[MD] Down the road of mediocrity

[ARLO J BENSINGER JR]

[Platt]
What pray tell are "social resources?"

[Arlo]
A strong economy, and an infrastructure capable of ensuring that none among us
go hungry or without medical assistance.

About Zambia's poverty, Wikipedia states: "Once a middle-income country, Zambia
began to slide into poverty in the 1970s when copper prices declined on world
markets. The socialist government made up for falling revenue with several
abortive attempts at International Monetary Fund structural adjustment
programmes (SAPs), which ended after popular outcries from the people. After
democratic multi-party elections, the Chiluba government (1991-2001) came to
power in November 1991 committed to an economic reform programme. The
government privatised most of the parastatals (state-owned corporations),
maintained positive real interest rates, eliminated exchange controls, and
endorsed free market principles. Corruption grew dramatically under the Chiluba
government. It remains to be seen whether the Mwanawasa government will be
aggressive in continuing economic reform."

Well, they're at a 37 year life-expectancy and 73% poverty, but at least they
ain't bleedin' commie bastards any more. But again witness the large scale
economic forces (copper prices) that have devastated the economy.

[Arlo previously]
They are good people hit by economic forces of both financial and employment
drain, hardly "bums and freeloaders".

[Platt]
Right. Because most of them didn't sit on their butts feeling sorry for
themselves. And probably have too much pride to depend on handouts.

[Arlo]
I think many in these areas receive some form of assistance, whether food stamps
or otherwise. Renova is trying to win a bid for a new locomotive repair
facility which will bring employment and money back into the area. As I said
before, are there "freeloader"? Sure, but I believe the majority of poor (and
working poor) are good people hit by bad times, and often forces outside of
their control.

[Platt]
Incidentally, do you ever go up to the Horseshoe Curve and watch the trains go
by?

[Arlo]
Ah, Platt, most definitely! I love trains, always have. Used to go HO scale
model railroading, but have nothing set up currently (my brother has an amazing
set-up). I am lucky enough where I live now that few freight trains roll
through in the morning and late afternoon, one around 6:20am that I (in good
weather) go outside on the porch and watch. (It's actually about a half-mile
away). I really lament the loss (or decline) of rail industry, if for no other
selfish reason than I find something fascinating and beautiful about them.