[John D Harris]

Faceman, what are the poverty levels of each country ie: USA $19,000 a year for a family of 4(I just thru that number out because I'm not sure what it is)
Country "B" poverty level $8,000 per year for a family of 4.
Now we need to compare the per capita GDP USA $37,800 Country "B" is $25,000. Country "B" is nearly 1/3 lower but their poverty level is over 1/2 lower.

NOW these numbers are not to be taken as Gospel because as I stated I don't know what the poverty level is. I'm trying to find out what the poverty level is as compared to per capita GDP or medium income, that will let us know if we are comparing apples to apples or oranges.

Another factor that MUST be taken into consideration in stating the USA's poverty level is there is a wide cost of living differance in locations. I have a brother that made a 6 figure salary in Chicago he bought a house there years ago for $360,000+- he paid more per month in mortage then I make a month. I bought a bigger house more land for less then 1/4 then he paid. Cost of Living differance, If I was to move to Chicago I have a very tough time feeding my family on what I make here in Northport, Alabama. I'd have to live in a small 2 bed room apt, vs. my 4 bedroom house. In any major city in the USA I'd say off the top of my pointed little head the poverty level is around $36,000 a year. Here in Northport, Al I'd say around $18,000 a year would give both families about the same purchasing power. the same is true for what is considered the rich. the highest tax bracket IIRC here in the USA is around $150,000 a year if you live in a major city that's could be considered only upper middle to middle income. If you lived in Northport, AL that would be much closer to what people think of when they use the term "rich" you could live in an 6-8 bedroom 5,000sqf $400,000 -$600,000 home in one of the best neighborhoods in the Northport/Tuscaloosa area. You'd be one of the top dogs.