[mback00]

It is not useful to define a demographic of the destitute at a standard relative to the median. (Note: Advancement of inequality of outcome beyond poverty is a _virtue_ of free society.) It is more virtuous to define an absolute poverty value and seek to ensure that the societal wealth distribution minimum never reaches the minimum - then allow maximal opportunity for all individuals to achieve any outcome they desire. If this model is achieved, all are then maximally provided for and maximally contributing to the civil society.

[toasterlovin]

Humans aren’t logical. We’re apes who evolved in the context of groups of 100 or so individuals. We pay attention to how others are doing. If there is too much of an imbalance, mob justice and violence are the means by which the scales are re-balanced. All sides of the political spectrum (and especially the rich) should acknowledge and accept this.

And I say this as somebody on the right.