so actually one of my favorite things about the United States is being able to send my 5 year old kid to school without worrying they'll die of war, starvation, or poverty.

not to lead your answer here; but, what- by your definition based in statistics- warrants empathy or sympathy? surely nothing? which by the way, i think is a fair point to defend as long as you're consistent. a loved one with cancer, for instance? hey, it happens all the time.