8 of 10 most violent states in america are - you guessed it - red

[kentauros]

72. I think he was from south Missouri,

but I'm not sure about that. He was a character, for sure!

Personally, I don't believe that poverty has to exist. But, until people learn how to do what they love, what really makes their heart sing for "work", poverty will continue to exist. And before I'm knocked down for the idea that "doing what you love" is some new age claptrap (they will ) that also doesn't mean they will suddenly be making six figures or more, either. It only means that you're happy with what you do and can make a living at it.

I see various enclaves and communities around Houston for different cultures and peoples. From what I've read, the Vietnamese here often turn apartment complexes into individual "villages" and everyone is taken care of. It appears that when people come together with purpose, poverty either gets "solved" or left behind. Our governments might still define it as poverty due to income loss, yet the community doesn't.

Of course, that's all just my opinion developed from only knowing a few people in poverty, or reading about it. Even with various bouts of unemployment, I've never had to live it.

As far as DU is concerned, there are still groups and individuals here that keep me wanting to stay, or "pay my share". The aggravation incurred from the mindlessly hateful can be dismissed, or, if it appears they can't be convinced it's not as bad as they think, ignored. I haven't yet used the ignore function, though there are a handful in the Religion forum that might end up on it eventually