It's not devolving into Calcutta for sure, but certainly a nation with the wealth that we have can (and I'd argue should) provide a much higher standard of livi

It's not devolving into Calcutta for sure, but certainly a nation with the wealth that we have can (and I'd argue should) provide a much higher standard of living for the members of society on the lowest rung of the ladder. If not by direct assistance then by structuring society so that the people at the bottom don't bare an unreasonable amount of the burden. (I'm thinking restructuring payroll taxes, tax vouchers for necessities, etc.)