I saw this thread on POVERTY from this morning...

[FirstLight]

and I HAD to bring it back to life.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=114x49066

Thanks Joanne 98 for bringing this article up...
http://www.financialarmageddon.com/

The article talks about poverty increasing in the suburbs, but doesn't really go deper to the root of the disease or the real effects. Part of which is not only the credit/debt house-of-cards society we have created, but that wages haven't grown to meet the needs of families. Our society is based on a two income household...what happens when two isn't enough?
... I think Poverty is more than a geographical situation, and as it spreads, it takes more than just people's pocketbooks down, it takes away their spirit to fight back, to stand up for rights, to just cope with the avalance of guilt and sorrow it brings...

Please read and comment, and let's have a talk about an issue that will affect us all more and more these next few months, if it hasn't already.

[silverojo]

1. Sometimes, credit cards aren't even an issue

In our household, we have no credit cards, but we're still hard-pressed to pay our bills every month.

The cost of living, overall, is higher than what people can earn. If you're on a fixed income, God help you. :(

Poverty really does take away hope. When you can't pay your bills and you can't get a job, what's left? I know my sense of self-worth has plummeted, since I haven't been able to work.

Poverty, as well as disability, are the two issues I feel most passionately about. Ironically, they're the two issues that are very rarely discussed.

Thank you for starting this thread. :patriot:

[glowing]

2. Very correct.. It now takes more time to make the wages to pay the bills.

I never could understand how people were buying the homes they were at the prices they were. My husband and I bought a foreclosed home at a discounted price for the neighborhood.. essentially replacing rental price of our apt for mortgage payment of our current home. AND every month we struggle. I've had to stop paying my credit cards because I couldn't keep up with them anymore. We're doing our best to pay his off as well. Our wonderful state fl has decided in a time of recession to allow the electric companies to pre-charge for nuclear power plants that haven't been built of approved to be built. The taxes are set so that people who bought homes years ago pay the least in property tax, while people who just currently bought pay the highest.. which means a struggle for younger families starting out and tends to make retirees re-think moving to Florida for retirement.. the Carolinas seem to be the newest retirement destination because of this factor; that and the insane homeowner's insurance prices. Of course, Republicans are in charge and on the take and things won't improve until we remove those who inflict the most harm.

I always say to my husband, "we're too broke to divorce". AND that's the truth. If we split up, we would not be able to afford to live. We'd either be forced to take on roommates or move out of the state and back in with our parents. We're not trying to divorce, but it is a reality of our economics... We cannot live without one another.

[FirstLight]

3. I have a friend who is staying married because of that fact

Their marriage has been in trouble for over a year, buying a home was the thing that killed it, but they have to stay together because at least they have a roof over their and the the kids' heads...For all intensive purposes, they are roommates, even sleeping in separate bedrooms, but the house and the "security" they have is better than the alternatives.

You know, all this talk about "keeping families in their homes" is a great thing, but what about the families that are torn apart regardless of homes or whatnot?
Those with medical issues and work problems, addictions and the like...these are all social issues that speak to a greater disease...
we are not the "richest" nation in the world, we just hold the illusion that we are.

times are going to get tougher before they get better...if at all. I am wondering again if "better" is even still an option.

Hang in there Glowing, we all just need to hang in there


And I cringe to think that my kids are growing up in a world where their chances are SO much less than mine ever were.

[glowing]

4. I know what you mean.. I'm not sure what kind of world my 4 yr old will get.

It certainly doesn't need so much junk.. but it would be nice if things were just a tad bit more fair... if people who were able to use their talents and greatest potential for the greater good.. rather than just maintaing a job to pay bills that they hate.. that would be me now.. I hope that in the future people will be able to utilize their best.. and have more time to enjoy life. Our lives are much to busy... Time is money.. and those hours are being filled with less money.. so more time is taken.. and then time is gone to enjoy. I wish there was more time now. I would love for Obama to increase wages and decrease the work week.. with normally 2 parents out of the house working.. its the kids who suffer, and marriages, and extended families who you see less and less of