I was invited to look into this group

[GummyBearz]

I wont pretend to be working poor, I am one generation removed from it. But I saw it first hand in my family as I grew up and went through high school. I am a lucky one, due to my dad's tours in vietnam and California's amazing college benefits to sons and daughters of disabled veterans. I am in the ever shrinking middle class.

But the reason I wanted to post here is because I can never forget what it was like to visit my grandparents and uncles who were working poor. The constant struggles with things most people wouldn't realize. I have a vivid memory of my grandma explaining to me how I can get extra tooth paste out of the tube when it seems to be out. Use a razor and cut lengthwise and you can get another 1 week of tooth paste. I didn't quite get it back as a 14 year old, but I get it now. The bottom line is that its fucking rough, and it has only been getting worse. Real change is needed, trickle down at this point is PROVEN not to work, and I believe trickle up should be given a shot. $15 min wage is a start.

[marym625]

1. K&R!

Great post

I think about what all my grandparents went through, feeding so many kids during the depression. Just can't fathom how they survived.

But it seems to be worse now. And the caring neighbors don't seem to be as prevalent. Just sucks

[rusty quoin]

2. $15 is a start.

You need to understand that wages do not go up here, only the cost of living. I made $15/hr. in the 90s while union workers made $30/hr.

I made 15/hr. in 2008 on a military base...that was the prevailing wage there.

Most people are workers, and if you don't give a fuck about most people, vote Republican.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

3. The goal in DC for far too long has been one of "Economic Growth"...

That's code for a never ending rise in stock prices which only benefits the wealthy.

Workers are seen as an unwanted expense and even a liability by Wall Street.

[Sherman A1]

4. Well Said