Being poor in America is a choice. A choice to goof off in school. A choice to play video games instead of reading books. A choice to watch reality TV instead of C-Span or CNBC. A choice to do as little as possible at work instead of working for a promotion. A choice to socialize on Facebook instead of LinkedIn. A choice to spend money on cigarettes, beer, and entertainment instead of investing for the future.
You forgot to mention the choice to cop out and be a parasitic employee instead of getting off one's lazy ass and starting one's own business.