Abraham Lincoln's 'Closing The Gap Of Poverty'

Gracie VanLangevelde

Mrs. Strobel

Advanced Composition

21 February 2018

Closing the Gap of Poverty “Abe Lincoln wrote that the ‘object of government is to do for a community of people whatever they need to have done, but cannot do at all, or cannot so well do, for themselves, in their separate and individual capacities’” (Yarmuth). Abe Lincoln is one of the most well known previous Presidents in the United States and his driven efforts to make America one of the best countries in the world is respected by many. His motivation to help people who could not help themselves inspired others, but unfortunately, today, many Americans are still suffering in poverty, one hundred and three million Americans to be exact. The government should do more

This country needs people to be educated to work as engineers or doctors to develop new technology and life saving cures, the only way to do this is through a strong education. The article “Using Education to Eradicate Poverty” describes how an exceptional education is “anchored by good leadership” and without it the country cannot have as many of the jobs that bring in large profits to the US. This country is dependent on people who are educated, without a strong education system the country will fall behind in the development of new technology. There is a need for people who know how to do well in their jobs in the country. There is a need people to continue to develop new ideas to improve the world. How are people supposed to thrive and improve the knowledge in this world if they are uneducated? The government has the power to strengthen the education system to keep people in school. By keeping people in school, the government can reduce the poverty rates. A strong education can also help improve people’s overall health. If someone has more money they will be able to afford to go to the doctor when needed and be able to afford healthier foods. The article “Using Education to Eradicate Poverty” also acknowledges,“Not only is education important in reducing poverty, it is also a key to wealth creation.” A strong education will provide for many

People do not want to spend money on people who made their bad own mistakes, they should get themselves out with their own money. Although this may make the most sense, it is not as easy as it seems. According to Clio Chang, “Furthermore, the biggest anti-poverty program in our country is Social Security, a benefit that is counted by the official poverty measure. According to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, under the official measure, Social Security lifted 22 million people out of poverty in 2015.” The government programs do play a major role in reducing the number of people impacted by poverty. Social Security is a tax funded program that provides people with security once they reach a certain age. Many see it unfair to be taxed so others can be protected by the government; yet, this will benefit all people at one point in time. Additionally, many believe that the government programs do nothing to reduce poverty and that it is a waste of tax dollars; however, the poverty levels will just get worse. Poverty has shown a tremendous decrease in last couple years due to government