking about money now he downplays it and tries not to spoil us and says we don’t have that much money, but in reality we have a lot of it

[@thedbcooperforum]

@Sydney Piper Bristow so she is going to take a pay cut? H-E-L-L-O

[@thedbcooperforum]

@Sydney Piper Bristow Pay cut of 100k would give her double the amount of the $15 minimum she fights for...that's plenty for all Senators, no?

[@gemhunter616]

Well, America is a business, not a country. They serve the rich.

[@jesswinterstone9474]

Capitalism, Not perfect but far better than all other options ever tried in the history of the world....so that's what you have to beat to change it.

[@ashtinnickol216]

@@jesswinterstone9474 What about democratic socialism?

[@spindoctor358]

@@jesswinterstone9474 that's just a lazy excuse to avoid addressing the shortcomings of capitalism as a system.

[@TrollPriestZandum]

@@jesswinterstone9474 it's time for progress.

[@dangeo1020]

Hey, so are churches...they also serve the rich, themselves....

[@jabberwockld4316]

"Not poor enough to get help, to poor to get by". That is the reality for most countries really.

[@lkf8799]

You used to be able to raise an entire family off the one income of a man who only had a high school education. Wtf happened? And she's right they do blame people for being poor and act like they don't deserve help because they didn't "earn" it. The majority of rich people were born into wealth. What did they do to "earn" it?

[@ManofSteel4910]

This woman should hold an elected office. She's actually voicing the people.

[@lylaclark3977]

She was extremely impresdive and had such knowledge of her subject matter: Poverty in America. She shld run for office, Congresseoman or Senator, she would be so so capable. Hope she is encouraged to do so.

[@justinunion7586]

That's precisely why she won't hold elected office unfortunately.

[@SmartRobot-wc2fb]

@@lylaclark3977 People are pathetic. Yet people like her and you keep on skipping voting and most importantly voting for the wrong politicians because they're afraid of the boogeyman (democratic socialism)...

[@justanotherhappyhumanist8832]

She’s better than most other politicians!

[@justanotherhappyhumanist8832]

OUT.OF.THE.BOX.ROBOT Both parties are trash. The Republicans more so, but they are both horrible. America won’t change as long as people keep accepting that they need to choose the lesser of two evils.

[@attache675]

$40,000 for furniture and increasing?! That’s disgusting...

[@jessicah3450]

Those desks though are really shiny. People yell at single mothers for being on food stamps, they appreciate every dollar. Tax payer money is really being wasted on those desks and private jets. Congressman take it all for granted.

[@fuzzytrufflethe3rd500]

i fear thats per person/senator too

[@herewego1067]

And a bit more for taxi/drivers fees :)

[@faisalkhalid534]

@@fuzzytrufflethe3rd500 it is

[@daydream1066]

Isn't it? Yet, they can't give more money for education or something. :/ Look at all of us who have college debt because we want to do better for ourselves, and they can't provide relief programs or put a cap on how much colleges can rip up off. It's nonsense!

[@brendanaderifar2462]

4:27 Oh how correct you are lady. More people need to come forward.Thank you.

[@nimarus3118]

"They're working while they're rationing their insulin and they're skipping their meds because they can't afford food and health care at the same time." As a West Virginian who's a Diabetic, that statement hits home very deeply for me. When I first started on insulin, the price was too much for me to bear. I was a young guy in my early 20s who was able to afford most of my pills. The insulin added up to almost $600 for a 1-month supply. My bi-weekly paycheck, at my part-time job, was MAYBE $300. My parents helped me out as best they could as the insurance offered by my employer was bare bones and barely covered anything. I noticed my parents didn't have as much food stocked at home, so I knew it was because they were trying to keep me alive. I cut back on my insulin to stretch it out. This caused damage to my entire body slowly over time. I cut back on some of my pills because I didn't want to burden my parents. At times, I felt like a burden on everyone I loved and even contemplated the option of ending my life. Luckily, I had a doctor who pointed me to Medicaid, which covered all my meds leaving me to spend $8-$12 a month on my medications. The problem is that if I get a good-paying job, I could be buried in medical costs. A few dollars over the limit and I switch from paying $12 a month to over $700 a month. So I'm in a situation where I'm encouraged to not better myself. If I push too hard for the American Dream, I could be in a position where I can't afford to live.

