50 Years Later, War On Poverty Is A Mixed Bag

50 Years Later, War On Poverty Is A Mixed Bag
President Lyndon B. Johnson speaks at a news conference at the White House in Washington, Feb. 1, 1964. He said he does not agree with French President Charles De Gaulle's proposals for a Southeast Asia settlement. (AP Photo/John Rous)
President Lyndon B. Johnson speaks at a news conference at the White House in Washington, Feb. 1, 1964. He said he does not agree with French President Charles De Gaulle's proposals for a Southeast Asia settlement. (AP Photo/John Rous)

To many Americans, the war on poverty declared 50 years ago by President Lyndon B. Johnson has largely failed. The poverty rate has fallen only to 15 percent from 19 percent in two generations, and 46 million Americans live in households where the government considers their income scarcely adequate.

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