Poor in many countries means begging for food and sleeping on the sidewalk , (ever seen the poor in India ?) . You are considered poor here , and qualify for food stamps and Welfare in the U.S. even if you live in a nice place , have a nice car , large screen T.V. , DVD players , five kids , and don`t care about finding a job . Remember , the tax burdon is percentage based on your income the ``poor`` pay very little percentage wise compared to say like my wife and I that many Democrats consider ``rich``. Does 40% sound like a lot to have stolen from your paycheck after earning Masters degrees in our prospective professions and grooming our life for success everyday ? You bet your ass it is ! The poor in the U.S. would be considered rich in many countries . Our ``middle class`` would be considered ``obscenely rich``. So the term ``middle class`` is purly perspective to what country you live in , not a dollar amount . Lesson over . This one was free . Next one I`ll charge you all for !