[@wrightterence680]

This woman made a great speech!!👏👏👏 It is a shame that America is like this!!

[@justanotherhappyhumanist8832]

It’s not just America.

[@justanotherhappyhumanist8832]

This is a problem that affects other places too...and it’s so wrong.

[@darkcrystal8646]

@@justanotherhappyhumanist8832 Indeed! Whole Earth has been taken over by "them" ✌❤🌎

[@macberry4048]

@@justanotherhappyhumanist8832 the problems start in America. Businesses run around the world creating destruction and when some country rejects a business we get KZbin video about why some antiquated company couldn't survive in some foreign country

[@edwall100]

That is what greed has done...it needs to be eradicated...they need to be removed...our Country is dying!!

[@gishgishgish]

This is what a Senator should sound like.

[@biggs8440]

You ain't lying...

[@denawagner360]

Gish Core This is what a president should understand. Every member of Congress & the Senate, too. Since they & family members, staff assistants and White House staffers don’t have to pay back student loans, there’s also a lack of understanding of how the struggle to pay those off if you the no a degree will help you. Some will, others are just another drain now, with the economy & the pandemic bringing certain job fields to a halt.

[@nicowalker2045]

You said it perfectly.

[@denawagner360]

@@nicowalker2045 Thanks, I have the input of a lot of my community to draw on. Be well. Thanks for joining the discourse!

[@denawagner360]

@777kSUBSbefore90days Oh, no,no,no. I am only here as an advisor, not an enforcer. People who crave power & get it face immeasurable pressure to give into temptations and resultant corruption. I'm just a regular person relating what I think needs to happen from my lived experience. I'll discuss, debate, strategize & implement happily, but I'm not dumb enough to set myself up as the face of representing a whole body of any populace! I'm an idea person..Thanks for the compliment, though!

[@aodhanmartinez]

It pains me that I am seeing this on my recommended again almost a year after it was initially posted and there probably haven't been any changes since then. Truly disheartening.

[@vocalcoachadonis]

Great argument.

[@hibiscus.tea4u]

"I've pulled myself up by the bootstraps so many times that I ripped them off" I feel that👊

[@lisawalker216]

Yes It touched my soul

[@anonymoose116]

I am also someone with a bachelors who cant seem to break the poverty line.

[@gannibalof21st]

We can't even afford to strap up, but kept fighting with what we have.

[@TagGeorge]

@@anonymoose116 that's because you are like me. You don't have a friend or family in a place where they can put a good word in for you. Even a entry level white collar position will open world's for you. But those are hard to get when your uncle or grandparents die before helping.

[@NarrowRS]

America is beyond broken 🤦‍♂️ It’s a ridiculous notion to think the US is great if it can’t provide a prosperous life for its citizens; it makes me wanna cry

[@chrisrios4303]

Ya your right, bet you want to just leave and go to Mexico were you would have a great life, bye

[@hoosiernative9668]

Chris Rios yeah cuz that’s the way to fix things “if you don’t like it leave!!!” Pathetic!!! This is our home I will always try to fix my home before leaving my home!

[@darikai219]

I'm thinking North Korea was like that. But we're worse? Crazy

[@ghostofsilence2697]

Why do you think there are flags everywhere? Why do you think those in power keep reminding us every chance they get between breaths and speeches that "america is the greates country on earth"? Its to divert your attention away from its shortcomings, to distract you from its flaws and make you think everything is okay enough to keep working and maintain the status quo. No other country does this, at least not to the same level america does.

[@chrisrios4303]

Motor what's pathetic is you crying and always trying to blame and point fingers for mistakes of your life, that's pathetic

[@superbob24]

This made me realize, how can they justify a 40 hour a week salary being lower than the poverty line. If you work ANY job you should not be below the poverty line.

[@irisrobinson6887]

Thats one reason i left america, and i dont regret it one day.

