Did You Know? ________________________________________________________________________ When compared to 16 wealthy countries, the US ranks: WORST in percentage of population living below poverty line WORST in child poverty FIRST in annual weeks worked FIRST in military spending (more than all countries combined) ________________________________________________________________________ 36 million Americans live below the poverty line; 13 million are children. 10 million Americans experience hunger, including 3 million children. In 1985 there were 13 billionaires in the US; today there are more than 1,000 World's 3rd richest man, Warren Buffet's tax rate was 17.7%; his secretary's was 30%. 82 of America's largest companies PAID NO TAXES in at least one of the first three years of Bush's presidency. ________________________________________________________________________ There's a new economy for the rich….. Gilded Age redux? Designer watches are selling for $736,000; jewel encrusted pens $700,000; handbags $42,000 New York's Algonquin Hotel has a $10,000 "martini on the rocks" (comes with a diamond in the bottom of the glass) Luxury yachts with more than 80 rooms on five stories, private submarines, and inflatable space hotels are new toys for the rich. There's a two year waiting list for 200 ft. yachts which cost $50 million each. Private golf clubs charge $650,000 for membership, and $12,000 annual fees.