Are you already rich?

With the staggering heights to which our national deficit has reached, why is it that America is considered one of the richest, if not the richest country in the world? It is because of the many things that are a part of our daily lives that we just take for granted. We have these things and just naturally forget about what life was like without them.

If you live in the United States, chances are good that you live in a house, apartment or condominium. You have hot and cold running water, electricity and a car. You can shower with hot water, indoors, on a regular basis. Your food can be stored in a refrigerator and quickly heated up in the microwave. You are not limited to working within walking distance of your home. There are airports in every major city.

A quarter of the world's population does not have access to electricity. Close to half do not have water piped into their homes. Worldwide, there are approximately 1 cars for every 6 people. In the US the ratio is almost 1 to 1.

The country as a whole produces far more food each year that it's citizens could ever possibly eat in that time. Food from all over the country is shipped to local grocery stores, providing wondrous variety for each meal, at reasonable prices. This alone is a thing that people in many other countries would consider a great treasure.

The US has a system of government that while not perfect does allow its citizens to live in relative peace and safety. It has a well armed and trained military. The laws and police keep the local streets safe.

And first and foremost we have our freedom, the most valuable thing in the world.
We here in America have things that people in other countries only dream of. Our every day lives are much easier than those in other countries. We do not spend hours every day carrying water from a nearby stream or river so that we can have water to drink or to cook with. We do not need to carry coal or wood for fires. Half our day isn't spent preparing food.

We have systems set in place that let us focus on just one or two things but let us take advantage of the great works of others. We do not have to each create everything of value that we need in our lives.
There is a great deal of difference between the wealthy and the poor in the United States. The rich often live on large estates in elaborate, lavish, homes. But even most of the poor here have access to more and better things than many other people throughout the world that are considered well off. It is a difference in standard and perspective.

Typically, we just expect more here. And that is both good and bad.