[@ohumhi1203]

This is us, I'm sitting here in tears because she's talking about my family, and the people listening don't care.

[@Jmars58]

This is so many people in America. You’re not alone.

[@leslieroycroft3569]

❤️ how many times I have grocery shopped with a calculator...now my phone calculator. My husband is an electrician and he has been for 20 yrs. (we’ve been married only 7) I thank the universe everyday that he has insurance because he is a type 1diabetic. He can’t survive without constant insulin. This country is so incredibly backwards. Not to mention how this has been years in the making. History shows that inequity has been built into the system from the very beginning. Keep the poor poor. Keep them uneducated and keep them sick. 😢 sending you love and peace. I truly hope things get easier for you. Don’t give up.❤️

[@willkeyes8859]

Please go to a mosque near you so they may hopefully help you out. May God bless you and your family.

[@Sandrae7560]

Hang in there..

[@nothingman3542]

Sometimes you have to rattle their world and put their livelyhood at stake. They only have positions because we ALLOW them to.

[@IHateThisHandleSystem]

This is by design. The last thing the government wants is a self-sufficient society.

[@5373NSMAG]

Your talking about the left.

[@elicruz03]

💯. No such thing as left and right. It’s all an illusion to keep the same system in power.

[@Cosmicgrrl]

Eli you are so correct, I hope people wake up and realize that.

[@tankmain3243]

Eli that doesn’t even make sense.

[@tankmain3243]

ZenMaster Capitalism is a self-sufficient society.

[@200865mark]

This woman is so strong and inspiring she speaks the truth

[@alltooleah]

“ They’re not poor enough to get help. They don’t make enough to get by” I’m bawling

[@imambaybars3405]

In the land where the dollar is worshipped, being poor is blasphemy

[@shimanopetermann9068]

@Harry Hatesu Dude have you even listened to what is said in that video?

[@tankmain3243]

imam Baybars How is being poor blasphemy in this nation?

[@slowpoke890]

Woman: **Finishes her speech** Everyone else in the room: oh no, So anyway...

[@abramrexjoaquin7513]

You cannot put shame on these leaders... They have none. Never had any.

[@futavadumnezo]

"leaders"

[@CoyoteDAworld]

Haha making money like running faucets

[@Awestar]

based

[@DSterces]

An easy solution to not being able to afford a family: Don't start a family :( I know it sucks but we'll get through this... find a real trade and then sprout your wings! :]

[@arunikapritimishra632]

This deserves more views.

[@lakhanrathod8383]

Hello how are you doing?

[@omartamim3271]

This is why the US needs to reconsider its capitalist policies and integrate welfare. It is a misconception that welfare promotes laziness.

[@aidangattinger8975]

The introduction of the welfare system absolutely promotes laziness. People realize they can make more by working less, and it forces them to stay in a circle of poverty. Under a true capitalists system they would be incentivised to work harder and find better jobs, which long term raises them out of poverty.

[@omartamim3271]

@@aidangattinger8975 I find that false in that it is extremely difficult to get out of poverty in the US and that under capitalism there are higher poverty rates.

[@jonathanhall7903]

Nope, bad idea. You need people to pay for it.

[@iainjames03]

I'm willing to bet that the only thing half the people in that room took away from that powerful speech is "Wow - I can spend 40k on furniture every year? Cool!" 🤬

[@addictedtomints9433]

I have a bachelor's degree but it was one of those floof degrees they try to make you get. Worked for 10 years just to buy 5000 dollars worth of furniture. Pretty sad to hear this.

[@alyupde9337]

The difference between Democrats and Republicans is long term vs short term solutions. If you raise minimum wage over night, many no longer have jobs because businesses can’t afford to pay them. If you print more money, you cause inflation and the dollar goes down making people more poor. Republicans want to help poverty but have other ideas on how to help. It’s all short term vs long term.

[@tina2770a]

@Aly Upde what's the long term solution?

[@kindcolt2747]

@@tina2770a collapse of the whole system since everything is built on the lie and immoral code that people need to be governed. Society now breeds greed. I see very small portion of people spreading love. People that disagree with ways to help violations of human rights argue amongst themselves. Civilization has been a cycle of negativity before the catholic church, the jesuit order just takes advantage of it. The last part might not be your speed but my message is for people with ears to hear it.

