Hi y'all. I've been doing some catching up in this thread, and have noticed a common theme. A lot of finger pointing, personal attacks, and just general complaining, but not a lot of solutions to poverty, which is the subject, is it not ? (I bet I get jumped on over this one...). Also, way too much talk about doors, and Boss Hogg (never really liked the Dukes anyhow). As far as poverty goes, I mean if anyone actually wants to discuss it, lets look at todays jobs report. The USA created 65,000 new jobs this week. However, I suspect not too many will argue with this..."full employment will do little to reduce poverty". How about a cap on rents (that might hurt the landlords who have to pay outrageous prices for real estate), okay, how about a cap on real estate prices (smoke another one, you say ?), okay then let's raise the minimum wage to compensate for higher cost of living. Great idea, but we wouldn't want to hurt the Wal-Marts of the country, would we ? (Im being facecious). Let's face it, the USA is based on capitalism, which tends to create a large gap between the rich and poor. This will always be the way it is, however, on CNBC today, they mentioned that philanthropy is on the rise, (remember Warren Buffett ?) It would only take one Bill Gates to solve poverty in the USA forever. (lets see, say 50 million poor would get about half a million each, not bad). Or maybe get the heck out of Iraq, how many billions would that save ? If the US wanted to, they could completely eliminate poverty, without hurting the rich at all, although they might have to cut back on their 'pork barrel' programs and other such wastefullness. Blame your government, I say. I think they may have another agenda other than the well-being of the people they represent.