[Alberta's Child]

In the U.S., poverty is not even an economic condition anymore for the vast majority of the "poor" -- it's really a dysfunctional state of mind more than anything else.

Most poor people in the U.S. have plenty of material goods but no real "wealth" -- since the primary ingredients in "wealth" have nothing to do with money. The combination of a solid work ethic, good common sense, and a high priority for virtuous behavior is far more important for a person's economic well-being than anything else.

[andy58-in-nh]

The combination of a solid work ethic, good common sense, and a high priority for virtuous behavior is far more important for a person's economic well-being than anything else.

Very true - and it bears repetition. People still come to America with nothing in their pockets - and succeed because of the qualities you've named.