[@truthiseverything9511]

The system isn't 'broken' - it was designed that way.

[@terricon4]

No, when it started it was much easier for random local people in a community to get support from their townspeople and start a campaign of sorts. Mixed with laws about not having any conflicting intrests in corporations and stuff that many of these positions have, it was mean to allow for standout people in normal comunities to have a chance at polotics. Today, with massive voting pools, and the heavy reliance on media, and complex legal systems and other issues, it's been made to be practicly impossible for any random person to get into any real position of power in the government. If you want in, you normally need very specific credentials, often in law for some positions, and/or the support of people with money and power to help spread your name all over the place, host conventions, and many other things. With the entry costs in minimum supporters to try for many positions, you can't even get your foot in the door without some major publicity these days, and most people can't easily start that without a solid bit of money. In the end, the current process requires money, and the politicians who get that are supported and payed for by those who are already in power and pulling strings behind or sometimes openly in front of the curtains. Laws have been passed to allow for noticable amounts of lobbying money and gifts from companies and others to these people, so they can and will be bought. You can go and vote for any politician you want, but all of the ones you'll see on a ballot to vote for are pushed forward by the main parties that all have these agendas, and people who are NOT struggling to get buy but those with spare money to spend on directing how our government ends up running. Sure some of these people are better than others, but you won't find them all agreeing to make major changes to things like poverty standards, minimum wages, and other things very easily as you need more than just one or two good people at any time to support these. And like we saw with Trump impeachment, plenty of the politicians will act sorry for how things are, and stuff, and act like they'd support change or the other side if it gets them attention and public support, but don't actually vote to change things if that vote would result any an actual change. The system started ok, it was just slowly broken and corrupted over the past several generations in various ways. To overcome this, you need major events or extreme force from someone else in power who can push these people to do things they normally aren't being payed to do.

[@tamm_mf]

and it is called capitalism

[@LdyVder]

@Life Matter A different economic policy, one that works for everyone, not the 1%.

[@junjujinz]

@LdyVder like what?

[@blitcut9712]

@@junjujinz Like Socialism, just not Marxism-Leninism though.

[@Sunshine-yl4vx]

She's 100% right and they don't care.

[@mattc420]

Bless this woman! Spread love.

[@13lood13ath]

Meanwhile the rich and corporations are constantly dodging taxes and getting bailouts.

[@avantikaroy5146]

Amazon, jeff bezos.

[@krishivagarwal5189]

And getting 500 million dollar COVID reliefs after laying off workers.

[@aprila3203]

I wouldn’t say the rich are dodging anything. MOST of these politicians are doing it for them and CRAMMING bailout dollars down their throats. Some of them said they “didn’t even need” a bailout!! True story.

[@krishivagarwal5189]

@@q187k Market concentration is killing America. So is the power pyramid where the coorps have risen to the top. It's just slavery with extra steps now,

[@johnlaw1142]

The corporations are smart, why would they pay these government parasites to buy $40k in “furniture” FOH We should be doing the same Stop paying taxes and maybe they will start listening to you. Tax avoidance is perfectly legal....tax evasion isn’t. Find ways to pay less taxes through LLCs and maybe these bureaucratic parasites will be forced to start paying attention

[@lifewithdraco4242]

Sis, they are way past caring. They sold their souls, those are empty vessels you are speaking to.

[@acidroofproductions9378]

Cannot shame someone who cannot feel it. Same as I cannot comprehend their level of outright GREED.

[@malluenglishprofessor5090]

Go to Denmark 👍that's a welfare state. USA is a capitalist nation. If you want somebody else to take care of you , go to scandanavian countries. In a capitalist nation your life is your own responsibility

[@agees924]

Mallu English Professor We aren’t capitalist though. America is a welfare state for the rich. She literally said that these congressman get a $40,000 dollar per year office furniture budget. That is our money they are using.

[@abbad707]

Almost Blue yup.

