"In Bolivia Bechtel coporation has made it illegal for people to collect rainwater. They MUST use piped water which is a1/4 of the income of the poor - or risk jail and fines."

Thats why water should be considered a basic human right. If we could start there, the world would be a better place.

Comparing the poverty in the Western world to poverty elsewhere is comparing apples and oranges. On a world scale, we should focus on clean water. If we could provide water purifiction units to developing countries, the labour of women and children would be greatly reduced. So much of a woman's time is spent trying to keep her family clean and healthy. I think its the least we should do.

Yes, we should re-define poverty. What is considered poverty in North America and Europe is different than poverty in S. America and Africa.

But lets talk about the Western World. Most of us do have access to clean water and food is available through welfare, food stamps, etc. - maybe not the best food but there is really no excuse for children starving.

What is needed is adequate housing and access to education. There is no excuse for any child to live in the U.S., Britain or Canada, surrounded by such abundance and be denied the basics. If we have the will, shelter could be made available to all. To stop the cycle of poverty, we must also insure that childcare is available and that minimum wage is increased. We can certainly do better. The only thing stopping us is greed.