"Home to the Largest and Fastest Growing Poor Population in the Country"

"The conceit that poverty is a problem suffered by other—often less deserving—people was an essential part of suburban self-identity that was reflected in its politics. Better-heeled suburban schools, sports teams and private recreation contributed to an ethos that emphasized family residential security, individual meritocracy and private life. Its inhabitants conveniently forgot that their cherished neighborhoods were in fact dependent on the programs of the New Deal state, not to mention the federal residential security maps that privileged white Americans."

Lisa McGirr at The New York Times wonders about the impact of rising poverty in American suburbs.