text: in your honest opinion, why is thier poor people in america? considering the entire job market available to everyone. besides those homeless that, unfortunately, are legitimately mentally ill, there is not much of a reason for poverty. but in this, i do not mean that it is the government's responsibility. it is not the job of our government to ensure you are middle class, rich or whatever. our government is only there to ensure that the general welfare for every citizen is promoted, not provided. this government/country does promote the general welfare. business is encouraged, freedom is put forth. everyone has the opportunity to do something in this country.  but the government does not exist, nor should it exist, to redistribute wealth from those that do/have earned it, to give to those who "feel' they deserve more. it is up to the individual to succeed or fail. that is part of your freedom. if you want to have the $$$ you have to put forth the effort. there is no excuse. if you want it bad enough, it is up to you to find the way. there are plenty of ways out there. join the military, work a second job, take a community colege course or two, put forth effort at your job to receive promotion, etc.   i get tired of hearing the whiners with the sob stories. "but i have 3 kids and i can't do this." ... well quite frankly you chose to do the things in your life that have led you to this point. everyone has responsibilities. and as we learned in the military "suck it up and drive on." do what you have to do. it is not the government's job to make up for the choices we have made as individuals. we make our bed, so we have to lie in it.