The Gap Between Rich and Poor is at its WIDEST

From Census: Gap Between Rich and Poor is at its Widest:

"highlights"

The income gap between rich and poor Americans grew to the widest amount on record and represents the greatest disparity among Western industrialized nations, according to U.S. Census data.

The census finds that the top-earning 20% of Americans (those making $100,000 each year) received 49.4% of all income generated in the U.S., compared with the 3.4% earned by those below the poverty line.

That ratio of 14.5-to-1 was an increase from 13.6 in 2008 and nearly double a low of 7.69 in 1968, the Associated Press reports.

# # #
A clear goal would be to get back to 7-to-1!

If we've done it before we can do it again. It is disappointing for the US to have the greatest disparity among industrialized countries. We should expect better.

American Dream?

There are many ideas about how the United States is doing. One important sample is the idea of the "American Dream." Apparently it is on the decline. Many people have felt that they never had a real chance at the American Dream - now others are catching up to that unfortunate reality.

40th Anniversary of August 29th

At least 1,000 Chicanas, Chicanos, and other gente came out for this historic commemoration!

RIP Chicano Cultural Icon Esteban Jordan

No Rules: The Life & Music of Esteban 'Steve' Jordan from NPR's Latino USA on Vimeo.

Personal Responsibility and Health

"People have a personal responsibility to take care of themselves and their health. But it isn’t right when things outside our control—like where we’re born or how much money we make—affect our health. In the entire city of Detroit—an area of nearly 150 square miles—there are dozens of “convenience stores” but only five grocery stores. An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but you have to be able to buy an apple. And it isn’t easy to get exercise if you have to work three jobs just to get by, or if you can’t easily get affordable day care for your kids. We’re not just talking about the rich versus the poor. On Average, middle class Americans live shorter lives than those who are wealthy, and that’s not right. Money can’t buy happiness, and it shouldn’t buy health. We have to take responsibility for our lives and decisions. But all Americans should have an equal opportunity to make the decisions that allow them to live a long, healthy life, regardless of their level of income, education, or ethnicity."

Social Justice is Good for Our Hearts

In many ways social justice is good for our hearts. What is great is having some science to support what many people know. That being treated poorly creates poor health. Whether it is the greedy concentration of resources in the hands of a few, or the exclusion of sexism, racism, classism, etc.

So read Social Justice is Good for Our Hearts and give some feedback!

Healthy Urban Planning

As New Mexico becomes more urbanized it will have to meet the challenge of growing while still supporting traditional communities. Part of this will be to keep from using up all of the water for cities. While there is plenty of space for growth - there is not enough water for all the growth some want.

Taking this water away from rural communities will reduce the health of those communities and also eliminating part of the economic base. Thus forcing people to the cities - or usually Albuquerque. Reducing the space and water use of Albuquerque is a key for many other things. Maybe the Portland 20 Minute Neighborhood is a good model. What do you think?