[@malluenglishprofessor5090]

@@agees924 When you ask govt for many free services you will have to pay huge taxes . What did you expect ? Govt provide mediocre services for huge expenses . When private enterprise fail or become incompetent it goes out of business , another efficient business enterprise will emerge in its place . When a public school or hospital fail , it get more funds . They have more insensitive to fail than to succeed. It is your responsibility to take care of yourself and your family. Many of the rich people don't send their children to public schools , don't use public healthcare , then why should they pay for it . They only need a functioning govt and law and order . Govt is making you pay for the needs you asked for The tax code is built to incentives certain kinds of behavior, mostly around creating wealth and jobs. Employees and self-employed people, while providing value to employers, don’t themselves create jobs or wealth for the economy. They are key to it, but they don’t directly do it. Investors and business owners do that. As such, the government has very little in the way of tax breaks for employees and the self-employed. Everyone needs a job, so they don’t need a tax break to be incentivized to get one. But not everyone has the courage to invest and start a business that employs other people. The government creates incentives for those that do via tax breaks. While it seems like a good idea to get a good education and a high-paying job, the reality is that most people with high-paying jobs aren't rich. Why? Because they have no financial education and have no idea how money actually works-and can work for you.

[@sharifloyd8837]

I love this women. preach sister

[@brittanyblu8791]

This is so sad. its such a moving speech.

[@arawello6]

She's right. We should all be protesting, together

[@ashleymistletoe]

since when did they care about protest? it's all pretense. America needs revolution.

[@macberry4048]

We should be fighting together but the people in power are very good at creating division and the people who do manage to bring people together get assassinated

[@krishna-club]

Yep fight against own govt. and make ur own country like Syria

[@booxxx9755]

You all should have been did that we wouldn't be and this pandemic if you all would have

[@RLCAquatics]

(The courtroom after her speech) “ok so who’s going to play golf this weekend?”

[@esyltric]

I KNOW, RIGHT?!

[@RLCAquatics]

Silvana Lillie that women’s speech was amazing and I’m sure it went through one ear and out the other

[@RLCAquatics]

Tshedza Munyai facts

[@kathey1981]

Yep

[@B30pt87]

@ RLC Aquatics; OK, you've identified the problem. Good for you. Now what are you going to do about it? Find out who you can vote in who DOES care and Vote for them!

[@BluestormsSong]

I'm listening to her and checking off so many experience boxes

[@mickitrujillo2943]

Thank you for sticking up for us all.

[@DeezNuts-sx9jd]

America is the most undeveloped country in the developed world.

[@QwickFoXX]

Japan is #1!!

[@tankmain3243]

That couldn’t be farther from the truth.

[@sallysmith7664]

Green Mills Australia got the worst because it was a ‘prison colony’. They have allowed Asian immigrants/refugees since the 80’s. It seems like they have a good balance of left and right these days. Compared to the states.

[@hjertrudfiddlecock4394]

RobertL many of them were only poor irish children

[@karenimber8870]

@@sallysmith7664 The British used colonial North America as a penal colony through a system of indentured servitude. Merchants would transport the convicts and auction them off (for example) to plantation owners upon arrival in the colonies. It is estimated that some 50,000 British convicts were sent to colonial America and the majority landed in the Chesapeake Colonies of Maryland and Virginia. Transported convicts represented perhaps one-quarter of all British emigrants during the 18th century.When that avenue closed in the 1780s after the American Revolution, Britain began using parts of what is now known as Australia as penal settlements.

[@conraddevera]

If Getting a raise means getting less.. Even my kid would tell you something is wrong

[@sonicvenom8292]

It's called hard/mismatched benefits. America has many of these, where there is a grey area where the system encourages worsening yourself off. The 'for example' is common sense, don't need to read that unless it is unclear. For example, if you earned 10 gold per x time, you got 5 gold from the heavens(govt. Benefits). But when you get a raise, and you earn 12 gold, you lose your benefits, and suddenly you are worse off. And often, these gaps can be LARGE in some places, often with people getting trapped in systems like this. One good thing is that some countries are varrying the amount of benefits, so that benefits from the government WILL still lessen, but as you climb the ladder, you are constantly rewarded by what you have done, due to the pace. For example, you earn 10 gold, get 5. You earn 12 gold, you get 4. Earn 16, get 2. Constantly benefiting. We just hope that people will get on the idea soon enough.

