Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	A Matter of Perspective
Date:	11/11/2019 5:57:32 PM (updated 11/11/2019 5:58:23 PM)

So we are taking a Lyft ride from a restaurant near the Washington National Cathedral to our hotel in Virginia. Had a very interesting conversation with the Moroccan driver about the perspective of people from different countries. With regard to kids' expectations, while American kids are worried about the model of iPhone they are going to get African kids wonder what kind of cow they will get as their first car. 

Name:	Talullahhound -	Reply
Subject:	A Matter of Perspective
Date:	11/12/2019 9:45:56 AM

So true.  The things we take for granted, like electricity and potable water, are a dream in some countries.  So their kids are raised with different expectations. In some places, you can never rise above your family's place and be whatever you dream of being.  Like you, I imagine, I have seen true poverty and it looks nothing like what our perceptions of "poor" in this country.  

Now what the h$ll are you doing in Northern VA?  Not working again, I hope.  

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	A Matter of Perspective
Date:	11/12/2019 12:33:29 PM

Guilty as charged.  Having too much fun to quit.  

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	A Matter of Perspective
Date:	11/12/2019 12:40:02 PM

As one who has traveled to countries like India, I am amazed at the lack of true perspective there is about poverty.  And not just poverty, but even wealth.  I recall a meeting at the home of a CEO of a large Indian oil company.  I am telling you, the average house in Cobb County, GA was bigger and nicer than this guy's house and he is a CEO of a pretty big company.  But back to poverty, driving around India was a real eye opener for me.  The squalor and abject poverty was near on unbelievable.  And I recently watched Slumdog Millionaire and my wife asked me if it was accurate.  I told her based on my experience it was dead on. 

I tried very hard with my kids to make them understand how blessed they are and to understand the bubble they lived in.  Working at a homeless shelter and so on really helped.  Maybe that's why my son who is 28 years old is still driving the car he got in high school, a 2006 Dodge Charger.  I keep asking him if he is thinking of replacing it and he says nope.  Runs fine, gets him around, pretty reliable, cheap insurance and no monthly payment.  This from a kid that owned his own home at age 23 and has his mortgage paid by his tenants.  

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	A Matter of Perspective
Date:	11/12/2019 12:41:20 PM

If Hodja owns a boat there is no way he can afford to stop working.  And if he did like me and bought an airplane retirement is no longer an option.