US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt once said, “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.”

In US presidential history, FDR was one of the most active in addressing economic poverty in America.

Lifting individuals out of economic poverty was central to the times of financial collapse in America, and a defining attribute of FDR’s first terms of office in the 1930s. Successive administrations and elected officials to the US Congress took up the tone of that mantra FDR established.

As the protracted and potholed road that is the current US presidential campaign stretches on, discussions around the issue of economic poverty in America are nowhere on the policy map. Bringing it back to the forefront of the debate agenda is essential.

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There are 37 million Americans in economic poverty, and approximately 18 million live in deep economic poverty. Further, approximately 12 million individuals live just above the economic poverty line. The economic poverty rates for children have surged since 2021, and millions within the elderly population are slipping through the cracks.

A society and system of democracy must measure its health and longevity by how it addresses the needs of the most vulnerable individuals within it. With economic poverty remaining but a whisper in political races for national office, we see the troubled heart of an increasingly shallow political system exposed.

In the most fundamental terms, the holder of a political office is a person who serves others, shows compassion, aims to protect individuals, and lifts up those who are shouldering real burdens. Such an elected leader is the ideal, but we know those who fall well short – individuals who are motivated by self-aggrandisement and greed.

Of course, there will be different approaches and ideas for addressing economic poverty and the role of government, but it is not acceptable for a modern democratic society to overlook economic poverty that is impacting such a significant portion of the population. Vast amounts of people and children, schools, and communities are suffering.

On a recent trip to Baltimore, to write about an old statue of William Wallace in a local park, I drove through a couple of communities that raised my consciousness about the challenges many are facing. Baltimore is both a historic and contemporary city with much to see and enjoy. It is a vibrant and culturally rich place. Though, like any large city, economic poverty runs deep in certain corners, presenting a discouraging obstacle to families. Statues to romantic ancient Scottish heroes like William Wallace are far from the daily lives of many citizens there. Their statue of hope is for better days, higher wages, educational opportunities, food on the table, and milk for an infant child is crumbling. Still, they are brave, perhaps braver than those sculpted in bronze and marble.

I have always added the word ‘economic’ before ‘poverty’ when I speak of these issues. The reason for that is I feel our society needs to uphold individuals who face economic poverty rather than belittle them.

The reality is that many who face economic poverty around the world are some of the finest individuals we could ever learn from and encounter. In fact, I have come to learn that the wealthiest among us are not those who possess financial wealth, but those who do good by others. And, conversely, those with financial wealth, might be impoverished when it comes to feeling personal contentment or treating others with dignity.

As the presidential race in America moves forward, we would all be enriched by a process that raises awareness about economic poverty in America. Ideas need to be presented and discussed – media should ask questions and keep these issues at the forefront.

The same goes for what will be an upcoming election in the UK. A citizen is a citizen no matter their economic status. If a society or political system fails to sustain or hear the voices of all or does not strive to address inequality in all its forms, it will perish. Let’s aim for compassion and innovative solutions to address economic poverty, and demand that standard of those who ask for our vote.

Ian Houston has spent his career as an advocate for diplomacy, trade, poverty alleviation, and intercultural dialogue. He promotes commercial, educational, artistic, and charitable linkages between Scotland, UK, and the US. He is an Honorary Professor at the University of the West of Scotland and honorary Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen. He is located in the Washington, DC area. His views are his own.