[@JamieM470]

@@sonicvenom8292 Another example is the current Corona Cash. I have several co-workers who are refusing to work at all until August because they make a lot more money staying at home collecting state unemployment plus $600.00 a week from the federal govt. I'm just astounded that the company is letting them get away with it. In order to qualify for unemployment (and the Corona Cash) you have to be "available for work" and "have not refused work that's offered/available". They refuse every week.

[@sonicvenom8292]

I have a distaste for America(government mostly) but this has gone too far, ignoring its own citizens.

[@conraddevera]

I'm no lawyer or politician, but yeah hitting a certain point should not eliminate your benefits entirely, make it gradual. Otherwise people will choose to be below poverty line if they get less with higher salary

[@Timdeenter]

They also add like 10x more work for like 25 cents more

[@Omnihilo]

320 million Americans total and 46 million of them (that we’re aware of) are living in poverty. Absolutely insane.

[@egooden806]

So eloquent and dignified...but above all truthful and honest...what have we become as humans if office furniture has more value than a starving child?

[@alexartsme8934]

So grateful she is speaking up with the outrage felt by many in this insane system

[@sulizu0186]

Well. Nothing is going to happen

[@md.ashfaqulislam2960]

Why this video has only 24000 views while Steven Crowder and Ben Shapiro (who always blame poor people for their miseries) videos have millions of views !!?

[@gazesalso645]

@@sulizu0186 took the words out of my mouth

[@y1521t21b5]

This was painful to watch, yet it fell on deaf ears where it matters most.

[@marshaperez4158]

..., it falls on willfully deaf ear's and on willfully blind eye's because of their lies, greed and their corruption!!!🤔

[@johnabbot1585]

Ill bet your exactly right ! Fell on deaf ears! Each week , we need someone to sit in that chair and give the Senate floor a earfull. , and on and on untill we get a change!

[@dustyMiller_photo]

We need to make this viral

[@gennarodangiolella6232]

As a non-american person, it seems that Americans lives under a "company" not under a "state". Here in Europe (Italy) we have a lot of economic problems,but at least we have a free health care, is not perfect at all but exist. Here, outside of cities, if you have €10/h for a full time job,you will have all that you need for a couple with a simple life.

[@gamerboy0499]

@Human Peeing I live in Scotland and we also have free healthcare and I like living here because we know we don’t contribute to the world entirely but we never brag about it, if anything people here will say how great other countries are. I just like being humble too :D

[@PiecesOfNature]

It's pretty much the same in Europe and everywhere in the world, we just have super high taxes and pay for health care that way but the politicians waste to much of the taxes on things useless things or things that harm the natives.

[@gennarodangiolella6232]

@Human Peeing I can't say that about our governments in Italy: we had more governments than years of republic... The free healthcare is in our constitution, i think will be so difficult to erase it. USA were born to fight the european ideology, so our histories are too different to be compaired. But the human needs are the same everywhere in the world. Hope that also USA will find a way to include free healthcare for everyone.

[@gennarodangiolella6232]

@@PiecesOfNature here in italy also if you don't have a job (so you don't pay any taxes) you have free healthcare. But yes, our politicians waste a lot of money as well.

[@gennarodangiolella6232]

@@gamerboy0499 Please Scotland do your best to come back to EU!!

[@LaLadybug2011]

This woman is very articulate and her passion is clear-she is speaking truth. This country is going down the drain because of our so-nothing politicians.

[@luffyyeet]

Not only America Germany isn't really better either and I'm very sure most of the other countries also aren't. Most of those people from the last few decades are a shame to the society imo

[@jerichoalipio3590]

God please let this country go down in flames by its own people being tired and fed up of its own Politics and ways of Governing.

