[PGR88]

As Americans, most of us have no idea what real poverty is.

I too have spent a lot of time overseas, China, Vietnam, India, SE Asia.

I agree with you 100% - Americans don't have a clue. I will only add the point - true poverty (as you saw in India) also is a result of extreme social, economic and political oppression, which Americans also can not fathom.

[rlmorel]

"...true poverty (as you saw in India) also is a result of extreme social, economic and political oppression..."

Even I take that for granted and miss that point, which is an important one.