[ClearCase_guy]

Oh, I agree with you. But the essence of what makes someone "poor" -- in almost all cases -- is a an ability to consistently make bad choices. Dropping out of school, having children out of wedlock, drinking too much, punching the boss, etc.

Could these people cut back on cigarettes in order to feed their children? They sure could. But they (apparently) don't. And will they buy fewer lottery tickets so that they can afford lightbulbs? Naaaaah ... they want to be millionaires.

[Tax-chick]

But the essence of what makes someone "poor" -- in almost all cases -- is a an ability to consistently make bad choices.

Excellent summary.

From another angle ... do people who don't read, sew, or do crossword puzzles, who are out in the bars or the street at night, and who have the tv on 24/7 even use light bulbs?