[@kirubaadharshiniselvaraju3765]

I don't think so some women gets fatter in double after giving birth she said it in the speech itself she has two kids and she's probably has no medical care so she can have some nerve issues and the can't afford good food probably eating expired and junk food cus they cheap don't you just come here be rude 🙂

[@joeharris6798]

@@dogbreaththe3rd851 I know you're a Troll but in case anyone reading this foolish enough to think "hey this guys got a point". You should know that it is cheaper to buy High-fat, high sugar fast food than it is to buy healthy, organic food. When you couple that with the exhaustion of working multiple jobs and still barely making ends meet, escapism kicks in and you view fast food as that escape from your oppressing poverty.

[@psyclone8614]

"Sucks to be you" should be the motto of the federal government and all major corporations. They definitely embody it.

[@te9591]

Exactly, "Your problem isn't one of my problems". Is the motto of those in power.

[@missymoonwillow6545]

Big Brother, is ABUSIVE.

[@redblankie1219]

Maybe she needs to make less mistakes and be an adult

[@psyclone8614]

​@@redblankie1219 I take it you are completely happy with your financial situation. I'm sure you're not underpaid or overworked, and I'm sure your medical expenses won't kill you in the future.

[@MrEvldreamr]

@@psyclone8614 who cares? Youre free to live in another place..oh wait, there are no better places...

[@zanewelensky6377]

Bless you...... and your intelligence is proof of your pain...may your anguish be relieved.

[@paulapjclark8928]

God Bless this woman for speaking out with Truth of Reality. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@jeannefraser330]

The people she is talking to do care, “that’s the plan” keep you poor, busy putting food on the table ,a roof over your head and suffering, living substandard, now your too busy to complain or protest, all your energy is used up putting one foot in front the other, I applaud your stance!! Very well executed, thank you

[@samjordan8800]

@Jeanne Fraser What most in Congress fail to realize is, whenever turmoil starts at the grass-roots level it's usually due to FOOD insecurity issues! Arab Spring? Started by a guy who was sooo frustrated trying to put food on the table and government working against him till he sat down in the public square, poured gasoline all over himself and then LIT A MATCH!!!! Don't even let me get started about France and that "Let them eat cake!" that led A trail straight to the guillotine. This has also been true at the heart of many other protests that end up as revolutions.

[@aprila3203]

sam jordan That is tragic and devastating! I need to have a quiet moment to digest.

[@jeannefraser330]

sam jordan - this is a “movement” and it’s gone global, equality for everyone, the timing seems to be right because globally everyone is feeling the same, the collective minds working together, we are powerful together and are making a difference, love it!

[@InvaderTak176]

Exactly

[@5pctLowBattery]

Exactly. Sustained low wages can lead to reduced economic growth and marginalize large swaths of the population. Disposable income is needed for a healthy economy, and people need the time and resources to take care of themselves and their families. Particularly in low-wage jobs, people are struggling to pay for housing, for health insurance, for child care. When people are working two and three jobs and are not able to put together a decent wage, then at a very basic level they don’t have time to be active in their children’s schools, they don’t have the ability to engage in their local politics. And still, executive pay, already excessive in the eyes of many critics, rises.

[@anindividual4916]

This video could be titled "how government keeps you poor"

[@tankmain3243]

Anarchist Jeff Says the anarchist.

[@anindividual4916]

@@tankmain3243 and your point?

[@tankmain3243]

Anarchist Jeff You probably have the least amount of credit to be talking about government.

[@anindividual4916]

@@tankmain3243 evidence?

[@anindividual4916]

@@tankmain3243 arguments?

[@jacoblevine8682]

High tax rates surely don't contribute to poverty.

[@dianadahlandjafar2409]

I am amazed by her eloquence.

[@RONDIPOP]

She told it just as it is everywhere in America. God bless her.

[@calicokittenproductions591]

She told how it is around the world 😪

[@marybeighley676]

Facts.

[@joselynwatson6244]

Crazy that the furniture budget increases to match inflation but the wages of workers doesn’t ???????

[@bbbllllmeow4977]

joselyn watson my salary hasn’t increased since 2013

[@macberry4048]

I would like to know how it's possible to spend 40k each year on furniture

[@chhe5433]

@@macberry4048 I don't think I have spent even a 10th of $40,000 ($4,000) in my ENTIRE adult life and I am in my 40's, with a bachelors and a full time job. I have bought 3 beds in my adult life, and two of them were used from Goodwill. Yup, something needs to change. It is why Trump and Bernie's messages of "shaking" up the system are/were so popular.

