The Effect of Poverty in the United States and the Debate on How to Solve the CrisisLyndon B. Johnson attempted to address poverty in 1964, yet poverty persists today. Poverty affects more than 46.2 million Americans every day, regardless of their race, gender, or nationality (Fuller). Even with trillion-dollar anti-poverty programs, America still faces the challenges of poverty. The war on poverty has failed; Poverty affects millions of people and is an ongoing problem that affected society in the past and now afflicts ordinary people in modern society. Poverty should be at the top of everyone's agenda. On January 8, 1964, Lyndon B Johnson declared war on poverty in his State of the Union address. Johnson said: "Unfortunately, many Americans live on the fringes of hope, some because of their poverty, some because of their color, and too many because of both. Our job is to help replace their despair with opportunity. This administration, here and now, to declare unconditional war on poverty in America. Our goal is not only to alleviate the symptoms of poverty, but to cure it and above all to prevent it" (Fuller). Johnson knew he had to act quickly before poverty got even more out of control. Its goal was to cure and prevent poverty. He wanted to give Americans opportunities but, above all, hope for a successful future, not only for the current generation but also for future ones. He has taken it upon himself to solve the poverty crisis, because poverty is not part of the American dream he promised American citizens (Fuller). Johnson established numerous programs, some of which continue today, to help Americans escape poverty. Such antipoverty programs include Medicaid, Medicare, and Food Stam... half of document... nce. Secondly, welfare recipients should only be allowed to study welfare for a maximum of five years (Johnson). This would ensure that no one abuses the system. Third, limit the number of children women can have while on welfare. This plan would ensure that mothers do not abuse the system and receive additional benefits (Johnson). These three rules formed the fundamental basis for the 1996 welfare reform. Society must make and implement these changes. If these three basic rules were part of today's welfare system, millions of welfare recipients would emerge from poverty and hardship. Welfare reform is desperately needed in America. Too many Americans get paid to do nothing. To achieve this welfare reform we need a compromise between both political parties. Welfare reform will drastically reduce poverty in a very friendly and effective way.