You know, I've been following this thread and have noticed a rather disturbing trend. The subject is 'Poverty in the USA'. Fine, but when someone (like poor Dickey, or myself) tries to give their opinion, everyone jumps down their throat (Barry, for instance). Just because you don't like an opinion, you must respect it, right? But you know what, I see a lot of 'I used to work here or there, and have observed this or that, etc etc, but never any opinions from anyone else as to possible solutions or reasons for the poverty in the USA. It seems people just want to tap-dance around the issue, give their resume, or whatever, but when the finger pointing starts, its never at the people responsible, just at other forum members who have an opinion some people don't like (God forbid you should call poor people 'lazy'). Not much of a discussion. Dickey, keep your chin up !!