[@lenak1438]

Horrible. SMH

[@tombrown8800]

@@macberry4048 you can do it if you can skim 25 to 80 % through " friendly suppliers" forged receipts, or outright embezzlement.

[@DrRippenShitten]

This exact same thing is happening in Australia everyday. Thank you soo much for this you brave and powerful human being ❤️❤️❤️ I know this pain well

[@vvalasek]

Couldn’t agree with this woman more

[@sandpiper2012]

The richest country in the world and there are 46 million in poverty, no words to describe this...

[@castelodomar846]

@Joey McCullough that's called "making America great again."

[@gl0ck912]

There’s no reason to be poor in this country.

[@modo1896]

@Tom Smith Food quality in America is apparently very poor, and that includes cheap food. American expats to European countries claim to lose a lot of pounds automatically just because the quality of the food is better and the portions are smaller. Better quality food means you don't need to eat so much to feel satisfied. Even the quality of their junk food, is superior. Like Oreos in European countries don't even have the same ingredients as American Oreos. When 71% of Americans are either overweight or obese, and other wealthy nations are slimmer, I don't think the issue has anything to do with poor people being too stupid to make it.

[@modo1896]

@Joey McCullough It's officially 40 million, but there are around 330 million Americans. America claims to have a 12% poverty rate which isn't more than many other wealthy countries. But the poverty threshold is lower than it should be because it should include people like the woman in this video but it doesn't. There are countries like France which have a much lower GDP per capita, yet have a higher poverty threshold than the United States. It means France has a slightly higher poverty rate than America, but more of its citizens who need assistance qualify for it.

[@tigersteele9552]

Joey Mccullough GET AN EDUCATION....STOP SPREADING YOUR LEGS ......AND HAVING CHILDREN ......YOU CANNOT AFFORD!!!

[@Calcifurr]

My dad was a janitor and my mom was a casino dealer. They were “above” the poverty level where we didn’t get any free lunch at school. I remember my mom would give me $10 a week and I had to decide what days I would get to eat breakfast and lunch and what days I couldn’t as I had to pay $3 for lunch and $1.25 for breakfast. I basically starved half the week and hid that I was starving while my friends ate. No child should have to choose if they get to eat lunch or not. It is not their fault they don’t have any money nor is it their fault if they have bad parents who don’t give them any money or care about them. My parents loved me but they just couldn’t make ends meet.

[@garrettcannon4051]

dam im more thankful for what i have now. Also sounds like rent is just murdering ppl out there. im lucky and have a 1 bedroom for 200 bucks a month. Saved me 5k this year.

[@sonicvenom8292]

I live in a 'third world' country, and things are very bad to say the least for quite a lot of people here. Corruption is rampant, people are starving in the streets, and the government does little about it.

[@sylviaross5486]

MissGreenThumbs I hear you, & don't EVER think it's your fault or your parents' fault. I've had clueless morons actually tell me it's my fault I'm struggling at 60 because I "didn't plan better". How dare they? I didn't plan better by going to work for a soulless company that cheats hardworking citizens & the more you cheat these people, the more money you make? No way! I may have almost a master's degree & have never worked in my field, but at least my conscience is clean & I can sleep at night with this knowledge.

[@CapedCrusader77]

Same. We finally qualified my senior yr and it exhilarating to eat everyday. Early 1990s when lunch ladies still made cinnamon rolls, amazing spaghetti, and their rolls.. 😁

[@101perspective]

They serve breakfast at school now? We always ate breakfast at home. And it sure as heck didn't cost over $1.25 to do it. Eggs and toast are pretty cheap. As for lunch, why not a bag lunch? Once past grade school I even would run home for lunch. It was good exercise and the meals were definitely less than $3. Granted, I only lived about 1.5 miles away.

[@theoffice5834]

She should have received a standing ovation.

[@msmoe8687]

Hugs for that woman.