A pollster was taking opinions outside the United Nations building in New 
York City. He approached four men waiting to cross the street: a Saudi, a 
Russian, a North Korean and a resident New Yorker. He asked, "Excuse me, I 
would like to ask you your opinion on the current meat shortage?" 
The Saudi replied, "Excuse me, but what is a shortage?" 
The Russian said, "Excuse me, but what is meat?" 
The North Korean replied, "Excuse me, but what is an opinion?" 
The New Yorker replied, "Excuse me, but what is 'excuse me?'"