Poverty in America

“The Census Bureau recently reported that the poverty rate in the United States rose to 14.3 percent last year, the highest level in more than 50 years.”

“1960

• The first debate for a presidential election was televised.  It was between Senator John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon.  Nixon seemed nervous, but Kennedy stood tall.  The debate on TV changed many people's minds about Kennedy. 

• This year NASA sent up ECHO, the first communications satellite to be seen with the naked eye. 

• American "U2" spy plane shot down over the USSR.

• The Olympic Games were held in Rome and Wilma Rudolf won three gold medals.”

“Super Power Humor: 

Kennedy: "We have enough missiles to blow you up thirty times over"

Khrushchev: "We only have enough to blow you up once, but that is all we need."”

“Despite the social upheaval, the 1960s were a time of increasing economic affluence. Inflation-adjusted per capita disposable income increased by 36 percent over the decade. Women’s participation in the workforce rose from 38 percent to 43 percent.5 Unemployment fell steadily throughout the decade, declining from 5.5 percent in 1960 to 3.5 percent in 1969.6 The introduction of Medicare in the mid 1960s provided health care coverage to all senior

citizens.””