Bobert, I've been reading the latest posts and agree with most of what I've read. I think my views on poverty, though seen by some as harsh, are at least put clearly forward. I strongly feel that society must start to accept some personal responsibility for their situation, and stop looking for a free lunch courtesy of the US taxpayer. Bear in mind, this would only apply to those physically and mentally able to work. There will always be those who need the assistance. As far as single parent families go, why does everyone seem to feel the need to have children when they know damn well they are unable to properly support them ?   It is a different situation when a couple splits up and a single parent family results, but then isn't it the father's responsibility to support these children ? Why doesn't the government get tougher with deadbeat dads ? Why further burden the taxpayer ? For those single parents who really need the help, I agree with your ideas, Bobert, however since relying on the government to bail people out when they get in trouble is wishful thinking at best, (in most cases), society will continue to rely on philanthropy. Let's hope it continues to increase in the future. ..... and I can't emphasise enough the importance of the role of the school system. Poverty is a vicious circle and one sure way to reduce it would be to start with the children.