P.S.
For a good time, next time someone pipes up about how much better off Iraqis were before the war, point out that blacks in South Africa were much better off financially, with higher employment, higher standards of living, and better health while they were under apartheid than they are now. See if they still think it's all about standards of living.
Actually, five out of six liberals won't understand the point you are making, will call you a "racist," and stomp off.