it's time, paul. it's time to put an end to poverty. there is no need for it anymore. poverty just speaks to the world's greed. 
 

Well said, Lisa!

 

well, yes, it's still the same old world of greed, just expanded to a wider surface. Looking at today's russia with its extreme inequality, I'm not sure I like it better than the soviet union.  Unified Germany has turned out better than I expected though.  (there was a fear back then that nationalists would thrive on the national union they had so desperately wished for).
 

True, Michael, it does seem like greed has spread even wider, unfortunately.  The growing inequality in Russia is disturbing indeed.
 

Absolutely! xx

 

Thanks Lisa!
 

I think one question in all this, with all the international charities available and world wide problems, is whether it is better to start locally, or to try to help those in the most dire need? Is it more bang for the buck to donate books and supplies to inner city schools or help a village fight drought half a world away?

I also ponder if we all, as humanity, decided to focus all our resources on one underlying problem at a time, we might make greater progress.  Perhaps everyone agrees to help the mental health issues faced by many major cities, so more people that live in poverty and on the street can get the help they might need to better their lives. Or help farmers around the world get a fair shake in the market for they don't have to start growing heroin to feed their families.

I would like to point out that Jesus Jones might also need some help.  Last time I heard about him, this song was in a car commercial.