[nozzlegear]

Assuming the "less cynical explanation" you're referring to was my original response talking about the cultural and scale differences between America and most countries, that was not in reference to fluoride or dental care. I was specifically referring to the OP's assertion that "American exceptionalism" is the reason that America doesn't just copy things like universal healthcare and gun control policies from other countries.

> really?

Yes, really.

> So why are they poor?

Why is anything the way that it is?

[keybored]

> Assuming the "less cynical explanation" you're referring to

It was referring to the comment where you said “less cynical”.

> Why is anything the way that it is?

America big? America different?

It’s more challenging to find non-cynical reasons for people being poor and suffering.

[nozzlegear]

I'm not sure what you're getting at here, I think we may have lost the plot. Are you simply implying that you find the cynical answer more appealing and believable than the non-cynical answer? In my opinion, the internet and today's modern zeitgeist has instilled a sense in everyone that if it's cynical, or dark, or depressing, it must be the correct answer. That's usually the laziest and easiest answer too.