Our nation has an illness. One that has held us back since the industrial revolution, and continues to do us harm. The disease of poverty is one that festers in every state in the nation. It is one of the most disruptive elements in the wellbeing of Americans. Millions of us don't earn enough to pay all the bills every month, and the trend is going the wrong way.With CEOs earning hundreds of times more than the average worker, and growing, why isn't the minimum wage also rising? How do we expect people earning so little to keep up with the rising costs of living? Are you concerned about your fellow Americans enough to support programs aimed at helping them reach self-sufficiency?Take a look at the history of poverty in America, and how we see the rich and poor among us. Examine the balance of personal versus governmental responsibility on the issue. Look at what has been tried before, and some proposals for the future. All through the eyes of someone living below the line.