there are some really poor people here in the US. There are definitely people in the US (here in Tennessee even) who do not meet the criteria you listed

Of course there are; there is always a number (though vanishingly small) that are truly destitute. Not to be pitiless, but the circumstances leading to their destitution are another matter entirely.

Following your line of reasoning, who you buy goods and services from is who you support. Would that then mean that there is a responsibility to be careful who you give your patronage to?

Yes. :-) This is one reason I am in favor of more transparency, not less, in all arenas. Particularly in government and the related processes (e.g. campaigns, although McCain-Feingold is an abomination), because its monopoly on the use of force renders it so vastly powerful in a legal and physical way. That desire for transparency applies to all large organizations, though, whether government, business, or not-for-profits.

Your general point about the wealth of the American public relative to the world is right on. Basically, if you are reading this you are rich.

I also agree about support through patronage (re: Tsunami, etc). Though it sometimes takes some aid to get to a point where they can offer goods and services for sale. It does raise the point about the power of patronage. Following your line of reasoning, who you buy goods and services from is who you support. Would that then mean that there is a responsibility to be careful who you give your patronage to?